NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 50 Defensemen Under 25 Years Old
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Player Power Rankings: Top 50 Defensemen Under 25 (20-11)
20. Nick Leddy, New York Islanders (24 years old) 1991-03-20
His play is equally strong at both ends of the ice. Leddy combines superb offensive prowess with conscientious and responsible defensive zone play. He does an excellent job of taking away time and space from the opposition, and can also create it for both himself and his teammates. One attribute that makes it all possible is his outstanding skating ability. Leddy is an agile skater with good speed and smoothness in his strides. This can particularly be seen in his transitioning and rushes up the ice. [Hockey’s Future]
One of two trade steals by GM Garth Snow (other being Johnny Boychuk), that made the Islanders instantaneously better on the blueline in 2014-15. The former Cup winner with Chicago appeared in 78 games for the Islanders last season scoring 37 points. He also added five points in seven playoff games. So far in 2015-16, Leddy has 28 points in 58 games.
19. Oscar Klefbom, Edmonton Oilers (22 years old) 1993-07-20
A big and strong defenseman with very impressive leadership qualities and character. Klefbom plays a good two-way game and is fairly good defensively, while probably being capable to chip in more offensively than he has in the past. Reads the play very well and has good enough positioning. Very good skater with a fine passing game. [Elite Prospects]
Drafted 19th overall in 2011 in a pick acquired from a trade that sent Dustin Penner to Los Angeles. Klefbom impressed Oilers management in 2014-15 with 20 points in 60 games, and inked himself a seven-year extension just prior to the 2015-16 season.
He’s since shown us why the Oilers instilled so much confidence in the 22-year-old. Klefbom is one of few bright spots for Edmonton in 2015-16, and looks to be one of Edmonton’s core defenders for many years to come. He had 12 points in 30 games before landing on the IR – Klefbom had surgery for a staph infection.
18. Shayne Gostisbehere, Philadelphia Flyers (22 years old) 1993-04-20
Gostisbehere is an unconventional defenseman who likes to participate in the offensive end and use his skating ability and instincts to advantage. A speedy defenseman, Gostisbehere still needs to improve the defensive aspect of his game. [Hockey’s Future]
Selected 78th overall (3rd round) back in 2012, Gostisbehere had a recent 15-game point streak ended, further cementing his name near the top of the Calder conversation. Selected out of Union College, Gostisbehere spent the next two seasons playing college hockey. He had an injury-filled first season of pro in 2014-15, only seeing seven games total between Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia (seven AHL, two NHL).
After lighting up the AHL for 10 points in 14 games to begin 2015-16, the Flyers called-up Gostisbehere. He’s since produced 34 points in 41 games, scoring a little above the pace set last year by Dallas’ John Klingberg. This third round gem has the potential to be a major contributor along with Ivan Provorov on Philadelphia’s blueline for years to come.
17. Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild (22 years old) 1993-07-12
A two-way defenseman, Brodin has very good mobility and skating ability. Plays a calm, smart game in his own end with impressive positioning. Does well in board battles. Has a solid frame, but could use some bulking up. Brodin’s opening pass is quick and accurate. He could, however, improve his shot. Nice puck skills. [Elite Prospects]
He was selected 10th overall back in 2011 from Farjestads BK Karlstad of the Swedish Elite League (SHL). After spending one more season overseas, Brodin made the jump to North America in 2012-13 (lock-out shortened season), producing 11 points in 45 games as a rookie. He added 19 points in 79 games during his sophomore season.
Brodin is coming off a 17 point season in 2014-15 where he managed to accumulate a +21 rating in 71 games. He’s only got six points in 50 games this season, including a minus-three (-3). One must wonder if the swirling trade rumors throughout 2015-16 are at all effecting his production.
16. Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks (22 years old) 1994-01-20
A quite all-round defenseman with good size and mobility. Skates well and does not mind joining the rush. Hockey sense is impressive and so are his puck skills. Does not shy away from the rough stuff, although not an overly physical player. Used on the man advantage as well as in shorthanded situations. [Elite Prospects]
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 well-rounded 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. Lindholm struggled along with the rest of the team for much of the first half in 2015-16. His play has since come around – he has 18 points in 57 games so far.
15. Seth Jones, Columbus Blue Jackets (21 years old) 1994-10-03
A defenseman with an excellent frame. Jones’ athleticism allows him to be a very good skater for a player of his size. He has excellent mobility and is solid both offensively and defensively. Jones gives a smart first pass and is also capable of utilizing his skating ability to bring the puck up himself. He has good hockey sense and is an asset on the powerplay thanks to his mobility, puck-handling and a very dangerous slap shot. [Matias Strozyk]
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.
After producing 11 points in 40 games this season, the defensive heavy Nashville Predators pulled the trigger on a deal sending Seth Jones to Columbus in exchange for C Ryan Johansen. Stepping into a larger role, and added minutes, Jones has 11 points in 20 games so far with Columbus.
14. Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes (19 years old) 1997-01-25
A dynamic two-way defenseman who has no holes in his game. An exceptionally strong skater who isn’t afraid to take the puck himself and move it up-ice. The confidence that he has in his abilities lets him thrive under heightened competitive levels. The skilled defenseman’s undeniably high level of hockey sense is showcased whenever he touches the puck in the offensive zone. Defensively, he is aggressive, constantly pushing for puck possession and a quick transition to offense, but at the same time steadfast, reliable, and patient. He is poised beyond his years and mature in his decision making. All-in-all, Noah Hanifin is the ideal all-around defenseman who leaves no area of his game untended. [Curtis Joe]
Taken 5th overall at last summer’s top-heavy draft, Hanifin was widely regarded as both the best defensive prospect, and most NHL ready blueliner, coming off a big year at Boston College. He earned a roster spot as an 18-year-old out of training camp, and is having a very similar season to that of 2014-15 Calder Trophy winner Aaron Ekblad – with less production. He’s only 13 points in 58 games so far, but the stats don’t tell the whole story. He’s looked as poised as a seasoned vet, with strong play away from the puck.
With Justin Faulk and Noah Hanifin leading a very promising defensive group, the Hurricanes have the pieces in place to be legitimate Cup contenders in the very near future – as long they continue to add quality pieces up-front.
13. Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets (21 years old) 1994-02-26
A smooth skating two-way defenseman with a big body. Trouba is a smart player and does most things really well. One stand-out skill is his heavy shot. He also has good timing in his physical play and is a real competitor. Can set up and finish plays on the man advantage, as well as being a very valuable in shorthanded situations. [Elite Prospects]
Taken ninth overall at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, 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 scoresheet, but should eventually develop into one of the best two-way defenders in the game. So far in 2015-16, Trouba has 14 points in 59 games.
12. Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs (21 years old) 1994-03-09
An offensively very skilled defenseman that plays a decent defensive game at the same time. Gifted skater with nice puck skills and a good shot. Not a very physical player. [Elite Prospects]
One of the few bright spots for Toronto from the Brian Burke era, Reilly was selected 5th 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 saw growth in his first two full seasons in Toronto, and is 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 (8 goals, 21 assists) in 81 games played. Rielly 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 emerge as an elite defender in the NHL somewhere down the road. So far in 2015-16, Rielly has 25 points in 58 games, while matching up frequently against the opponent’s top lines.
More puck prose: NHL Trade Deadline: 25 Hypothetical Trades
11. Sami Vatanen, Anaheim Ducks (24 years old) 1991-06-03
A small and talented defenseman. An excellent skater who understands the game well and is useful on powerplay. Needs to improve physically. Good stickhandling. [Matias Strozyk]
A fourth round steal for Anaheim at the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Vatanen was a highly productive offensive defenseman drafted out of JyP HT Jyvaskyla in Finland’s SM Liiga. He had 42 points in 49 games his last season in Europe. He made the easy transition to North American style play, piling up 45 points in 62 games his first season with AHL Norfolk in 2012-13.
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.
Vatanen was among those struggling at the beginning of the year when Anaheim wasn’t winning or scoring goals. With a ceiling of 50-plus point capability, fans and management quickly drew frustrated with Vatanen in 2015-16. Rumors suggest he was openly being offered in trades, and was almost dealt until the asking price got too high. He’s come alive in the second half, and now has 30 points in 58 games.
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