Bergeron, Kopitar, Kesler named Selke Trophy finalists

Three veteran centers are in the running to be named the NHL's best defensive forward.

Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins, Anze Kopitar of the Los Angeles Kings, and Ryan Kesler of the Anaheim Ducks are the 2016 finalists for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, announced Thursday.

Bergeron took home the honor for the first time in 2012, and has won the award in each of the last two seasons.

Kopitar was nominated in 2014 and 2015, but has never won.

Kesler picked up the trophy in 2011.

The 2016 winner will be announced at the NHL Awards in Las Vegas on June 22.