HM: Adam Pelech, Damon Severson, Luke Hughes, Shayne Gostisbehere
10. Vladislav Gavrikov, New York Rangers. A lot went wrong for the Rangers last season but their big pickup wasn’t among it. Gavrikov shattered his career high in goals (14) and put up a personal best season of 35 points. Known for his stopping ability and positional play above puck skills, Gavrikov is a perfect stay-at-home type of partner for a top pair.
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9. Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils. Hamilton has had his ups and downs but continues to make a positive impact in games with his offensive abilities and special teams performances.
8. Jakob Chychrun, Washington Capitals. In the last two seasons, among NHL defensemen only Cale Makar (50) has more goals than Chychrun (46). His shooting ability and aggressiveness in the offensive zone makes him virtually a fourth forward that needs to be accounted for at all times.
7. Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers. Sanheim is a workhorse with game averages of 24+ minutes last season. He’s a bedrock player valued enough to make a Team Canada as a big guy who can do just about everything very well and very consistently.
6. K’Andre Miller, Carolina Hurricanes. Miller emerged in his first season with Carolina as a tremendous player. His PK impacts are some of the best in the league. He’s effective with his 6’5″ frame and has the hands to move the puck pretty well.
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5. Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes. Slavin is arguably the top all-around/defensive defenseman in the game right now. Entering the zone against him when he gaps up is almost impossible. His positioning and stick is always on point and he defends the best players in the league with so much success. Slavin isn’t as much of an offensive weapon as some of the options above him, but he’s no less of a player.
4. Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins. Karlsson played as good as any defenseman in the league in the second half of last season. Though a little long in the tooth, his effectiveness and mastery of the puck looks about as strong as ever.
3. Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders. Schaefer burst onto the scene with 23 goals and 59 points last season as an 18-year old while playing almost 25 minutes per game, almost unheard of numbers for that age in the modern era. The sky is the limit for him given his immense talents and tremendous skating ability.
2. Adam Fox, New York Rangers. Last year was frustrating for Fox, but he still managed to put up 53 points in 55 games. Fox finished top-5 in Norris voting from 2020-24 and will be looking to re-establish himself in that rare air this season. Given the revamped NYR blueline, there’s a good chance he gets there.
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1. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets. The reigning Norris trophy winner takes first place here. Werenski is the total package, he can do it all. 81 points last year. Played 26:37 per game. Dangerous on the power play. Strong enough in his own end, then lethal once his team has possession.
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