The Avalanche signed Brock Nelson to a lucrative contract last summer, and it’s safe to say they’ve gotten their money’s worth.

Nelson on Wednesday was named a finalist for the Frank J. Selke Trophy, awarded “to the forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game,” according to the NHL.

The other finalists are Montreal’s Nick Suzuki and Tampa Bay’s Anthony Cirelli. This is the first time in Nelson’s NHL career he’s been nominated for an award as he looks to become the first player in franchise history to take home the Selke Trophy. Joe Sakic was nominated in 2001 but did not win.

Nelson was a key component of Colorado’s top-ranked penalty kill during the regular season, averaging close to two minutes per game while the Avalanche were down a man. Typically paired with winger Valeri Nichushkin, the two were frequently tasked with shutting down the top players on the opposing team. Nelson played a career-high 1,591 minutes this season.

On top of Nelson’s defensive responsibilities, he produced at the other end. He scored 33 goals and finished with 65 points, his third-most productive season in the league. Nelson is signed for two more years with the Avalanche and will carry a cap hit of $7.5 million.

The Denver Gazette in December asked Avalanche coach Jared Bednar about Nelson’s season and if Nelson should be considered for the Selke Trophy.

“I think he’s certainly a good candidate,” Bednar said. “I just know what he does for our team. It’s a lot of everything. He’s involved in every aspect of the game. I think he’s really good and really solid in all areas that he touches in the game.”

The Avalanche lead the Minnesota Wild 2-0 in a Western Conference semifinal and return to practice Thursday.