John Madden, the Devils’ best all-around forward this season, yesterday became a fourth-time finalist for the NHL’s Selke Trophy as the league’s best defensive forward.

Madden, who won the award in 2001, may benefit from a split vote between the other two finalists, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, both of the Red Wings, in his bid to become only the seventh multiple winner.

A two-time Selke runner-up, the never-drafted Madden enjoyed his finest career point production with 43, asked to contribute more offensively, finishing tied for third among Devils with 20 goals.