Ranking the Best Defensemen in the Metropolitan Division for the 2023-24 NHL Season…

Identifying the finest defenders on the blue line within the division.

Assessing and ranking defensemen is no easy task, a challenge exemplified by the annual Norris Trophy voting. The Metropolitan Division boasts a diverse range of talents, from those who dazzle with skill and high-energy play to those who excel in the art of steady and responsible defense. In this ranking, we aim to strike a balance by acknowledging both styles, as we highlight the top defensemen set to shine in the division this season.

Honorable mentions: John Marino (NJD), Ryan Graves (PIT), Ivan Provorov (CBJ), Rasmus Sandin (WSH), Damon Severson (CBJ).

1. Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers. While Sanheim’s inclusion may seem like a nod to represent each team in the division, his contributions deserve recognition. Last season, he played a staggering 81 games, averaging 21 minutes per game, and maintained a respectable -5 rating for the Flyers. With Ivan Provorov’s departure, Sanheim’s role as the leader of the team’s defense has become even more vital.
2. Jacob Trouba, New York Rangers. Trouba stands out as a physical presence in a league where hard-hitting players are becoming rarer. Beyond his physicality, he remains a capable goal scorer, though his point production has dipped in recent years. As the Rangers’ captain, he continues to display his prowess in moving the puck effectively and remains a force on the ice, whether opponents acknowledge it or not.
3. Noah Dobson, New York Islanders. Dobson earned his place on this list by surpassing the 50-point mark last season, a feat not easily accomplished, especially on the Islanders. Still young, he possesses room for further growth and improvement in his game.
4. Dmitry Orlov, Carolina Hurricanes. Orlov’s transition to a new division does not diminish his significance on this list. His propensity for unleashing powerful shots and a sharp point shot align well with Carolina’s offensive approach. It appears to be a promising match for both player and team.
5. Brett Pesce, Carolina Hurricanes. Pesce has consistently provided stability on the blue line for some time now, even though some recent statistics have questioned his effectiveness. Often overlooked, he plays a crucial role in making Carolina a formidable team year after year.
6. Jonas Siegenthaler, New Jersey Devils. Siegenthaler remains one of the league’s most underrated players and defenders. He quietly contributes significantly to defensive and transitional play, serving as the ideal support partner for a top-line defender. While other players may grab the spotlight, teams value reliable and sturdy options like Siegenthaler.
7. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets. Limited to just 13 games last season due to injury, Columbus is eager for Werenski to return to his peak form. With the addition of young players and some trades, he should receive the support he has been lacking since Seth Jones departed.
8. Brent Burns, Carolina Hurricanes. Burns had an impressive debut season with the Hurricanes, embodying the qualities mentioned earlier. Blueliners with a knack for accurate shooting find success with the Hurricanes, and Burns was no exception. Scoring 18 goals and tallying 61 points, he ranked third in scoring on the division’s top team. Despite his age of 38, Burns continues to be effective in the latter stages of his career.
9. John Carlson, Washington Capitals. Carlson’s season took a significant hit after a frightening injury involving a puck to the head/ear. Although he may have passed his prime as an all-around player, Carlson remains a powerhouse on the power play, consistently amassing points.
10. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins. At 35 years old and following a challenging season, Letang faces the battle against time. The presence of Erik Karlsson might alter Letang’s usage. His defensive metrics have declined over the past 3-5 years, which usually signals the beginning of the end for a top defenseman. The Penguins may need to reduce their reliance on Letang’s 23-25 minutes per game sooner rather than later.
11. Adam Pelech, New York Islanders. Pelech has maintained a high level of performance, despite advanced statistics turning sour on his longtime partner, Ryan Pulock. If Pulock’s form continues to decline, the pressure will increase on Pelech to carry a larger share of the defensive workload and anchor the Islanders’ top pair. Fortunately, he has proven himself as one of the league’s elite all-around defenders.
12. Jaccob Slavin, Carolina Hurricanes. Evaluating defensemen can be challenging due to their diverse playing styles. Slavin may not rank in the top five for offensive production, but he unquestionably stands out as the best pure defender on this list, possibly by a significant margin. His subtle nuances on the ice require careful observation, with his defensive impact ranking among the best in the league.
13. Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite winning the Norris Trophy last season, Karlsson faces the challenge of adapting to his first year with the Penguins. With his remarkable vision, passing skills, skating ability, and audacious plays, Karlsson brings a unique set of talents to the table.
14. Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils. Hamilton delivered a masterclass last season in New Jersey, contributing 22 goals and 74 points while showcasing his puck control skills. He exemplifies the modern-day ideal defenseman with his size, exceptional skating, incredible puck-handling abilities, and scoring prowess from anywhere on the ice.
15. Adam Fox, New York Rangers. Fox maintains his position as the top defenseman for the second consecutive year, thanks to another impressive season in 2022-23. He achieved double-digit goals, recorded over 60 assists, and played over 24 minutes per game in various game situations. Fox was the Norris Trophy runner-up last season and has consistently ranked in the top five for the past three seasons. Remarkably, he is only 25 years old, boasting elite vision, playmaking abilities, skating, and all-around excellence. Adam Fox is arguably the division’s premier blueliner (aside from Cale Makar).”

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