The trophy is awarded to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game.
Bergeron led the League with 1,978 faceoffs taken and won 57.1 percent, the fifth straight season he won at least 57 percent. He also won 389 defensive-zone faceoffs, which led the Eastern Conference. Bergeron averaged 19:50 of ice time per game, had 32 goals and 36 assists in 80 games and was a plus-12.
It's the fifth straight season Bergeron is a Selke finalist. He won the award in 2012, 2014 and 2015, and could become the second four-time winner. Hockey Hall of Fame member Bob Gainey of the Montreal Canadiens won the Selke four straight seasons from 1977-78 to 1980-81.
Kesler is a finalist for the fourth time, and first since 2011. He finished second in faceoff win percentage (58.5), including at least a 50-percent success rate in 58 of 79 games. Kesler ranked first in the League in defensive-zone faceoff wins (441) and shorthanded wins (168). He averaged 2:45 of shorthanded ice time per game and was a big reason the Ducks led the League with an 87.2-percent success rate on the penalty kill. Kesler had 21 goals, 32 assists and a plus-5 rating in 79 games. He also tied for the League lead in blocks among forwards (92).
Kopitar, a Selke finalist for the third straight season, was the runner-up in each of the past two seasons. He led all forwards in total ice time (1,690:12) and averaged 20:52 per game, including 2:09 shorthanded. Kopitar was fifth in faceoffs taken (1,776) and seventh in faceoff wins (950), and won 53.5 percent. Kopitar was third in the League among forwards in shot attempts differential; the Kings had 332 more shot attempts than they allowed when he was on the ice. He also ranked second in the League in plus/minus (plus-34), and had 25 goals and 49 assists in 81 games.
