NHL Top 25 Defenseman Under 25 Years of Age

Mar 17, 2015; Newark, NJ, USA; New Jersey Devils defenseman Damon Severson (28) handles the puck as he is chased by Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

NHL top 25 defenseman is the second installment in our under 25 rankings, the first was released yesterday in our top 50 forwards, which can be found here.  Stay tuned for the last installment with our top 10 goalies under 25 years of age.

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The birth date cut-off for our NHL top 25 defenseman will be October 23rd, 1990.  It’s important to remember that defenders can develop at much slower rates.  In some cases, certain defenseman make their NHL debuts after their 25th birthday.  For the young guys in this list, most of them won’t fully blossom until at least 25.

* Any stats were obtained from hockeydb.com

NHL Top 25 Defenseman Under 25 Honorable Mentions:

Dmitry Kulikov, Florida Panthers (24 years old)

Eats up big minutes and is a physical force who’s fairly responsible in his own-end. He also produced 22 points in 2014-15.

Eric Gelinas, New Jersey Devils (24 years old)

Slowly getting better on a weak Devils back-end.  Could eventually develop into an important piece for New Jersey.

Oct 13, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers defensemen Erik Gudbranson (44) skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Erik Gudbranson, Florida Panthers (23 years old)

A responsible tough defenseman to play against, a bit of an unsung hero on the Panthers blue-line.

Ryan Murphy, Carolina Hurricanes (22 years old)

Up and down start to this young man’s career in Carolina, but we’ve seen glimpses of his offensive skill.  He’s recently spent time alongside Hanifin in 2015-16 on the Canes third pairing.

Damon Severson, New Jersey Devils (21 years old)

Building off 17 points in 51 games in 2014-15, Severson is only going to get better in New Jersey.  Severson could develop into a big producer on the back-end.

Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres (20 years old)

This young man has already become an important piece of the Sabres defense core, and still has room to grow in Buffalo.  Three points in six games is a good start to the new season.

Next: 25-16

Apr 3, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Colorado Avalanche defenseman Tyson Barrie (4) reacts against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. The Avalanche defeated the Ducks 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

15.Tyson Barrie, Colorado Avalanche (24 years old)

Selected in the third round at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Barrie has always been an offensive minded defenseman, even rooting back to his days with WHL Kelowna Rockets. His second last season with Kelowna, Tyson Barrie had 72 points from the back-end. After spending some time back and forth between the AHL & NHL, he finally played his first full season in 2014-15.

He played 80 games in first full season with the Avs and managed to produce 53 points on a non-playoff team. Fast forward to 2015-16, Barrie has only appeared in four games with two assists to his name. He’s currently serving a 3-game suspension. If you ask an Avs fan about Barrie, you’ll get a very biased opinion such as Leafs fans with Dion Phaneuf. Offensive defenseman come with liabilities, particularly in their own end. When your best options include guys like Nate Guenin, Brad Stuart, Nikita Zadorov, etc. then your offensive d-man will be exposed. Barrie needs to be paired with a solid stay at home shutdown defenseman.

Mar 15, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Seth Jones (3) during the first period against the Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

14.Seth Jones, Nashville Predators (21 years old)

Nashville Predators were thrilled when Seth Jones slid down to fourth overall at the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The debate leading up to the draft was who do you select first, Nathan MacKinnon or Seth Jones? Stepping in as an 18-year-old rookie, Jones had a decent season in 2013-14 with 25 points in 77 games, but had an ugly -23 rating.

In 2014-15 Seth Jones showed signs of improvement, and managed 27 points in 82 games with +3 rating. He also added four assists in six playoff games for Nashville. Jones is becoming a much more responsible two-way defenseman, but still has room for growth. He’s always been more of an offensive threat from the blue-line so mistakes will happen as he gets better.

13.Mathew Dumba, Minnesota Wild (21 years old)

Drafted seventh overall at the 2012 draft, Dumba is more of an offensive two-way defenseman. He split time between AHL Iowa and Minnesota in 2014-15, appearing in 20 games for the Iowa Wild, Dumba had 14 points.

After being called up by Minnesota, he appeared in 58 games producing 16 points and +13 rating. Matt also added four points in 10 playoff teams. He’s got the potential to be a high-scoring defenseman, and could be a very valuable asset as he becomes more responsible in his own end.

Oct 14, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Hampus Lindholm (47) handles the puck against the Arizona Coyotes at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

12.Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks (21 years old)

A surprise sixth overall pick at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Lindholm had an immediate impact as a rookie in 2013-14 with 30 points in 78 games. He also had two points in 11 playoff games with Anaheim. Lindholm had his biggest year for development last season, becoming a more all-around defenseman.

In 2014-15, he had 34 points in 78 games while seeing significant increases in special teams minutes. Hampus also added 10 points in 16 playoff games for Anaheim. Already in 2015-16, Lindolm has two points in six games. He’ll be the main-man on the back-end with the Ducks for the forseeable future.

11.Ryan Ellis, Nashville Predators (24 years old)

Selected 11th overall at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Ellis was one of the most productive blue-liners in the CHL over the past 15 years. In 2010-11 playing for OHL’s Windsor Spitfires, Ryan Ellis had 101 points (24 goals 77 assists) from the back-end. His 5’10 180lbs stature was a contributor in his sliding down the draft, and likely reason why it took him five years to finally play a near full season in Nashville.

In 2013-14, he appeared in 80 games and tallied 27 points. He matched that point total in 2014-15 in just 58 games played, but missed time due to injury. Ellis did however appear in six playoff games for the Preds, adding three assists. It’s tough to stand out when you’re in the shadow of Shea Weber and Roman Josi, matched up alongside other quality young d-men such as Seth Jones, Victor Bartley, and Mattias Ekholm. Ryan Ellis has a ton of offensive upside, and if he can stay healthy, could easily double last season’s total. He already has four points in six games played in 2015-16.

Next: 10-6

Oct 17, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Torey Krug (47) shoots the puck during the third period against the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

10.Torey Krug, Boston Bruins (24 years old)

An undrafted free-agent signing in 2012, Torey Krug played for Michigan State University and was named 2012 CCHA Player of the Year, and was a Hobey Baker Award finalist. He spent the entire lockout shortened season with AHL Providence producing 45 points in 63 games. He appeared in one regular season game for the Bruins before playing 15 playoff games and tallying 6 points.

In 2013-14 playing in his first full NHL season for Boston, Krug appeared in 79 games, adding 40 points. He also had 10 points in 12 playoff games for the Bruins. Last year in 2014-15, Krug scored 39 points in 78 games. Now, with the departure of Dougie Hamilton, Torey is beginning to see more ice-time, both even strength and special teams. He already has six points in six games this season.

Oct 10, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Morgan Reilly (44) races down ice with the puck against Ottawa Senators in the first period at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Peter Llewellyn-USA TODAY Sports

9.Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs (21 years old)

One of the few bright spots for Toronto from the Brian Burke era, Reilly was selected fifth overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Young defenseman generally take time to develop and get better, and so has been the case with Morgan Reilly. He’s seen growth in his first two full seasons in Toronto, and slowly becoming the most valuable piece of the Maple Leafs back-end.

In 2013-14, Morgan had 27 points (2g 25a) in 73 games in a season full of typical rookie mistakes. In 2014-15, he increased his point total by two to 29 (8g 21a) in 81 games played. Reilly took big steps last season to getting better in his own end. He’s still a young guy, and those mistakes are going to happen as he learns and gets better. He’s got the potential to be a solid blue-liner on both sides of the puck, and emerge an elite defender in the NHL somewhere down the road.

8.Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets (21 years old)

The only reason Dustin Byfuglien trade rumors even exist are because of this budding young defenseman named Jacob Trouba. Taken ninth overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Trouba has emerged on the Jets blue-line over the past couple seasons, forcing Winnipeg into a dilemma. The Jets have a few bodies to re-sign in 2016, and could likely afford Byfuglien, but Winnipeg needs to figure out if they want to commit number one defensive money to Byfuglien, when Trouba looks to be the future number one for this team.

Trouba first appeared in 2013-14, playing 65 games producing 29 points his rookie season. The point total dropped slightly in 2014-15, with only 22 points in 65 games, although Trouba took big steps in his development being much more responsible defensively. He’ll likely never tear up the score sheet, but should eventually develop into one of the best two way defenders in the game.

Oct 13, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Justin Faulk (27) skates with the puck against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

7.Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes (23 years old)

A former 2nd round draft choice by the Hurricanes at the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, Faulk has quickly developed into the Canes best defender. He’s had a few seasons now with some lousy defensive partners (has seen significant time with Ron Hainsey), but has still managed to produce on a basement dwelling team. During the lockout shortened season in 2012-13, Faulk produced 24 points in 31 games with AHL Charlotte before appearing with Carolina in 38 games, adding 15 points.

In 2013-14, Justin Faulk began seeing more responsibility and managed to tally 32 points in 76 games. He emerged as the Canes undisputed best blue-liner in 2014-15, scoring a career-high 49 points in 82 games, while tripling his goal total from the season before jumping from five to 15. It looks as though the Canes were committed to finding a quality partner for Justin Faulk this past offseason when they acquired James Wisniewski. Unfortunately, he was lost for an extended period of time just 47 seconds into his Hurricanes debut. Even with the loss, Faulk has four points in six games so far this season.

6.Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks (24 years old)

A fourth round steal for Anaheim at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Vatanen continues to exceed expectations. He was a highly productive offensive defenseman drafted out of JyP HT Jyvaskyla in SM Liiga (Finnish Elite League) who had 42 points in 49 games his last season of European hockey. He made the easy transition to North American style play, piling up 45 points in 62 games his first season with AHL Norfolk.

Vatanen appeared in 48 games for Anaheim in 2013-14, producing 21 points. He spent some time with Norfolk that season and appeared in five playoff games for both Anaheim and Norfolk. In 2014-15, Sami saw a spike in production tallying 37 points in just 67 games played. He was a major contributor during the Ducks playoff run last year adding 11 points in 16 games. He only has one goal in six games so far in 2015-16, but Vatanen has some incredible offensive instincts that should help propel him to the 40-50 point range.

Next: 5-1

Feb 13, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg (3) skates against the Florida Panthers during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars shut out the Panthers 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

5.John Klingberg, Dallas Stars (23 years old)

Selected in the 5th round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, John Klingberg is quickly making a name for himself after an incredible rookie season. He spent 4 1/2 years bouncing around from the Swedish Elite League, to Finnish Elite League, and AHL Texas. He actually opened the 2014-15 season playing for Texas producing 12 points in 10 games before forcing Dallas to give him a look.

He quickly emerged as the Stars best defender, putting up 40 games in 65 games as a rookie, outscoring fellow Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad by one point. Klingberg has more offensive upside than Ekblad, but will likely never be as strong on both sides of the puck. If you watch him closely, he actually shows glimpses of fellow Swedish country-men Erik Karlsson. He certainly has Norris Trophy potential.

Oct 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames defenseman Dougie Hamilton (27) controls the puck against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Vancouver Canucks won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

4.Dougie Hamilton, Calgary Flames (22 years old)

Drafted ninth overall in 2011, Hamilton was the other big first round pick given up by Toronto in the Phil Kessel deal. Drafted out of OHL Niagara, Dougie was an offensively gifted defenseman in junior. He made his NHL debut during the lockout shortened season, playing 42 games scoring 16 points.

Hamilton started to emerge on Boston’s blue-line in 2013-14, increasing his point total to 25 with an astounding +22 rating. He also added seven points in 12 playoff games. In his third year in 2014-15, Dougie scored a career-high 41 points, adding -3 during one of Boston’s worst seasons in recent history. After proclaiming “we didn’t think Dougie would be comfortable in Boston moving forward”, Bruins traded Hamilton this past offseason to Calgary. The Flames have a ton of responsible defensive defenseman that should blend nicely with Dougie’s offensive style from the back-end. Slow start so far in Calgary, but he does have a goal in six games.

Oct 13, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Florida Panthers defensemen Aaron Ekblad (5) skates against the Carolina Hurricanes at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 4-1. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

3.Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers (19 years old)

Regarded as the most NHL ready defenseman leading up to the draft, Florida selected Ekblad first overall in 2014. Ekblad is the whole package, impressive offensive instincts combined with shut-down defensive abilities. It’s no surprise he walked away with the Calder Trophy last season. He’s a physical force on the blue-line with excellent gap control.

In 2014-15, Aaron had 39 points for Florida with a +12 on a non-playoff team, often being regarded as, “looking like a veteran defenseman” in his rookie season. So far in 2015-16, he has two assists in seven games. Aaron Ekblad has already emerged as one of the game’s top young blue-liners and could easily find himself in the Norris Trophy conversation year after year for a very long time.

Feb 22, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman (77) warms up before the game against the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2.Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning (24 years old)

Selected second overall at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Hedman got off to a slow-start in his career. It was a rough first three seasons that had fans and experts questioning whether he could be a draft bust. He appeared in 74 games as a rookie in 2009-10, putting up 20 points. He increased his total to 26 points in 2010-11 over 79 games. Hedman only appeared in 61 games in 2011-12, managing just 23 points.

It wasn’t until the lockout shortened season that Victor Hedman started to take major steps in his development. After playing in the KHL for Astana Barys for 26 games, adding 21 points, Hedman played 44 of 48 games for Tampa Bay, producing 20 points. He emerged as Tampa’s best defender in 2013-14 scoring a career-high 55 points (13g 42a) in 75 games, while adding three points in four playoff games. Injuries slowed his season last year in 2014-15, but Hedman still managed 38 points in 59 games, before adding 14 points during Tampa’s 26-game playoff run to the Cup finals.

Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

1.Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Arizona Coyotes (24 years old)

Oliver was drafted by Phoenix sixth overall at 2009 NHL Entry Draft out of Leksands IF (Sweden-1 league). His rookie season in 2010-11, time was split between Phoenix and AHL San Antonio. He appeared in 48 games for Phoenix putting up 11 points. In his first full season in 2011-12, Ekman-Larsson put up an impressive 32 points, while adding four points in 16 games during a nice Coyotes playoff on the shoulders of G Mike Smith.

During the lockout shortened season in 2012-13, Oliver played 20 games for AHL Portland scoring at over a point per game pace with 21. He appeared in all 48 games for Phoenix that season, adding a respectable 24 points. In their last season as Phoenix in 2013-14, Ekman-Larsson had a career-high 44 points. He followed it up with another solid performance in 2014-15, putting up 43 points for Arizona. Already in 2015-16, he has three points in seven games.

Oliver Ekman-Larsson is not just the best defenseman under 25 years of age in the NHL, but is one of the best all-around defenseman in the game. He’s still only 24, and just like every defenseman in this list will be prone to mistakes from time to time. There’s definitely room for growth on the defensive side of the puck, but this young man keeps getting better every year. He’s one of a few pieces in Arizona to be given credit for their extremely hot start to the new season.

Next: Nicklas Backstrom: Talented Capitals Playmaker

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