{"id":16817,"date":"2017-10-12T15:45:56","date_gmt":"2017-10-12T19:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=16817"},"modified":"2017-10-12T15:45:56","modified_gmt":"2017-10-12T19:45:56","slug":"fantasy-hockey-top-50-nhl-defencemen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2017\/10\/12\/fantasy-hockey-top-50-nhl-defencemen\/","title":{"rendered":"2017-18 Fantasy Hockey Series: Top 50 NHL Defencemen"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome to Last Word On Hockey\u2019s fantasy hockey top 50 NHL defencemen.\u00a0Our first list looked at the Top 50 NHL Centres<\/a>, followed by the Top 50 Left Wings<\/a> and Top 50 Right Wings<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This list will cover the top 50 NHL defencemen in the NHL going into the season, with special attention on the top 10. Projected goals, assists, power play points and total points are included. Past performance and projections for the 2017-18 season are weighed carefully. Where ever possible, a player\u2019s last three professional seasons are taken into account. In addition, injury history, power play time and projected line-mates are considered. Projections are based on 82 games except where otherwise noted.<\/p>\n

The Top 3 Elite NHL Defencemen<\/h2>\n

1.\u00a0<\/strong>Erik Karlsson<\/a> – Ottawa Senators<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Over the past three seasons Erik Karlsson<\/a> has amassed 153 points in just 159 games played. That is just barely under point a game territory at 0.962 points per game. That’s an incredible rate for any NHL player let alone a defenceman. Karlsson should return soon from injury and he should be the first defender off the board in any points only fantasy league.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 15 G 60 A 26 PPP 75 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

2. Brent Burns<\/a> – San Jose Sharks<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Brent Burns<\/a> follows just behind our number one spot by only one point with 152 points in 165 games played over the past three campaigns. His points per game average in that span is 0.921 making him the only other NHL defenceman over 0.900 P\/GP. If it weren’t for the age difference between Burns (age 32) and Karlsson (age 27) they would almost be a tie. Going forward however, we would expect Karlsson to be more likely to continue at almost a point a game pace. Burns shouldn’t be too far behind.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 24 G 46 A 26 PPP 70 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

3.\u00a0<\/strong>Victor Hedman<\/a> – Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Victor Hedman<\/a>‘s career high last season of 72 points in 79 games easily places him in the upper echelon of fantasy hockey defencemen. With a one year points per game average of 0.911 we expect his last three year average of 0.759 to continue to rise. This was no one off. If the other two above aren’t available at your pick, grab Hedman as he should provide close to equal value if not more.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 14 G 50 A 23 PPP 64 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Top 4-6 Elite NHL Defencemen<\/h2>\n

After the top three elite NHL defencmen there is a bit of a drop off in our projections for the next group. In addition there isn’t a big difference in the expected output for this second tier so if you miss out on one of the above you would do well to snag any of one of them.<\/p>\n

4. Roman Josi<\/a> – Nashville Predators<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The Predators number one defenceman has averaged 0.720 points per game over the previous three seasons. With fellow blue liner Ryan Ellis<\/a> out until at least the new year, Josi will be relied on to power the offence from the defence in Nashville.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 13 G 44 A 38 18 PPP 57 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

5.\u00a0<\/strong>John Klingberg<\/a> – Dallas Stars<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

After putting up 40 points in only 65 games as a rookie, Klingberg defied the dreaded sophomore slump with 58 points in 76 games. In year three there was a slight regression with 49 points in 80 games. \u00a0With Klingberg manning the point on a very dangerous Dallas Stars power play we think Klingberg will return to form.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 13 G 43 A 19 PPP 56 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

6.\u00a0<\/strong>P.K. Subban<\/a> – Nashville Predators<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Subban’s last three year average of 0.681 points per game is not far behind his teammate Roman Josi<\/a>. Unfortunately, in the last two of those seasons he was limited to 66 and 68 games played which lowered his totals. Assuming a healthy 82 game season for P.K., he should get back up where he belongs.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 12 G 44 A 19 PPP 56 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Top 7-10 Elite NHL Defencemen<\/h2>\n

7.\u00a0<\/strong>Dustin Byfuglien<\/a> – Winnipeg Jets<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

“Big Buff” has been a consistent producer over the past three seasons with Winnipeg. He has averaged right around 0.650 points per game each season. Expect him to be right around that pace again this year.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 16 G 37 A 15 PPP 53 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

8.\u00a0<\/strong>Zach Werenski<\/a> – Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the more exciting young offensive defencemen in the NHL, Werenski put up big numbers as a rookie last season. The Calder trophy finalist put up 47 points in 78 games played as teenaged NHL rookie. The sky is limit for this kid.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 12 G 40 A 23 PPP 52 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

9. Drew Doughty<\/a> – Los Angeles Kings<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

While it may be true that Drew Doughty<\/a> is a better “real life” defenceman than he is a fantasy defenceman, he has still put up consistently great numbers over the past three years. Doughty also has not missed a regular season game over that time. With a three year points per game average of 0.576 his projection remains as consistent as he is.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 13 G 34 A 24 PPP 47 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

10.\u00a0<\/strong>Shea Weber<\/a> – Montreal Canadiens<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n

At age 32, Shea Weber<\/a> may be in decline. That said his shot remains one of the most feared in the NHL and Weber will be relied upon night in and night out to provide offence for Montreal. Expect better than half a point per game from Weber.<\/p>\n

Projection for 2017-18: 16 G 30 A 24 PPP 46 PTS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fantasy Hockey Top 50 NHL Defencemen (11-20)<\/h2>\n

11.\u00a0Oliver Ekman-Larsson<\/a> \u2013 Arizona Coyotes<\/a> \u2013 14 G 32 A 20 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0Alex Pietrangelo<\/a> \u2013 St. Louis Blues<\/a> \u2013 12 G 34 A 19 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0Rasmus Ristolainen<\/a> \u2013 Buffalo Sabres<\/a> – 7 G 39 A 24 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0Kris Letang<\/a> \u2013 Pittsburgh Penguins<\/a> \u2013 12 G 34 A 22 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

15.\u00a0Dougie Hamilton<\/a> \u2013 Calgary Flames<\/a> \u2013 12 G 34 A 16 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

16.\u00a0Duncan Keith<\/a> \u2013 Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> \u2013 6 G 40 A 15 PPP 46 PTS<\/p>\n

17.\u00a0Shayne Gostisbehere<\/a> \u2013 Philadelphia Flyers<\/a> \u2013 12 G 33 A 24 PPP 45 PTS<\/p>\n

18.\u00a0Kevin Shattenkirk<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 New York Rangers<\/a> \u2013 10 G 35 A 24 PPP 45 PTS<\/p>\n

19.\u00a0Torey Krug<\/a> \u2013 Boston Bruins<\/a>\u2013 6 G 39 A 20 PPP 45 PTS<\/p>\n

20.\u00a0Mark Giordano<\/a> \u2013 Calgary Flames<\/a> – 12 G 32 A 14 PPP 44 PTS<\/p>\n

Fantasy Hockey Top 50 NHL Defencemen (21-30)<\/h2>\n

21.\u00a0Oscar Klefbom<\/a> \u2013 Edmonton Oilers<\/a> \u2013 10 G 34 A 17 PPP 44 PTS<\/p>\n

22.\u00a0Tyson Barrie<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Colorado Avalanche<\/a> \u2013 10 G 34 A 15 PPP 44 PTS<\/p>\n

23.\u00a0Keith Yandle<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Florida Panthers<\/a> \u2013 5 G 38 A 20 PPP 43 PTS<\/p>\n

24.\u00a0Nick Leddy<\/a> \u2013 New York Islanders<\/a> \u2013 8 G 35 A 15 PPP 43 PTS<\/p>\n

25.\u00a0Justin Faulk<\/a>\u2013 Carolina Hurricanes<\/a> \u2013 14 G 28 A 16 PPP 42 PTS<\/p>\n

26.\u00a0Ryan Suter<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Minnesota Wild<\/a> \u2013 8 G 33 A 15 PPP 41 PTS<\/p>\n

27.\u00a0Nikita Zaitsev<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs<\/a> \u2013 6 G 35 A 15 PPP 41 PTS<\/p>\n

28.\u00a0Ryan McDonagh<\/a>\u2013 New York Rangers \u2013 7 G 34 A 14 PPP 41 PTS<\/p>\n

29.\u00a0Colton Parayko<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 St. Louis Blues \u2013 7 G 33 A 13 PPP 40 PTS<\/p>\n

30.\u00a0Brady Skjei<\/a>\u2013 New York Rangers \u2013 7 G 33 A 10 PPP 40 PTS<\/p>\n

Fantasy Hockey Top 50 NHL Defencemen (31-40)<\/h2>\n

31.\u00a0Ivan Provorov<\/a> \u2013 Philadelphia Flyers \u2013 8 G 31 A 10 PPP 39 PTS<\/p>\n

32.\u00a0T.J. Brodie<\/a>\u00a0– Calgary Flames \u2013 7 G 32 A 12 PPP 39 PTS<\/p>\n

33.\u00a0Cam Fowler<\/a> \u2013 Anaheim Ducks<\/a> \u2013 9 G 29 A 15 PPP 38 PTS<\/p>\n

34.\u00a0Mathew Dumba<\/a> \u2013 Minnesota Wild \u2013 12 G 26 A 14 PPP 38 PTS<\/p>\n

35.\u00a0Jake Gardiner<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs \u2013 8 G 30 A 13 PPP 38 PTS<\/p>\n

36.\u00a0Morgan Rielly<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Toronto Maple Leafs \u2013 9 G 28 A 16 PPP 37 PTS<\/p>\n

37.\u00a0Alec Martinez<\/a> – Los Angeles Kings – 9 G 28 A 12 PPP 37 PTS<\/p>\n

38.\u00a0Seth<\/a> Jones<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Columbus Blue Jackets \u2013 9 G 28 A 11 PPP 37 PTS<\/p>\n

39.\u00a0Jacob Trouba<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Winnipeg Jets \u2013 9 G 28 A 8 PPP 37 PTS<\/p>\n

40.\u00a0Mike Green<\/a>\u2013 Detroit Red Wings <\/a>\u2013 10 G 26 A 12 PPP 36 PTS<\/p>\n

Fantasy Hockey Top 50 NHL Defencemen (41-50)<\/h2>\n

41.\u00a0Jake Muzzin<\/a> \u2013 Los Angeles Kings \u2013 9 G 27 A 12 PPP 36 PTS<\/p>\n

42.\u00a0Justin Schultz<\/a> \u2013 Pittsburgh Penguins \u2013 7 G 29 A 14 PPP 36 PTS<\/p>\n

43.\u00a0Alex Goligoski<\/a> \u2013 Arizona Coyotes \u2013 5 G 31 A 7 PPP 36 PTS<\/p>\n

44.\u00a0Matt Niskanen<\/a> \u2013 Washington Capitals<\/a> \u2013 5 G 30 A 12 PPP 35 PTS<\/p>\n

45.\u00a0Dion Phaneuf<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Ottawa Senators \u2013 8 G 24 A 15 PPP 32 PTS<\/p>\n

46.\u00a0Dmitry Orlov<\/a> \u2013 Washington Capitals \u2013 7 G 25 A 6 PPP 32 PTS<\/p>\n

47.\u00a0Johnny Boychuk<\/a> \u2013 New York Islanders \u2013 8 G 24 A 5 PPP 32 PTS<\/p>\n

48.\u00a0David Savard<\/a> \u2013 Columbus Blue Jackets \u2013 8 G 24 A 11 PPP 32 PTS<\/p>\n

49.\u00a0Zdeno Chara<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Boston Bruins \u2013 8 G 22 A 5 PPP 30 PTS<\/p>\n

50.\u00a0Sami Vatanen<\/a>\u00a0– Anaheim Ducks \u2013 5 G 24 A 13 PPP 29 PTS<\/p>\n

Others to consider: Charlie McAvoy<\/a>, Josh Morrissey<\/a>, Hampus Lindholm<\/a>, Aaron Ekblad<\/a>, Calvin de Haan<\/a>, Anton Stralman<\/a>, Adam Larsson<\/a>, Shea Theodore<\/a>, Thomas Chabot<\/a>, Jaccob Slavin<\/a>, Tyler Myers<\/a>, Jack Johnson<\/a>, Erik Johnson<\/a>, Travis Hamonic<\/a>, Ryan Pulock<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

Main Photo:<\/p>\n

SAN JOSE, CA – JANUARY 05: Brent Burns #88 of the San Jose Sharks looks on during the game against the Minnesota Wild at SAP Center on January 5, 2017 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Rocky W. Widner\/NHL\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Welcome to Last Word On Hockey\u2019s fantasy hockey top 50 NHL defencemen.\u00a0Our first list looked at the Top 50 NHL Centres, followed by the Top 50 Left Wings and Top 50 Right Wings. This list will cover the top 50 NHL defencemen in the NHL going into the season, with special attention on the top […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2252,"featured_media":5440,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2498,2],"tags":[333,392,434,550,2490,337,38,253,329,254,1124,528],"class_list":["post-16817","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fantasy-hockey","category-featured","tag-brent-burns","tag-drew-doughty","tag-dustin-byfuglien","tag-erik-karlsson","tag-fantasy-hockey","tag-john-klingberg","tag-nhl","tag-p-k-subban","tag-roman-josi","tag-shea-weber","tag-victor-hedman","tag-zach-werenski"],"modified_by":"Ben Kerr","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16817","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2252"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16817"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16817\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5440"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16817"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16817"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16817"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}