It’s really difficult to look too far ahead to fantasy hockey when the incredibly intense, amazing, jaw-dropping, riveting and dramatic Stanley Cup Playoffs are winding down.
With the cup final starting on Wednesday, and the draft only four weeks away, we are reaching the pre-pre-planning times for the 2014-15 season. We’ve looked at all the forwards to see where they rank, so let’s turn our attention to the blue line.
Here are the top ten fantasy hockey defensemen.
10. James Wisniewski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Though his name may not appear on conventional lists, Columbus’ top defenseman does it all and then some. His numbers are consistently strong across the board, proving that when he is healthy “Wiz” is one of the best in the NHL.
9. Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues
Often overshadowed by teammate Alex Pietrangelo, “Shatt-deuces” has proven to be the more productive fantasy player. His power play numbers are nearly double his teammates and though his plus/minus might be lacking, even strength stats are a push.
8. Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
The aging Boston blue liner still has a cannon shot, good for 17 goals (10 on the power play). Chara is on the decline but is still a must have for any fantasy league. His offensive stats won’t rank in the top ten, but his plus/minus, hits and power play numbers are always strong.
7. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa has to be pleased with the development of their young monster defender. It finally looks as though he may approach the “Baby Chara” status that he was tagged with early in his career. The 6’6 man-mountain is only 23, just scratching the surface of what could be an enormous pile of talent.
6. Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
Ok, no more buff-et jokes. The Jets’ top defenseman had a strong return to form in 2013-14 with 20 goals and 56 points. Big Buff is a stud on the power play and plays a physical style that will rack up hits and PIMs for your fantasy roster.
5. Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes
Who was the NHL’s top scoring defenseman on the power play? Well, Yandle tied for the lead with 31 points, but it’s still a pretty impressive feat. He has become more of a complete defenseman, which bodes well for the rest of Yandle’s statistics.
4. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks
Possibly the 2014 Norris Trophy winner, Keith has had a remarkable season. Statistically it reflects Keith as the most complete defenseman in the NHL on one of the best teams.
3. Shea Weber, Nashville Predators
Weber is kind of a younger, right-handed Chara who dominates with brute force and a cannon shot. He quarterbacks the Nashville power play and had a ridiculously strong statistical season (23 goals and 56 points, with an NHL high 12 ppg, top among defensemen) as the captain of the Predators.
2. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators
If not for the cartoonishly huge stats that Karlsson puts up, it would be a toss up between Weber and Duncan Keith for second place. There is no denying that the young Swede is the most offensively gifted defenseman of his generation. The most impressive thing about Karlsson is that he is actually a much better player than he was when he took the Norris Trophy in 2012.
1.P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens
The reigning Norris Trophy winner tops the list as the best fantasy pick on the blue line. Subban’s maturity has been his most impressive asset over the past three years. He may not get the nod as the best defenseman for this season, but Subban’s 2014 playoff performance is a prelude to his best season yet.