NHL Fantasy Top 25 Defenseman
I put out my Top 25 Forwards (click here) and will have the next 25 coming soon, most likely after this coverage on the league’s best rearguards. The top group is very similar to the past few seasons, and then there are those who are better in reality than the fantasy realm of sports. Did I mention my joy that there is now a National Fantasy Hockey Championship? My wife is being a tightwad, so I’m going to have to figure out a way to sneak into the Main Event. How she forgets the money that came into the fold from the local leagues, which unfortunately have faded away, and now it’s time to show some of these “Experts” who the real boss is. Most of those nerds never even laced them up let alone can play and they live out their dreams on Sega NHL 95 where little Wayne’s legs were kicking. Ok, let me get off my soapbox and give you the 25 best defenseman in my humble opinion. Dustin Byfuglien’s status is up in the air...is he retiring or playing? Nobody knows, but injuries are taking a toll and if he plays, he’s gets slotted at number seven and you can slide everyone down a spot.
Top 25
1. Brent Burns, San Jose
Fills the stat sheet all the way across with Shots on Goal, Hits, Points...and did I say Shots on Goal?
2. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay
Could be number one, it’s that close. He needs to lead and bring the Cup back to the Bay.
3. Erik Karlsson, San Jose
He has adjusted to life on the left coast, and should be back to dominating if he stays healthy.
4. John Carlson, Washington
Continues to produce, and in the process became more responsible. He is no longer an afterthought.
5. Roman Josi, Nashville
The Subban Experiment is over. When in Rome, do as Roman does which is win and dominate. Waiting on his Norris.
6. Seth Jones, Columbus
Preds may be wishing they kept this pick. Seth Jones is one of the best and hasn’t even hit his prime yet.
7. Tyson Barrie, Toronto
The move to Toronto will really boost his offensive numbers...stop and think about that.
8. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh
Still the anchor on a very deadly, yet older Pens team. If healthy, in the Norris conversation.
9. Matthew Dumba, Minnesota
Really is becoming the offensive leader in the Twin-Cities and still can play lock down defense.
10. P.K. Subban, New Jersey
Another move for the media darling. Hopefully his skills catch up with the frequent moves.
11 .Morgan Rielly, Toronto
A 20 point start jump last season...is it an anomaly or the real deal? I’ll go with the latter as the Leafs push for a deep playoff run.
12. Torey Krug, Boston
Still the points leader of the Bruins, despite being third favorite name-wise behind Big Z and McAvoy. He just keeps producing.
13. Ivan Provorov, Philadelphia
He is now the anchor of the Flyers rearguards, is on the top power play unit, and is a great fantasy stat filler.
14. Jacob Trouba, N.Y. Rangers
Was waiting for this move to happen after everyone BUT the Rangers knew Shattenkirk was overrated. A big Wolverine running around the Big Apple.
15. John Kilngberg, Dallas
Will he get back that offensive swagger with Lil ’General and dickhead Perry joining a deadly offensive team?
16. Darnell Nurse, Edmonton
Contract year, so expect big numbers riding along with McDavid and Leon.
17. Shea Theodore, Las Vegas
He will end up higher than this ranking by seasons end, pushing into the Top Ten.
18. Zach Werenski, Columbus
Sophomore slump hopefully over, it's time to take back the reigns and become the co-number one with Seth Jones.
19. Rasmun Dahlin, Buffalo
As the Sabres go, so does Rasmus, and can only go up. He will soon be collecting Norris Trophies as the Sabres get better.
20. Dougie Hamilton, Carolina
Moves as often as Subban, but with bad break-ups Has he finally found his home in Carolina?
21. Justin Faulk, Carolina
The leader of the young Hurricanes and the anchor on the blue-line, he's even better in real life, and awesome in fantasy.
22. Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis
Arms and back may be tired from carrying the team into playoffs (and the Cup around all summer), but expect another good season.
23. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona
Would be Norris winner if he played for a winning team. The leader of a young Coyotes team and without a doubt a stat box filler.
24. Aaron Ekblad, Florida
Will bypass dinosaur Yandle statistically this year, and will become a locker room leader...or he may be sent packing by Coach Q.
25. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles
Man crush and is better than the numbers show. He is simply one of the league’s best players and a flat out stud! Can I please have a size 52 home sweater Drew?
Look for plenty more fantasy hockey from me, and hit me up anytime with any fantasy questions...I just love hockey the most. @PolkaPat for Twitter.