Courtesy: Getty Images
1) Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators
Of all the top offensive-defenseman, Karlsson is the only one who will crack the top-ten in overall league scoring. He’s now the leader on this Senators team and his game will have to go another level in order for Ottawa to succeed. His vision on the ice is impecable and he’s one of the best playmakers in the game. He’s good for 80+ points if his Sen’s teammates can keep up.
2) P.K. Subban – Montreal Canadiens
One of the most dynamic personalities on and off the ice, Subban showed that he is worth a shiny, new contract after leading the Canadiens in the playoffs last season. Subban has a rocket of a shot and can go end-to-end like no one else in the game. He can easily rack up 70-80 points.
3) Shea Weber – Nashville Predators
Weber lead defenseman in goals last year with 23, and he also has one of the hardest shots in the history of the game. The Trotz-era is over in Nashville, and new coach, Peter Laviolette, will be sure to add more offense to the Predators attack. Weber should see his point totals rise to 60-70.
4) Drew Doughty – L.A. Kings
He might be the over-all best defenseman in the game now. The two-time Cup winner as elevated his game to another level and he’s not done yet. Doughty is smart with and without the puck and can create offense in the opponants zone. He’s good for 60-70 points, but could push 80 with a more lethal Kings offense.
Courtesy; USA Today
5) Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks
Keith recorded 55 assists last year for the second time in his career, and helped the Blackhawks to the Conference Finals last season. He’s one of the best over-all defensemen in the game today, and he doesn’t have to put up a ton of points to prove it – just around 60-70. His +/- is usually around the +20 range and he will get back into double digits in goals.
6) Dustin Byfuglien – Winnipeg Jets
The big guy might not see much time on the wing this year as he has in the past, but Byfuglien will still man the point for the Jets. He moves incredibly well for a man his size and is great on the PP. He may take a step back in his production as the Jets aren’t really that good, but strangers things have happened. He’s good for 15-20 goals and 50-60 points.
7) Mike Green – Washington Capitals
Some may call me crazy for putting Mike Green anywhere on the top-10 or even top-20 list, but I have a feeling Green will make a comeback this season. Of course, I said the same last season, but with Barry Trotz involved, Green could see the same success as Suter and Weber did in Nashville. Green can still carry the power play and has a great shot from the point. He could see the 60 point mark this season.
8) Keith Yandle – Arizona Coyotes
Quietly, Yandle is still one of the best offensive-defensemen in the game. You don’t hear much about him all the way over in Arizona, but he’s a threat whenever he is on the ice. If the Coyotes want to get out of their funk, Yandle is going to be the one to help them do that. He’ll score around 60-points this season.
Courtesy; USA Today
9) Ryan Suter – Minnesota Wild
He may not put up a ton of points, but Suter is one of the best and smartest in the game. He can carry the play and create chances with his vision. He’s not going to score a ton of goals, but he’ll rack up assists. His +/- should be better this year, too.
10) Victor Hedman – Tampa Bay Lightning
Hedman took a while to really make the impact he was expected to as a former top-3 draft pick, but his 55 points last season have made him a darling for fantasy owners. The Lightning are expected to compete for the Cup if they can stay healthy, and Hedman will pad his stats again this season.
Next up: Goaltenders
More to come…
