I will typically create a written version for each ranking video I produce. This is because I understand that some individuals prefer reading rankings rather than watching videos. Additionally, having a written version readily available makes it more convenient to revisit and extract specific pieces of information you may be looking for. However, if you prefer the video format, you can find a direct link to it just below.
#1. David Jiricek
| Age: 19 | Height: 6’3″ |
| Date of Birth: Nov 28 2003 | Weight: 209 lbs |
| Origin: Czechia | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2022 Draft, Round 1, #6 Ovr, CBJ | Shoots: Right |
Following a promising draft +1 year, Jiricek appears to check most boxes for a high-caliber two-way defenseman, with the exception of his skating, which still needs some refinement.
He’s a real assertive defenseman on the ice, quick to close the gap and thwart opponents before they even think about entering the offensive zone. He’s all about keeping that blue line secure. But in case they do breach it, he’s equally adept at pinning them to the boards or disrupting their passing lanes.
When he’s on the offensive side, he’s very active. Jiricek might not be the flashiest player, but he’s excellent at creating scoring opportunities, especially when he ventures deep into the offensive zone. His maneuvering along the blue line sets up some sweet shooting lanes, and he’s got a wicked wrist shot. He’s all about being in the right spot at the right time, ready to shoot or dish the puck.
All in all, he’s a game-changer on both ends of the rink. While his potential might not scream “top of the class” within this top 10 list, he’s the one with the best shot at reaching his full potential.
#2. Luke Hughes
| Age: 20 | Height: 6’2″ |
| Date of Birth: Sept 9 2003 | Weight: 183 lbs |
| Origin: USA | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2021 Draft, Round 1, #4 Ovr, NJD | Shoots: Left |
Among all the defensemen on this list, Hughes is the one I believe holds the highest ceiling. However, unlike Jiricek, he still has some ground to cover in becoming a proficient defender. The potential, though, is undeniable. He’s got the size, the hockey IQ, and the skating prowess necessary to make it happen.
It’s worth noting that he’s not starting from scratch; he’s already a competent defender. Yet, he tends to have moments of mental lapses and isn’t the most aggressive or physical player out there. He’s adept at using his body and stick to block passing lanes and can cover a lot of ice in the defensive zone, thanks to his exceptional skating. Nevertheless, a bit more physicality wouldn’t hurt his game.
Where Hughes truly shines is on the breakout and in the offensive zone. He possesses some of the finest hands you’ll find in a defenseman. When you couple that with his speed, agility, and vision, he’s poised to become one of the NHL’s premier transition defensemen, all while remaining an efficient and savvy offensive force during 5v5 play, not to mention a future top-tier power play quarterback.
Imagine what Quinn Hughes could be with a bit more size; well, that’s what Luke brings to the table.
#3. Dmitri Simashev
| Age: 18 | Height: 6’4″ |
| Date of Birth: Feb 4 2005 | Weight: 201 lbs |
| Origin: Russia | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2023 Draft, Round 1, #6 Ovr, Ari | Shoots: Left |
My heart led the way when it came to ranking Simashev at this position. He reminds me a bit of what Slafkovsky was for me in the previous year—an absolute potential sensation. When you break down his tools individually, you’ll find they’re as good as they come. However, he hasn’t quite figured out how to harness it all yet, and his on-ice production doesn’t quite align with the talent he possesses.
As of this moment, in 17 KHL games, Simashev has managed only 1 assist. In his first 5 games, he was often playing close to or under 10 minutes, so it’s not entirely fair to hold that against him. Now, he’s averaging around 15-16 minutes a night, but, as I mentioned, the output is still lacking.
Simashev is an imposing figure—a tall, physical, and incredibly smooth-skating defenseman with an aggressive defensive style. He defends against rushes like his life depended on it and handles the cycle by essentially smothering opponents along the boards. I find watching him trail a player in the defensive zone to be an experience akin to being cornered by a grizzly bear or something.
Unfortunately, this imposing presence doesn’t quite translate to the offensive zone, although there are glimpses of potential. He may not be the most skillful handler, but he employs an array of fakes and body movements to misdirect opponents, often leaving them going one way while he goes the other. It’s clear he has the understanding of how to generate offense from the blue line, but the puzzle pieces haven’t quite come together in the offensive zone yet.
At the very least, the Coyotes acquired a top-tier defender who can break out of the defensive zone with ease but might not contribute significantly to the stat sheet. However, if he manages to put it all together, they could have one of the very best two-way defensemen in the NHL on their hands.
#4. Simon Nemec
| Age: 19 | Height: 6’1″ |
| Date of Birth: Feb 15 2004 | Weight: 190 lbs |
| Origin: SVK | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2022 Draft, Round 1, #2 Ovr, NJD | Shoots: Right |
Simon Nemec embodies the concept of being in the right place at the right time, with a high end hockey sense that sets him apart. He’s one of those players who make hockey look effortless, as if the game is second nature to him.
Yet, Nemec isn’t just about his hockey IQ; he’s also highly skilled and an excellent skater. He keeps his head up on the ice, continually scanning for opportunities before retrieving the puck deep in the zone or making a precise pass to a teammate.
There’s still room for improvement on the defensive side of his game, but he’s making notable progress, and I don’t believe it will be a glaring weakness. While not the most aggressive defender, he adeptly combines positioning in coverage with close checking to limit the opponent’s time and space.
On the offensive side of the blue line, he combines a blend of skating, puck-handling, and vision to create passing lanes or jump in open pocket of space to positions himself effectively for quick shots or redirection passes.
While he may not be a top power-play choice on a contender, the Devils don’t necessarily require him to be, given the presence of players like Hamilton and Hughes to fill that role.
#5. Simon Edvinsson
| Age: 20 | Height: 6’6″ |
| Date of Birth: feb 5 2003 | Weight: 216 lbs |
| Origin: SWE | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2021 Draft, Round 6, #4 Ovr, DET | Shoots: Left |
I’m not ready to say I have a love-hate relationship with Edvinsson but it’s something close. At times, I’m captivated by his game, but at other times, I’m left underwhelmed. I’m sure that when he makes his debut in the NHL, he’ll prove me wrong, but that’s just the way it goes.
What’s intriguing about Edvinsson is that, much like Simashev, there aren’t many defensemen of his size who can skate as gracefully as he does. However, Edvinsson sets himself apart with his excellent puck-handling skills. You might wonder why he’s ranked 5th while Simashev is at 3rd. Well, the difference lies in their playing styles. Edvinsson is a solid and aggressive defenseman, but Simashev brings an overwhelming presence on the ice.
When it comes to offensive potential, I believe Edvinsson has the edge. Although he hasn’t displayed consistent offensive prowess, there are moments when he truly shines. He has a knack for identifying passing and shooting lanes, seamlessly navigating the ice both vertically and laterally to disrupt the opponent’s defensive structure. Edvinsson isn’t afraid to venture deep into the offensive zone, using his size to shield the puck, evading pressure with his skating, and finding open teammates. If he could replicate this level of performance more regularly, he could easily be a top-three prospect, but unfortunately, he doesn’t do it consistently.
Defensively, Edvinsson maintains tight coverage on his opponents and effectively use his stick to control a considerable amount of ice. He’s physically imposing and doesn’t shy away from a physical style of play. However, there are moments when he appears to lose track of the structure behind him, and this can leave him vulnerable. With the right coaching and experience, I’m confident that this aspect of his game can be improved.
All in all, Edvinsson is a highly promising package, but he requires more experience and consistency to become an elite NHL defenseman.
#6. Brandt Clarke
| Age: 20 | Height: 6’2″ |
| Date of Birth: Feb 9 2003 | Weight: 185 lbs |
| Origin: CAN | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2021 Draft, Round 1, #8 Ovr, LAK | Shoots: Right |
Few NHL defensemen possess the offensive creativity that Brandt Clarke brings to the table. His dynamic offensive instincts turn him into a virtual fourth forward when he crosses the offensive blue line.
Clarke’s abilities extend equally to passing and shooting; he’s a highly skilled playmaker and a shooting threat. While he may not be the fastest skater out there, which could pose challenges against NHL-level pressure, his exceptional puck-handling and intelligent playmaking more than compensate for it. I have no doubts about his capabilities in this regard.
He excels at baiting opponents, whether they’re forecheckers or defensive players in the offensive zone, to open up space for his passes or shots. Clarke leverages his teammates effectively to advance the play or reposition for better opportunities to shoot or pass. He possesses all the qualities required to be a premier playmaker from the back end.
On the defensive front, there’s room for improvement. Opponents can exploit his below-average skating by increasing the pace or outmaneuvering him, leaving him unable to recover. Defending against the rush might be a challenge, but in-zone defense doesn’t appear as problematic, in my opinion. Thanks to his high hockey IQ, he positions himself well and knows when to close off space.
Currently, it might be a bit premature to consider him a first-pair defenseman in the future, as facing the best opponents nightly could expose his skating and defensive vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, his offensive prowess will more than make up for any defensive shortcomings. Time will tell how he develops, but there’s no doubt that he’s poised to make a significant impact.
#7. Lane Hutson
| Age: 19 | Height: 5’10” |
| Date of Birth: Feb 14 2004 | Weight: 161 lbs |
| Origin: USA | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2022 Draft, Round 2, #62 Ovr, MTL | Shoots: Left |
Lane Hutson is a unique case in the world of hockey. He doesn’t fit the mold of a typical highly-rated defenseman, both in terms of his physical build and playing style. Everything about him stands out from the norm.
You may have encountered agile and elusive players in the past, but Lane takes shifty moves to a whole new level. He utilizes his entire body to deceive opponents in a manner that I’ve never witnessed before. While some players rely on their feet, eyes, head, and shoulders to create fakes, Lane excels in a league of his own. His agility allows him to shift his weight onto one foot, making you believe he’s going one way and then seamlessly transitioning his entire body in the opposite direction. It’s almost like he’s the Kyrie Irving of defensemen.
His exceptional blend of deception, hockey IQ, and puck skills make him one of the most promising offensive prospects in the NHL. However, he still has room for improvement. One aspect he needs to work on is finding the right balance between flashy plays and simplifying his game when breaking the puck out, reducing the number of turnovers he generates in his own zone. There are moments when his plays resemble the PK Subban spinoramas, which may not be ideal when he’s the last man back in the defensive zone or at the blue line.
While Lane may not be the type of defender who shuts down entries or pins players along the boards during cycling plays, he manages well when defending against rushes, despite some pivot issues. In the defensive zone, he positions himself effectively between players, blocking passing lanes and displaying good stickwork.
It’s clear that Lane’s primary strength lies in his offensive contributions, and that’s where he shines brightest. When he’s on the ice, he’s the player you want to have the puck on his stick because he can make things happen better than anyone else on this list.
#8. Pavel Mintyukov
| Age: 19 | Height: 6’1″ |
| Date of Birth: Nov 25 2003 | Weight: 192 lbs |
| Origin: Russia | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2022 Draft, Round 1, #10 Ovr, ANA | Shoots: Left |
When I initially created the video version of this article, I placed Mintyukov at the 8th position, which seemed fitting at the time. I also made a point to gauge the general opinion on Mintyukov to ensure I wasn’t overrating him. It appeared that most people favored Korchinski over him, a view I disagreed with. However, I hesitated to rank him too high, fearing it might make me look imprudent. Looking back, I’ve learned my lesson—Mintyukov should have been ranked higher from the start.
Now, admittedly, I’m reflecting on this with the benefit of having observed Mintyukov in nine NHL games. Yet, he’s proving to be an exceptional player. He’s logging around 19 minutes per game and making substantial contributions on both ends of the ice. His shooting, passing, and skating abilities are impressive, clearly demonstrating that he comprehends the game at an NHL pace. While there might be fluctuations in his performance, given the nature of the game, his overall gameplay is so well-rounded and well-suited to the NHL that any downturns should be relatively minor. Besides, consistency has never been a significant concern for him.
What stands out to me about Mintyukov is his versatility. He can adapt his play to suit any situation. He excels in positional play, demonstrates physicality when needed, and displays a knack for both passing and skating the puck out. Furthermore, he can create opportunities in the offensive zone, utilizing his skating prowess and puck movement to open up shooting lanes or take shots on goal himself.
In the end, I believe there’s a fair chance that Mintyukov could emerge as Anaheim’s top defenseman. He seems to lack any glaring flaws that can’t be rectified, and he possesses the intelligence and determination to adapt and improve his game continuously.
#9. Olen Zellweger
| Age: 20 | Height: 5’9″ |
| Date of Birth: Sept 10 2003 | Weight: 174 lbs |
| Origin: CAN | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2021 Draft, Round 2, #34 Ovr, ANA | Shoots: Left |
Watching Zellweger play is an absolute delight. He’s a fearless, elite skater—a small but potent bundle of energy—that seems to be everywhere on the ice. This, however, presents a double-edged sword. His style of play is both a blessing and a potential challenge. While it largely depends on the coach and the system in place, there aren’t many structures that currently accommodate his free-roaming style. It might be a bit more challenging for him to adapt to a more structured professional game and adhere to pro-level systems.
Yet, Zellweger’s exceptional talent and intelligence make me doubt that this will be a lasting problem. Zellweger’s play is high risk but equally high reward. For Anaheim to capitalize on his skills, they’ll need sharp and quick-thinking forwards to cover for him when he ventures deep into the offensive zone, as he tends to make sudden moves without much warning.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, his style of play can be both good and bad. Zellweger thrives in what one might term “positionless hockey,” essentially giving his team an extra forward whenever he’s on the ice. He exhibits a skill set that matches up with any forward while also boasting incredible skating abilities and excellent mobility in all directions, allowing him to seamlessly transition between offensive and defensive responsibilities.
An extraordinary aspect of his game, especially for a defenseman, is his propensity for shooting the puck. While his shot might not be particularly heavy, Zellweger is a volume shooter who consistently puts pucks on net, suggesting he’ll undoubtedly score many goals at the NHL level.
The big question mark remains whether Zellweger can evolve beyond being an outstanding power play specialist with limited minutes on the third pairing. It’s uncertain if he can elevate his overall game to become a top-four defenseman capable of facing top opponents, retaining his prowess on the power play, and contributing effectively on both ends of the ice during 5v5 situations. Only time will provide the answer to that.
#10. David Reinbacher
| Age: 18 | Height: 6’2″ |
| Date of Birth: Oct 25 2004 | Weight: 194 lbs |
| Origin: AUT | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2023 Draft, Round 1, #5 Ovr, MTL | Shoots: Right |
My assessment of Reinbacher is somewhat uncertain. His statistics from his draft year and his defensive prowess suggest the potential for an elite defenseman, but my personal observations don’t align with what the stat sheet indicates.
Reinbacher possesses several promising attributes. He has the physical tools, defensive IQ, and skating ability that could propel him into the ranks of high-end NHL defensemen. However, he seems to lack some offensive tools necessary to project him as a first-pairing defenseman. As a devoted Habs fan, I genuinely hope my assessment is proven wrong!
Defensively, Reinbacher is relentless and assertive when closing in on attackers. He doesn’t make it easy for them to gain the offensive zone, and once they do, he aggressively pursues them to regain possession. I’m confident that he will become a crucial player for the Habs, someone they’ll rely on in critical situations.
At present, he appears to be a high-caliber defenseman in both the defensive and transitional aspects of the game. He reads the game swiftly, maintains awareness of his surroundings, and possesses the agility to elude pressure. Additionally, he boasts the necessary puck-handling skills and vision to execute long and rapid breakouts, stretching passes across two lines.
Where his game may fall short of expectations for a fifth overall pick is in his offensive play once he crosses the offensive blue line. While he retains his strengths in scanning the ice, maneuvering on the ice, and identifying potential receivers, he seems to struggle with execution. His puck-handling is not of a high standard, appearing choppy and predictable. Moreover, he appears to lack the ability to create misdirection using his hands, feet, or even just his gaze to remove opponents’ sticks and create open passing lanes. This is an area where he could learn a thing or two from future teammate Lane Hutson.
However, it’s worth acknowledging his ability to recognize open space and his willingness to activate in the offensive zone, either as a shooting option or as a pivot to connect passes between better-positioned teammates. It will be intriguing to witness the development of his offensive game this season and see if he can become less predictable in his approach.
HN. Alexander Nikishin
| Age: 22 | Height: 6″4″ |
| Date of Birth: Oct 2 2001 | Weight: 216 lbs |
| Origin: Russia | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2020 Draft, Round 3, #69 Ovr, CAR | Shoots: Left |
What a discovery Alexander Nikishin has been for the Carolina Hurricanes! Drafted in 2020 as a big, reasonably mobile, physical defensive defenseman, his development has exceeded all expectations. From my own observations and discussions with others, there were no early indicators of the player he has become. While he played 29 games in the KHL during his draft year, he was primarily recognized for his imposing presence and powerful shot. However, nobody foresaw the exceptional passing ability, vision, and rapid decision-making IQ he possesses.
In my video, I aimed to be fair, so I placed him in the honorable mentions. Yet, the undeniable reality is that he’s been dominating the KHL for a second consecutive year, trusted with an average of 24-25 minutes of ice time per night. There’s no doubt he should be ranked in the top 10. Currently, I have Jiricek as the best defensive prospect in the NHL because his game is exceptionally well-rounded. The same can be said for Nikishin, and his track record keeps shining brighter. Some might argue that Jiricek’s defensive skills are superior, even if they come with some risk, and I tend to agree. Nikishin might not quite be on the same level, but he’s certainly closing the gap.
A definitive assessment will have to wait until he sets foot in North America, playing on NHL-sized ice and at NHL speed. However, I fully anticipate that he will rise to become one of the top players on this list.
HN. Kevin Korchinski
| Age: 19 | Height: 6’3″ |
| Date of Birth: Jun 21 2004 | Weight: 185 lbs |
| Origin: CAN | Position: Defense |
| Drafted: 2022 Draft, Round 1, #7 Ovr, CHI | Shoots: Left |
Kevin Korchinski represents the essence of aggressiveness when it comes to transitional play. Watching him in action, particularly in the WHL, is a delightful experience. While I’ve only had the chance to catch a few of his NHL games, it’s evident that he maintains unwavering confidence when carrying the puck and prefers to attack directly rather than sitting back and waiting.
Clearly, Korchinski has some learning and balancing to do between pure offense and patience to minimize turnovers. However, there’s no better way for a young player to develop than by experimenting with plays and seeing what works. Fortunately, it appears that his mistakes aren’t overly penalized, given that the Blackhawks may not expect to be highly competitive, affording him the freedom to make plays happen.
Korchinski possesses a highly comprehensive toolkit with good skating, size, offensive and defensive IQ, aggressiveness, a good shot, and exceptional puck-handling skills. The question at hand is whether he can effectively harness and utilize this toolkit. If he can, he has the potential to become a formidable first-pairing two-way defenseman with high offensive capabilities. However, if he struggles to piece it all together, he might require some sheltering.
In my view, the most crucial aspect of his development will be learning to balance his aggressiveness to avoid creating turnovers in his own zone while still making things happen when it truly counts. Only time will reveal how he navigates this path.
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