Barkov, Bergeron and Stone named Selke Trophy finalists

Toronto Maple Leafs right wing Mitchell Marner (16) and Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron (37) battle for the puck. (Nathan Denette/CP)

Florida Panthers centre Aleksander Barkov, Boston Bruins centre Patrice Bergeron and Vegas Golden Knights right wing Mark Stone have been named as the three finalists for the NHL's 2020-21 Frank J. Selke Trophy, an honour awarded annually to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers Association voted for their Selke picks at the end of the 2020-21 NHL regular season.

A first-time finalist, Barkov could become the fifth player in NHL history to win both the Lady Byng and the Selke Trophy. The Finn led Panthers forwards in ice time and finished ninth among NHL forwards as Florida posted its lowest goals-against average since 2015-16.

Bergeron, on the other hand, has a chance to surpass the record for most Selke Trophy wins in the history of the league. A four-time winner, the centre is tied with Bob Gainey, who won the award four consecutive times from the year it was created. Bergeron's name appears among the finalists for the 10th-consecutive year -- which matches the record for the longest-ever streak for a voted NHL award.

The second Golden Knight to appear on a finalists list this season so far, Stone is among the top three for the second time in three years. The Golden Knights led the league in goals-against average, with their captain as a pivotal part in the league's best penalty-kill unit.

The winners for all NHL awards will be announced during the Stanley Cup semifinals and Final. Exact dates are to be determined.

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