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Defenseman Rankings: Standard Leagues

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Top 200 | C | LW | RW | D | G

The rankings apply to standard-scoring leagues. Skaters accumulate value via goals, assists, plus/minus, penalty minutes, power-play points, and shots on goal. Goalies track wins, goals-against average, save percentage, and shutouts.

While Doughty is the reigning Norris Trophy winner, each of the defensemen ranked ahead of him offer more upside on the offensive end. Subban may see fewer minutes in Nashville, but his superior supporting cast will offset any production lost as a result. A career year awaits Shattenkirk as he tries for a new contract.

Name Player Team
13 John Carlson WAS
14 Shea Weber MTL
15 Shayne Gostisbehere PHI
16 Aaron Ekblad FLA
17 Rasmus Ristolainen BUF
18 Torey Krug BOS
19 Duncan Keith CHI
20 Ryan Suter MIN
22 Keith Yandle FLA
23 Tyson Barrie COL
24 Alex Pietrangelo STL

Assists have never been a big part of Weber's game, a trend likely to continue with his move to the offensively-challenged Canadiens. He will remain a big threat on the power play and could approach 20 goals yet again. Krug still managed to post a 44-point season while scoring on just 1.6 percent of his shots. With his floor set, he could easily outperform this ranking.

The majority of Faulk's production came via the power play last season, with his 5v5 production being rather mediocre. With power-play production difficult to trust, his floor is quite shaky. Phaneuf on the other hand, didn't score a single power-play goal last season. This will change while joining Karlsson on the top unit at 5v4.

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