Bruins fans aren't happy with this defensive ranking

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Jim
July 23, 2023 (10:10 PM)

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Today we are going to look at the top 10 defenseman in the NHL right now.

1: Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche - This pretty much goes without saying. Makar is the best defender right now. He's a top 10 player in the entire league; fast, has phenomenal hands, can shoot, can pass, can literally do it all. And the former Stanley Cup Champion is only 24 years old. Makar had 17 goals and 49 assists, adding up to 66 points in 60 games this season, as well as 5 points in 6 playoff games.

2: Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning - This is also self-explanatory. Ever since the 2013 season, you knew he was going to be good. Hedman is 33 years old and was drafted 2nd overall in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft. Victor had 9 goals and 40 assists, tallying up to 49 points in 76 games. Even though he had a drop off in points, he's still arguably the best defenseman in the league, and will be until he retires.

3: Adam Fox, New York Rangers - He is one of the best young defenseman in the league at 25 years old, and arguably second best right behind Makar. Fox is a menace on the Rangers power play, quarterbacking the unit but also being a threat in the offensive zone. His shot, speed, and passing are practically unmatched. Adam had 12 goals and 60 assists, adding up to 72 points in a fully played 82-game season. The Rangers must be happy they have him locked up long term.

4: Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres - Dahlin, another young defenseman at 23, was drafted first overall in 2018. He played right away and did pretty well (44 points in year one), but this year he had a breakout season. Dahlin had 15 goals and 58 assists, tallying up to 73 points in 78 games.

5: Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars - The young d-men are really ruling this list. Miro is 24 years old and was the 3rd pick in the 2017 draft. Heiskanen carried the Stars to the playoffs and will be the #1 guy on that blue line for the next 10 years. Heiskanen had 11 goals and 62 assists, adding up to 73 points in 79 games.

6: Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins - McAvoy has been the king of the TD Garden blue line for the past couple years. Charlie was selected mid 1st round in 2014 and finally got his chance in 2017. He brokeout last year and kept up the pace this season, and he's only 25, so you can expect him to get even better. Mcavoy had 7 goals and 45 assists, tallying up to 52 points in 67 games.

7: Roman Josi, Nashville Predators - The Captain of the Predators career is coming to an end, but he's still a top 10 defenseman. The second veteran on this list was selected in the 2nd round in 2008, one year behind Hedman. Josi had 18 goals and 41 assists, tallying up to 59 points in 67 games.

8: Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks - Quinn Hughes is underrated. He is very good. At 23 years old, the things he can do is very impressive. Hughes has a lot of speed, and his abilities in both the offensive and defensive zones put him above a lot of people. Quinn had 7 goals and 69 assists, tallying up to 76 points in 78 games. The reason Josi is ahead of Hughes is because of the veteran experience. Hughes messes up on things Josi doesn't, but he could very well pass Josi in next year's ranking.

9: Erik Karlsson, San Jose Sharks - Karlsson is pretty much the only shining light playing on San Jose right now, but he's 33 years old. There have been a lot of talks going around about him being traded. The Norris Trophy winner 25 goals and 76 assists, adding up to 101 points in another fully played 82-game year. The reason he is this far back? Best offensive defenseman? Yes. Best all-round defenseman? No.

10: Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils - Rounding out this list is New Jersey's Captain, Dougie Hamilton. Hamilton just hit 30 years old. Hamilton had 22 goals and 52 assists, tallying up to 74 points in the third full season played, with 82 games.