ESPN Top 10 Defenseman in the NHL

[Mugzy97]

I think you misread it said top 10 not top 100.

Would he even make it on there?

 

[gn2007]

Everyone knows the reason and really his ranking isn't out of place is it?

No it's just funny how the executive said some reason. That's trolling level right there. The list is pretty on point kind of crazy to say lol

 

[Malaka]

espn is embarrassing

>> The best shorthand description of Makar's excellence is that he's essentially "Connor McDavid, except a defenseman." They both do things on the ice that their peers simply can't replicate. Both possess unapproachable skating talent. Both look like a human cheat code when they join the rush offensively.

Really? That’s the best “shorthand” description you could make?

And the very next player Q. Hughes skating does come close (if not surpasses him in silk, versus his shiftiness)

 

[wetcoast]

Would he even make it on there?

Easily just ask Adam Clendening.

espn is embarrassing

>> The best shorthand description of Makar's excellence is that he's essentially "Connor McDavid, except a defenseman." They both do things on the ice that their peers simply can't replicate. Both possess unapproachable skating talent. Both look like a human cheat code when they join the rush offensively.

Really? That’s the best “shorthand” description you could make?

And the very next player Q. Hughes skating does come close (if not surpasses him in silk, versus his shiftiness)

Wow if you think that makes ESPN look embarrassing wonder what you think of 75% of the posts here...just saying.

 

[Malaka]

Easily just ask Adam Clendening.


Wow if you think that makes ESPN look embarrassing wonder what you think of 75% of the posts here...just saying.

It’s just lazy writing and journalism man. If ESPN wants to engage people with their content, they could at least bring up some salient points about his skating comparables, and qualify that characteristic for readers(both hockey fans or newcomers) interested in the technique which sets him apart — but instead you just throw an abstraction of generational talent while ignoring the very next player on the list is arguably his equal in that aspect. Fedorov and Coffey are neverminded as well

And as far as the other posts on hfboards I mean at least they have an opinion. Don’t be a nihilist coward… say what you will of national socialism but at least they had an ethos

 

[wetcoast]

It’s just lazy writing and journalism man. If ESPN wants to engage people with their content, they could at least bring up some salient points about his skating comparables, and qualify that characteristic for readers(both hockey fans or newcomers) interested in the technique which sets him apart — but instead you just throw an abstraction of generational talent while ignoring the very next player on the list is arguably his equal in that aspect. Fedorov and Coffey are neverminded as well

And as far as the other posts on hfboards I mean at least they have an opinion. Don’t be a nihilist coward… say what you will of national socialism but at least they had an ethos

I love Quinn Hughes but you are really nitpicking here Makar is the McDavid of Dmen even if Hughes is probably going to win the Norris this year and McDavid won't win the Art Ross nor Hart.

Makar won by a fair margin here too as he had 17 of the 20 first place ballots available.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Wow this is an actual solid list.

Impressed for once.

 

[Malaka]

I love Quinn Hughes but you are really nitpicking here Makar is the McDavid of Dmen even if Hughes is probably going to win the Norris this year and McDavid won't win the Art Ross nor Hart.

Makar won by a fair margin here too as he had 17 of the 20 first place ballots available.

I don't necessarily disagree. Makar appears more dominant and probably has the stats to back it. With skating I am into semantics is all.

 

[Ryuji Yamazaki]

I think you misread it said top 10 not top 100.

Guess you haven’t watched him play.

 

[Ace]

Top Ten, baby

 

[sandwichbird2023]

How does a NHL GM left Hughes off his list completely? Seems quite egregious considering the season Hughes is having, no?

Overall a pretty good list though.

 

[wetcoast]

How does a NHL GM left Hughes off his list completely? Seems quite egregious considering the season Hughes is having, no?

Overall a pretty good list though.

Also 2 western conference players left Miro off their lists.

I guess it goes to show that even some that are close to the game can have bad takes like a couple of guys here eh?

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

Would he even make it on there?

We know Rielly wouldn't

 

[Namikaze Minato]

We know Rielly wouldn't

View attachment 819134View attachment 819135

You couldnt read the article, or?

 

[Midnight Judges]

Not a bad list. Props to them for realizing Doughty can still play.

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

You couldnt read the article, or?

Don't need to. Forsling > Rielly

 

[FunkySeeFunkyDo]

Interesting read here and not surprising really.

The 10 best defensemen in the NHL for 2023-24

Where do the high-scoring Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes land? What about "defensive defenseman" Jaccob Slavin? Here's how those in the NHL see it.

www.espn.com

Breakdown was

1. Makar
2. Hughes
3. Hesikanen
4. Fox
5. McAvoy
6. Hedman
7. Josi
8. Slavin
9. Morrisey
10. Doughty

I would take Karlsson over Doughty now and for 2016 Norris.

 

[Namikaze Minato]

Don't need to. Forsling > Rielly

GM's have Rielly tied with Ekblad, is that why you are upset?

 

[TheImpatientPanther]

GM's have Rielly tied with Ekblad, is that why you are upset?

I'm not upset about anything.
I'm stating an opinion that Forsling is a better defenseman than Rielly.

You think points are everything, don't need to really dig deep on this one.

 

[Namikaze Minato]

I'm not upset about anything.
I'm stating an opinion that Forsling is a better defenseman than Rielly.

You think points are everything, don't need to really dig deep on this one.

When did I say points were everything? Why make things up?

I'm glad you are aware that "forsling > Rielly" is merely an opinion and not fact.

 

[jcs0218]

This list highlights one of the main issues that Team Canada is going to have in the 2026 Olympics.

They only have Makar as an elite defenseman who is still in his prime.

Other good defensemen that they have, such as Doughty and Pietrangelo, are clearly aging and will be worse when 2026 comes along.

Meanwhile, Team USA has Hughes, Fox, McAvoy, and Slavin all in their primes and will still be in their primes when 2026 comes.

The defense that Canada brought in 2010 and 2014 were very big reasons they won those years because nobody could compete with Canada's defensemen.

2026 is going to be very different though.

 

[Gnome17]

Hm no Dahlin..? I guess he hasnt been that good this year..He was a Norris candidate for much of last year, until he fell off a bit towards the end.

 

[SI90]

Dobson should get Norris consideration for what he’s done this year. Producing points and playing 25+ minutes a night. Also carried the isles defense with Pelech and Pulock both out for a while.

To say he isn’t top 10 is laughable

Dobson should get Norris consideration for what he’s done this year. Producing points and playing 25+ minutes a night. Also carried the isles defense with Pelech and Pulock both out for a while.

To say he isn’t top 10 is laughable

 

[Gnome17]

This list highlights one of the main issues that Team Canada is going to have in the 2026 Olympics.

They only have Makar as an elite defenseman who is still in his prime.

Other good defensemen that they have, such as Doughty and Pietrangelo, are clearly aging and will be worse when 2026 comes along.

Meanwhile, Team USA has Hughes, Fox, McAvoy, and Slavin all in their primes and will still be in their primes when 2026 comes.

The defense that Canada brought in 2010 and 2014 were very big reasons they won those years because nobody could compete with Canada's defensemen.

2026 is going to be very different though.

I think theyre a bit closer than you make it out in this post though, Dobson is having a real breakout year with over a ppg and +20 on a team not in a playoff position right now.
Devon Toewes, Morrisey, Dunn..They have a real good couple defense pairs, but yes USA has the edge for sure.

Dobson should get Norris consideration for what he’s done this year. Producing points and playing 25+ minutes a night. Also carried the isles defense with Pelech and Pulock both out for a while.

To say he isn’t top 10 is laughable

Dobson should get Norris consideration for what he’s done this year. Producing points and playing 25+ minutes a night. Also carried the isles defense with Pelech and Pulock both out for a while.

To say he isn’t top 10 is laughable

One more time for the people in the back!

 

[Rowlet]

How does a NHL GM left Hughes off his list completely? Seems quite egregious considering the season Hughes is having, no?

Overall a pretty good list though.

Holland doubling down on the Zadina pick