Best Defensive Defensivemen in the NHL

[sawchuk1971]

Its a really close tie between Tanev and Slavin.

 

[jalapenoWithAnH]

Oh I didn't realize Lindell and Heiskanen have retired from hockey

 

[CharasLazyWrister]

Really? Two choices for this broad of a topic?

 

[Zman5778]

Just choosing between the two -- Slavin wins this and it's not really that close.

 

[Mrfenn92]

Slavin

 

[stempniaksen]

Slavin but Lindell probably deserves to be in the conversation at the very least.

 

[the_fan]

Quinn Hughes

 

[Coffee]

It’s Hughes, it’s time to admit it

 

[Hollowmoon]

Slavin
Lindell

 

[Nico Cauzuki]

Slavin

 

[Beerz]

Owen Power enters the chat.

 

[matt trick]

Slavin. Lindell, Forsling, and Heiskanen are also in the conversation.

Keep an eye out for Vlasic (Chicago’s not San Jose’s!) and Guhle.

Defensive dmen tend to come out of nowhere. It’ll be interesting to see if highly projected lockdown guys like Silayev and Simashev end up being elite in that role.

 

[Coffee]

Owen Power enters the chat.

Enters the chat to make the crowd laugh

he’s like Dave Chappell with the mic

In actuality he will be recognized as one of the best as soon as Sabres turn it up a notch

It’s just the nature of these boards

 

[matsqq]

Forsling

 

[Beerz]

Enters the chat to make the crowd laugh

he’s like Dave Chappell with the mic

In actuality he will be recognized as one of the best as soon as Sabres turn it up a notch

It’s just the nature of these boards

I'm hoping my shaming wills that to happen.

 

[Coffee]

I'm hoping my shaming wills that to happen.

He’ll be fine

 

[Bouboumaster]

Where can I vote for Lane Hutson?

Anyway, it's Slavin

 

[Miro4Norris]

Slavin. Lindell, Forsling, and Heiskanen are also in the conversation.

Keep an eye out for Vlasic (Chicago’s not San Jose’s!) and Guhle.

Defensive dmen tend to come out of nowhere. It’ll be interesting to see if highly projected lockdown guys like Silayev and Simashev end up being elite in that role.

Definitely interesting. For now, taking Silayev right before Buium and Dickinson seems terrible and especially taking Simashev right before Michkov and Leonard seems Apocalyptic mistake, man had 6pts in KHL this season. Even best defensive dmen need to be able to control the puck to be great and i am not convinced. Really horrible choice by Arizona and I couldnt believe it even back then.

Many elite defensive defenders like Forsling and Lindell were actually known of their offensive skills early on their Careers too. (Plus obv guys like Miro)

For me it feels like Simashev was taken just because Guy that size made it to weakened KHL as teenager. Cant pass elite talent for that

 

[wetcoast]

Where can I vote for Lane Hutson?

Anyway, it's Slavin

You spelled Reinbacher wrong as he is the best current bet from the Habs after Guhle assuming MM moves on after the 25-26 season.

 

[Garbageyuk]

Slavin and it isn’t close.

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

I've been a big Tanev fan for years, but Slavin is far and away the best shutdown D in hockey. Which is pretty insane considering how skilled he is offensively.

He's the perfect defenseman. He'd be the first dman I'd select for a best on best tournament.

 

[GIN ANTONIC]

Maybe Tanev is more physical than Slavin? Other than that I can’t think of something he does better

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

I hope Sanderson progresses into this role soon.

 

[Sting]

I hope Sanderson progresses into this role soon.

I think he's far too much of a two-way all-around defenseman to be seen as just a defensive d-man. He is easily in the top 5 in terms of actual defensive ability, but the progression in his offensive game is going to prevent him from being in this category.

I see a guy like Heiskanen similarly. Great defensively but I would never classify him as a defensive defenseman.

 

[MrHeiskanen]

The Tanev hype since signing in Toronto is crazy. Guy is good, but not anywhere close to "best of" anything.