Prior to the 2023-24 season, we put lists together on the top 10 players for each position, as well as coaches. It goes without saying that it is a very tough list to do given how subjective it is, but nevertheless we are here to do it once again.
As you will see, there are names on this list that have changed due to some defencemen playing exceptional through the first half of the season, while others struggled. With that said, here are the top 10 defensemen in the NHL at the midway point of the 2023-24 season.
10. Josh Morrissey
Josh Morrissey has been a solid, underrated NHL defenceman for a number of years, but really had his coming out party in 2022-23 when he went off for a career-high 76 points in just 78 games. Some thought the offensive explosion may be a one-time thing, but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
While not posting the numbers he did a season ago, Morrissey is already up to 34 points through 47 games. Keep in mind, his career high prior to last season was 37. It is incredible how big of a step the 28-year-old has taken as of late, and he is still only continuing to get better for the Winnipeg Jets.
9. Noah Dobson
Noah Dobson’s 52 points through 49 games this season is extremely impressive. What makes it even more phenomenal is that he is doing it on the New York Islanders, a team that tends to lack star talent and as a result doesn’t produce many goals. One can only imagine how much better his numbers could be on a different roster.
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Dobson’s 52 points lead the team. Meanwhile, his plus/minus of plus-21 is first by a wide margin, as the next closest Isle is Alexander Romanov at plus-12. The 24-year-old Dobson remains very underrated across the league, but that should soon change if he can continue this production.
8. Drew Doughty
Drew Doughty was regarded as an elite defenceman from almost the second he entered the league, and remained in that category for several years. In more recent times, however, he has become a played highly debated over, with some believing he remains one of the best in the business, while others would suggest he is overrated.
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There was a period of time in which Doughty’s play had dropped off, but he is quickly proving it was nothing more than a blip on the radar. The 34-year-old is playing some fantastic hockey for the third season in a row, and while his 27 points in 48 games aren’t outstanding, there is much more to being a defenceman than just producing offence. His league-leading 26 minutes in ice time tells you everything you need to know in terms of his dominance.
7. Victor Hedman
Victor Hedman may no longer be the unanimous top-three defenceman in the NHL any longer, but make no mistake; he is still one of the best. After a rough 2022-23 season, he’s back to producing offence at a great clip with 50 points through 48 games.
What Hedman also has over several defencemen on this list is that he is very strong defensively as well. Though he does appear to slowly be losing a step with age, the future Hall-of-Famer remains a vital piece of the Lightning’s roster.
6. Miro Heiskanen
Few defencemen look as smooth on the ice as Miro Heiskanen. The 24-year-old Finnish blue liner is an absolute treat to watch each and every time he is out on the ice. His stride is flawless, while his offensive skill and hockey IQ are off the charts. While not overly physical, he is sound defensively thanks to great positioning and a good ability at getting his stick in lanes.
The one knock regarding Heiskanen through his first few seasons in the NHL was that despite his obvious skill, he wasn’t producing a ton of offence. That all changed once John Klingberg was moved, as he took over on the top power play unit and looked like a natural doing so, going off for a career-high 73 points in 2022-23. Through 39 games this season, he has 30 points.
5. Roman Josi
Nashville Predators fans should feel blessed that they have been able to witness Roman Josi play for their organization as long as he has. The 33-year-old is one of the most talented defencemen the NHL has seen in some time, and is still playing at an elite level despite his age.
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Josi’s offensive numbers have always been superb, which says a lot given that the Predators are a team that throughout plenty of his tenure has struggled to produce offence. He is continuing to put up big numbers, as he is up to 45 points through 51 games this season. Barring injury, his name will be discussed as a potential Norris Trophy candidate by season’s end.
4. Charlie McAvoy
What a player Charlie McAvoy has turned into for the Boston Bruins. It has been evident for quite some time, but he has really started to put it all together these past few seasons. At 26, he is still only getting better, and should be one of the best defencemen in the NHL for a long period of time moving forward.
While primarily known for his strong defensive play, McAvoy has really started improving his offensive game in recent seasons, and is having his best year to date in that regard. Through 41 games, he is up to 33 points, and has a great shot at surpassing his career-high 56 should he remain healthy the rest of the way.
3. Adam Fox
Despite missing time due to injury this season, Adam Fox has been one of the NHL’s more productive defencemen with seven goals and 37 points through 39 games. At his best, the former Norris Trophy winner is elite offensively, and is by no means a slouch on the other side of the puck.
Fox has several tools that make him so elite, such as is hockey IQ, his puck handling abilities, and his great passing. One that often gets overlooked, however, is his skating. While his stride isn’t as effortless as some of the other games elite skaters, he is able to get up and down the ice about is quick as anyone in the league.
2. Cale Makar
It is quite something to be able to witness Cale Makar on a nightly basis. The 25-year-old is truly transcending the game, as proven by his unfathomable 304 career points in just 282 games played. He already has one Norris Trophy to his name and will have plenty more by the time he is all said and done.
Makar is once again having an outstanding season for the Colorado Avalanche with 12 goals and 58 points in 44 games. Surpassing his career high of 28 goals will be difficult, but he should be able to record 90 or more points for the first time should he remain healthy.
1. Quinn Hughes
While Makar remains the best defenceman in the game, if the 2023-24 season were to end today, Quinn Hughes would be winning the Norris Trophy. The 24-year-old is finally getting the chance to show what he can do when his team is competitive, and the entire hockey world is beginning to finally recognize him as one of the game’s best.
Through 49 games this season, Hughes has 12 goals and 62 points, along with a ridiculous plus/minus of plus33. That plus/minus is tied for first with his defensive partner Filip Hronek amongst all NHLers. While often considered a defensive liability, those who watch him recognize that, while his play in his own zone is far from elite, it isn’t nearly as bad as his detractors would like to make you believe.