The NHL announced Anze Kopitar, Patrice Bergeron and Sean Couturier as the finalists for the Selke Trophy - given annually to the league's top defensive forward.
Bergeron won the award in 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017. That is tied with Montreal Canadiens legend Bob Gainey for the most ever, so a fifth victory would give Bergeron the most.
As for Kopitar, he won it in 2016 - the first of his career. He also finished this third in voting for the 2014-15 season, and second in 2013-14. Kopitar finished with a career high in goals (35), and points (92). He led the Los Angeles Kings to the playoffs in 2018, but they were swept in the opening round by the expansion Vegas Golden Knights.
As for Couturier, he also had a career high in goals (31) and points (76). This is his first Selke Trophy nomination, though he did finish eighth in voting two seasons ago, and ninth in 2013-14.
Bergeron may be considered the favorite to win by most, but he did miss 18 games due to injury, which could force voters to side with Kopitar or Couturier. Nonetheless, Bergeron did have 30 goals and 63 points on the season.
Looking at the defensive and most meaningful stats, Bergeron finished with 55 takeaways, 42 blocked shots and a Corsi For percentage of 57.3. Kopitar forced 54 takeaways, blocked 64 shots and finished with a 53.1 Corsi For percentage. As for Couturier, the Flyers standout finished with 48 takeaways, 44 blocked shots and a 53.2 Corsi For percentage.
All three men were terrific at both ends of the ice, and it's really anybody's guess which superstar wins it. If Bergeron's injuries cost him in voting, then the race between Kopitar and Couturier will be real tight.