Wednesday's Defenseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Wednesday, February 17:
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Keith Yandle (NYR) | vs. CHI | 9 |
| Brent Seabrook (CHI) | at NYR | 8 |
| Nathan Beaulieu (MTL) | at COL | 8 |
Yandle has an assist in each of his past three games, and he's registered multiple shots on goal in each of his past eight. He's played no fewer than 22 minutes in each of his past five games. Seabrook has three goals and eight SOG in his past two games.
Beaulieu returned to the lineup Monday and he registered an assist in over 24 minutes. He plays on the second power play, providing his upside.
Best of the Rest
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Suter (MIN) | at CGY | 7 |
| Duncan Keith (CHI) | at NYR | 7 |
| Dougie Hamilton (CGY) | vs. MIN | 7 |
| Jared Spurgeon (MIN) | at CGY | 6 |
| Andrei Markov (MTL) | at COL | 6 |
| Tyson Barrie (COL) | vs. MTL | 5 |
Suter contributed two assists in his most recent game, but his 27 minutes of ice time were his fewest in his past nine games. It's a nice matchup, but he's less trustworthy than the best options. Keith has been playing the set up man to Seabrook, but he needs a goal in order to return value. The matchup is less than ideal for a multi-point game.
Hamilton is the most appealing option on Calgary's blueline, racking up five points with the help of two multi-point games in his past four outings. He has 15 SOG in that span. Spurgeon is worth considering as an alternative to Suter while still having access to the Wild's best forwards.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| P.K. Subban (MTL) | at COL | 4 |
| Matt Dumba (MIN) | at CGY | 4 |
| Kevin Klein (NYR) | vs. CHI | 4 |
| Mark Giordano (CGY) | vs. MIN | 3 |
| Ryan McDonagh (NYR) | vs. CHI | 2 |
Subban is less appealing than his much cheaper teammates. He has just two multi-point games in his past 10, making it difficult to return value. Dumba and Klein both receive power-play time on second units, but they rarely contribute offensively. McDonagh should be avoided in his return to the lineup.