There is a changing of the guard in the NHL right now. Actually you can call it a changing of the rearguard if you’d like because I’m talking about the rise of the young defensemen of the NHL.

With Nicklas Lidstrom’s retirement and the decline of stars like Zdeno Chara the new crop of defensemen are taking over the blue lines across the league. The evolution of the defenseman started with Bobby Orr to Dennis Potvin to Paul Coffey then Chris Chelios and finally Lidstrom. The style of the modern defenseman requires equal parts offense, defense (obviously), positioning, strength and hockey sense.

Regardless of the size, Lidstrom and Orr were each around six feet tall and less than 200 pounds, the elite defensemen rely on their abilities with the stick, skates and the space between their ears to be successful these days. Sure, there will always be room for the big bone-crunchers that can punish opponents anywhere on the ice, but there is more value in a defenseman who knows exactly where to be every second he is on the ice.

There are literally dozens of top caliber defensemen in the NHL right now, but I will highlight my top five under the age of 25. Unfortunately my favorite, Clayton Stoner is 28. For the sake of the participation ribbons I will also note some Honorable Mention players.

Honorable Mention: Nick Leddy, Chicago Blackhawks (22), Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks (21), Danny Dekeyser, Detroit Red Wings (23), Slava Voynov, Los Angeles Kings, Travis Hamonic, New York Islanders

Justin Schultz, Edmonton Oilers (23) – The rookie Edmonton defensemen turned heads with his rock-solid freshman season. Look for a continued rise from the young Oilers’ rearguard. As the Oilers ascend to the top of the NHL. They may be loaded with offense up front, but Schultz will definitely be a part of an improved Edmonton defense.

P.K Subban Montreal Canadiens (24) – The defending Norris Trophy champ will have his work cut out for him if Montreal wants to repeat as division champs. A renewed work ethic, improved hockey sense and discipline were all featured in Subban’s game last season. The leader of the Canadiens’ blue liners is a star on the rise and will have a shelf full of trophies before he hangs up his skates.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Phoenix Coyotes (22) – toiling in the desert with the potentially nomadic Coyotes franchise, Ekman-Larsen doesn’t get the press that his contemporaries do. However, he is every bit as talented as the others on the list. The big Swede is a key contributor on the Phoenix special teams and will assume a larger role as the Coyotes look to return to the playoffs next season.

Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings (23) – The head of a talented Los Angeles defensive crew, Doughty will mentor the other pups on the Kings’ rearguard. Jake Muzzin and the aforementioned Slava Voynov compose a deadly and talented trio of defenders that also have Stanley Cup experience as well. Doughty wasn’t as statistically impressive last year, but he is only a baby himself at 22 and will l improve immensely

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators (23) – One of the most decorated individuals in the group is the 2012 Norris Trophy winner, Karlsson. The Senators defensive quarterback plays like a fourth forward when he is on the ice to help an already potent Senators attack.  Look for him to inherit the captain’s “C” vacated by Daniel Alfredsson.