NHL Number One Defensemen Debate

NHL Number One Defensemen: The Younger Options

There’s 30 teams with a top defender, but only so many carry a quality NHL number one defensemen. Names such as Drew Doughty, Duncan Keith, Shea Weber, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Aaron Ekblad, Ryan Suter, among others come to mind. But when it comes to NHL number one defensemen, which qualities/attributes put them above the rest?

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Typically, number one d-men are the guys that match up against the opponents top-line game-in game-out, shift-to-shift. It’s not uncommon for them to play upwards of half the game (30 minutes/night). These are shut-down defenders that can contribute offensively. They can make the two-line stretch pass or carry the puck with ease into the offensive end. Ability to read plays and make good pinches, and generally rock-solid in a three zones.

The difference between a Duncan Keith and Erik Karlsson usually shows its colors in April and beyond. While Karlsson is the most offensively gifted blueliner in the NHL, his defensive deficiencies are noticeable in the playoffs. Sure, he’s won Norris Trophies, but it was for nothing more than his offensive abilities. This is the difference between the true number one’s and borderline guys.

Good, but not built to be all-around shutdown #1 Defensemen:

Justin Faulk (Carolina), Erik Johnson (Colorado), P.K. Subban (Montreal), Adam Larsson (New Jersey), Erik Karlsson (Ottawa), Kris Letang (Pittsburgh), Brent Burns (San Jose)

Let’s take a look around the league at some potential NHL number one defensemen:

Name, Team (Letter Grading Chance of Success)

Hampus Lindholm, Anaheim Ducks (B)

Anaheim hopes Lindholm can still evolve into a #1 d-man. He hasn’t taken that step in 2015-16 as expected, but there’s still lots of time given his age. He still has more upside long-term than Cam Fowler.

Rasmus Ristolainen, Buffalo Sabres (B+)

He’s taken a major step in 2015-16 evolving as the Sabres top blueliner. We knew about his offensive abilities, but he’s beginning to evolve into a well-rounded d-man. The future is bright for Buffalo.

Noah Hanifin, Carolina Hurricanes (B+)

Justin Faulk leads the way on Carolina’s blueline, but he’s not a number one defenseman. Hanifin only has 10 points as a rookie, but continues to show the poise of a seasoned veteran. Drafted 4th overall last summer, the Hurricanes snagged a well-rounded defender for years to come.

Seth Jones/Ryan Murray, Columbus Blue Jackets (C+)

When Columbus acquired Seth Jones, the thought process was that Ryan Murray and Seth Jones could grow together on the Blue Jackets top pairing. It’s tough to fathom with David Savard arguably being their best defender in 2015-16, and Zach Werenski around the corner. If either has the better chance at being that shut-down defender, it’s Murray over Jones. Seth is more offensively inclined.

John Klingberg, Dallas Stars (B)

Klingberg started the year off hot scoring above a point-per-game pace for a long while. He also scored at a higher rate than Aaron Ekblad among rookie defenseman in 2014-15. He does take some criticism on his play in the defensive zone, but mistakes are common with these young defenders. He plays a similar game to that of fellow Swede Erik Karlsson.

Darnell Nurse/Oscar Klefbom, Edmonton Oilers (C+)

If either of these guys are to evolve into an NHL number one defenseman, it’s likely Darnell Nurse. Fans grew impatient waiting for his arrival, but he’s finally emerged in 2015-16. Oilers fans must be happy with Klefbom’s affordable extension signed last year. There were some questions about handing a long-term extension for a short sample size of NHL experience, but it could pay dividends in the long-run.

Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning (A-)

Some could make arguments that he’s already a number one defenseman. It’s taken some time for Hedman to develop his game, but is coming together over the past two seasons. He’s getting stronger in every facet of the game, and should make a name for himself in Norris conversation in years to come.

Morgan Rielly, Toronto Maple Leafs (B+)

All signs point to Toronto having a potential Norris candidate in the future. A guy prone to mistakes early in his career is getting stronger on both sides of the puck. He’s also beginning to show better poise, and decision-making ability. Give it a few years, and he should be capable of logging Doughty-Suter like minutes.

Jacob Trouba, Winnipeg Jets (B)

Figuring out whether Trouba’s a number one d-man could help solve the confusing case of Dustin Byfuglien. Rumors heading into the season suggested Winnipeg would prefer to pay Trouba opposed to Byfuglien. A decent season, but not stellar on Trouba’s part has put Winnipeg’s GM in a tough position.

Next: NHL Trade Deadline: Top 15 Options

NHL number one defensemen are a rare breed. Few teams have them, but the ones that do have shown success. Think about Detroit, Chicago, and Los Angeles in recent years with Niklas Lidstrom/Niklas Kronwall, Duncan Keith, and Drew Doughty. Not everyone on the list above will pan out, but which ones do you think have the best chance to evolve into one of the NHL’s top blueliners?

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