Vancouver, BC – Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kesler along with Centers Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings, and Jordan Staal of the Pittsburgh Penguins were named as the finalists for the 2009-10 Frank Selke Trophy, awarded "to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game," the National Hockey League announced today.

Members of the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association submitted ballots for the Frank Selke Trophy at the conclusion of the regular season, with the top three vote-getters designated as finalists. The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 23, during the 2010 NHL Awards.

Kesler, 25, has been nominated as a Frank Selke Trophy finalist for the second consecutive season. The 6’2”, 202 pound centre ranked second in the League for most takeaways (83), tied for twelfth for best face-off winning percentage (55.1%) and second on the team for shorthanded points (1-2-3). Kesler averaged 2:39 shorthanded ice time per game (5th on the Canucks) and finished the year second among Canucks forwards for total ice time per game (19:37). The Livonia, Michigan native also excelled offensively in 2009.10, scoring 20+ goals for the third consecutive season, ranking 13th in the NHL for most power play goals (12) and set new career highs for assists (50) and points (75).

History
The trophy was presented in 1977 by the National Hockey League Board of Governors in honour of Frank J. Selke, one of the great architects of Montreal and Toronto championship teams.