By Gary Dzen and Julian Benbow, Globe Staff

Bruins forward Patrice Bergeron is one of three finalists for the 2011-12 Frank J. Selke Trophy, given to the forward who "best excels in the defensive aspects of the game."

"It’s a huge honor. I’m flattered by it," Bergeron said. "To be named with two great players like [David] Backes and [Pavel] Datsyuk like I said, I’m very happy with it. But still I think it goes for all my teammates and I really believe that."

Bergeron had 42 assists and finished with 64 points this season. This is the first time Bergeron has been nominated for the award in his eight-year career. St. Louis’s David Backes and Detroit’s Pavel Datsyuk are the other two nominees.

"In my mind , there’s no doubt that Patrice deserves this," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. " The way he’s played this year, the things he’s done to be nominated, as good as it gets defensively, he’s got two young players on each side, he’s played against top players all year long, he’s the best plus player of that group. Faceoff-wise, he’s been utilized in every situation -- offensively, defensively, key situations. He’s done everything to deserve that. To be honest with you I’d be very disappointed if he didn’t win."

The winner will be announced Wednesday, June 20.

"I take pride in playing on both sides of the rink and doing the little details in order to help the team win as much as I can. I think this award is somewhat compensating the guys that play on both sides of the ice. But I don’t really believe in individual awards as much as team efforts. Every time you’re nominated for an award like that it’s because of your teammates and the help of all of them," Bergeron said.