The top rookie defensemen in 2014 were primarily players that had been drafted in years prior to 2013. Ironically the top scoring defensive rookie in the 2013-14 season was undrafted free agent Torey Krug, who was signed out of Michigan State in 2012.
After spending a full season in Providence and the AHL, Krug was called up in October 2013 to stay. His breakout season saw him lead Boston’s defensemen in scoring with 14 goals and 40 points.
The 2012 draft class is well represented among rookie defensemen in 2013-14. Players like Morgan Rielly, Ryan Murray, Olli Maatta, Hampus Lindholm and Jacob Trouba all spent another year incubating before bursting on the NHL scene last year.
Only Seth Jones of Nashville made a significant impact among the 2013 draftees, and the 2014 draft looks about the same. With only one or two freshman likely to make an immediate impact, teams will be drafting for the future, hoping that their prospect might have a Norris Trophy inside of them.
Here are the top five prospects among defensemen.
Aaron Ekblad, Barrie (OHL)
The top rated blue liner of the crop, Ekblad might be the top player in the entire draft. His size, reach and NHL-ready body will make the transition for Ekblad to the next level virtually seamless. His positioning and skill set at both ends of the ice make him a lock as a top-pair defenseman. Don’t be surprised to see Ekblad’s name called first on June 28.
Haydn Fleury, Red Deer (WHL)
Fleury is probably the top “shutdown” defender in the draft, but does possess a strong offensive upside. His size and speed make him very difficult to play against and his junior coach (former NHLer Brent Sutter) gives him all of the toughest defensive assignments.
Julius Honka, Swift Current (WHL)
Blessed with by far the best name in any draft, Honka represents the top of the next tier or “rest” of the crop after the drop-off from Ekblad and Fleury. Excellent offensive talent that models his game after Erik Karlsson. Has great speed and vision to be a playmaker from the defensive zone. Size is the only thing keeping Honka’s name from being mentioned among the elite prospects.
Markus Petterson, Skelleftea (SWE)
Petterson is a player that NHL scouts see with a ton of potential. You can’t coach size (6’3) and as he grows into his frame, expect his stock to soar. Plays with maturity beyond his years and makes the most of his length to be disruptive in the defensive end. Has great vision and maturity on the ice and very rarely makes bad decisions with the puck.
Roland McKeown, Kingston (OHL)
McKeown has seen his stock fall a bit lately for no apparent reason, but he is still one of the top five blue liners available. To give you an idea of his work ethic, McKeown trains with legendary fitness guru and former NHL forward Gary Roberts. Since retiring, Roberts began a second career as a trainer for star athletes like Steven Stamkos, Jeff Skinner and James Neal. While it is a tad premature to tag McKeown with that level of success, the young Kingston defenseman has shown a knack for two-way play. He has a cannon shot and has excellent footwork that helps him in each zone.