2021 Fantasy Hockey Defensemen Rankings

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 29, 2020.

1. Victor Hedman, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
   
   
   The second overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is the NHL's most consistent defenseman as he's spent every year in the NHL despite being a highly touted two-way defenseman coming out of Sweden. Victor Hedman has been a top 5 defenseman dating back to 2011 which is why Tampa Bay has consistently been in the playoffs where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions four times in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018 before Hedman won the Conn Smythe Award for helping Tampa Bay win the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.
   
   
   
   Victor Hedman has 55 points or more in each season except one dating back to 2013-2014. That kind of consistency makes Victor Hedman the only defensemen worth drafting in the first round of Fantasy Hockey drafts.
   
   
   
   
2. John Carlson, D, Washington Capitals
   
   
   John Carlson was the Washington Capitals 2008 first round pick. He's been with the Capitals each season dating back to 2009-2010 during Hedman's rookie season. John Carlson has three consecutive seasons of 68 points making him a great second round pick in Fantasy Hockey leagues. You cannot fault someone for taking Carlson in the first round if Hedman is off the board.
   
   
   
   
3. Quinn Hughes, D, Vancouver Canucks
   
   
   Quinn Hughes had more points than Cale Makar despite losing the Calder Trophy to Makar for rookie of the year. Vancouver's 2018 first round pick already looks like the biggest steal in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft after falling to the Vancouver Canucks at 7. Quinn Hughes had 8 goals, 45 assists, and 53 points in his rookie season when he complimented Chris Tanev on Vancouver's first line working his way up from the second to the first line. Now Quinn Hughes will be the undisputed leader of this defense which was a role he embraced when he was on the Michigan Wolverines. Quinn Hughes is a second round pick in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
   
   
   
   
4. Cale Makar, D, Colorado Avalanche
   
   
   Cale Makar was drafted fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft after playing for the Brooks Bandits in the AJHL. Cale Makar had 12 goals, 38 assists, and 50 points as a rookie edging out Quinn Hughes for the Calder Memorial Trophy. Makar anchored Colorado's blue line beating out veterans like Erik Johnson and Tyson Barrie to anchor Colorado's blue line. Expect Makar to remain the leader of this blue line for years to come. I have a second round grade on Makar, but you should be able to ge the 2020 Calder Trophy winner in the third round of Fantasy Hockey leagues.
   
   
   
   
5. Alex Pietrangelo, D, Vegas Golden Knights
   
   
   Alex Pietrangelo was captain of the St. Louis Blues when they won the 2019 Stanley Cup Finals. Alex Pietrangelo signed a monster contract with the Vegas Golden Knights, now the former Blues captain and former first round pick anchors the blue line for the Vegas Golden Knights. I have a third round grade on Alex Pietrangelo, but I cannot fault a Fantasy Hockey owner if they take Pietrangelo early if Victor Hedman, John Carlsson, Quinn Hughes, and Cale Makar off the board.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Dougie Hamilton, D, Carolina Hurricanes
   
   
   Dougie Hamilton was a defenseman for the Niagara IceDogs in the Ontario Hockey League drafted seventh overall by the Boston Bruins back in 2011. He was in the OHL when Boston won their Stanley Cup. He played in the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals as rookie before putting a 40 point season together with Boston in 2014-2015.
   
   
   
   Hamilton was traded to Calgary in the 2015 Offseason for a first round pick and two second round picks in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Calgary traded Hamilton to Carolina for Elias Lindholm and Noah Hanifin.
   
   
   
   Dougie Hamilton has 39 points or more in every season dating back to 2014-2015 in his final season with the Boston Bruins. Hamilton anchors Calgary's first line and while he's not as good as the top five defensemen in the NHL, you could argue he's the most consistent defender after the top five defensemen in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
   
   
   
   I have a third round grade on Dougie Hamilton in Fantasy Hockey. Hamilton is a nice pick in the third round since he's now the top defender on Carolina ever since Justin Faulk signed his contract with the St. Louis Blues.
   
   
   
   
7. Roman Josi, D, Nashville Predators
   
   
   Nashville may have the NHL's best first line tandem on the blue line with Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis being two of my top eight defensemen. Josi is the team captain and a 2008 second round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft while Ryan Ellis is Nashville's 2009 first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Ellis anchors the top line, but Josi led defenders on this team in points. Both guys are worth third round picks in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
   
   
   
   
8. Ryan Ellis, D, Nashville Predators
   
   
   Nashville may have the NHL's best first line tandem on the blue line with Roman Josi and Ryan Ellis being two of my top eight defensemen. Josi is the team captain and a 2008 second round draft pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft while Ryan Ellis is Nashville's 2009 first round pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft.
   
   
   
   Ellis anchors the top line, but Josi led defenders on this team in points. Both guys are worth third round picks in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
   
   
   
   
9. Morgan Rielly, D, Toronto Maple Leafs
   
   
   The former Moose Jaw Warrior was drafted fifth overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Brian Burke had Rielly as his top prospect in that draft class.
   
   
   
   Morgan Rielly has 27 points in each NHL season he's participated in. He did not join Toronto until 2013-2014 until the year after his rookie season. Rielly had 20 goals, 52 assists, and 72 points in 2018-2019 during an 82 game season. If he can get around 50 points in 56 NHL games, it will be considered a successful season by Rielly. I have a third round grade on Morgan Rielly.
   
   
   
   
10. T.J. Brodie, D, Toronto Maple Leafs
    
    
    T.J. Brodie anchored Calgary's top line. With Tyson Barrie and Cody Ceci no longer on Toronto, Brodie is a much needed addition as he compliments Rielly quite well on this roster.
    
    
    
    T.J. Brodie is quite the two-way defenseman. He had five consecutive regular seasons with 25 assists or more. That streak ended last season when the regular season got shortened due to Covid-19. I have a third roud grade on T.J. Brodie.
    
    
    
    
    
    
11. Torey Krug, D, St. Louis Blues
    
    
    Torey Krug posted 40 assists or more in five consecutive seasons with the Boston Bruins before signing with the St. Louis Blues. Krug complimented Boston Bruins team captain Zdeno Chara. Now he replaces St. Louis Blues team captain Alexander Pieterangelo since the Blues only wanted to pay $6-million for a defenseman. The St. Louis Blues have three defensemen that warrant fourth round grades in Fantasy Hockey even after losing their team captain.
    
    
    
    
12. Colton Parayko, D, St. Louis Blues
    
    
    Colton Parayko was a 2012 third round pick for the St. Louis Blues. He's been a nice role player and earned his way up to the first line where he complimented Alex Pieterangelo last season. The St. Louis Blues have three defensemen that warrant fourth round grades in Fantasy Hockey even after losing their team captain.
    
    
    
    
13. Justin Faulk, D, St. Louis Blues
    
    
    Justin Faulk anchored the Carolina Hurricanes blue line when he was in a contract year by getting the Carolina Hurricanes to the 2019 Eastern Conference Finals as a wild card. Faulk's play declined once he signed a contract with the St. Louis Blues as a 2019 NHL Free Agent. He's now on the St. Louis Blues second line, but he's a nice addition for any Fantasy owner if he can regain the form he had when he was on the Carolina Hurricanes. The St. Louis Blues have three defensemen that warrant fourth round grades in Fantasy Hockey even after losing their team captain.
    
    
    
    
14. Brent Burns, D, San Jose Sharks
    
    
    Brent Burns didn't reach his ceiling until he joined the San Jose Sharks despite being a 2003 first round pick who spent the early part of his career with the Minnesota Wild. Burns number of shots taken has increased each season since joining San Jose. He's had a minimum of 48 points dating back to 2013-2014. I have a fifth round grade on Brent Burns in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
15. John Klingberg, D, Dallas Stars
    
    
    John Klingberg is one of the NHL's best defensive defenders despite not having the offensive stats you want. The Dallas Stars 2011 fifth round pick will be entering a contract year next season, which is why Klingberg is poised for a big season either this season or next season. I have a fifth round grade on John Klingberg in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
    
    
16. Esa Lindell, D, Dallas Stars
    
    
    John Klingberg may anchor the Dallas Stars blue line. Esa Lindell compliments him on the Dallas Stars first line when it comes to the blue line in big D. Lindell, the Dallas Stars 2012 third round pick is from Finland just like Klingberg. Esa Lindell has three consecutive seasons with 20 assists or more. He's consistent enough offensively to warrant being drafted here. I have a fifth round grade on Esa Lindell in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
17. Miro Heiskanen, D, Dallas Stars
    
    
    Miro Heiskanen improved his point total and his defensive play in 2019-2020 before dominating in the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoff bubble. The former third overall pick in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft looks like a great two-way defender with the talent and skill set to play on the first line. Dallas can continue to let Heiskanen develop for a few years like Boston did with Charlie McAvoy before promoting him to the first line assuming they don't want to extend Klingberg. I have a fifth round grade on Miro Heiskanen in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
18. Erik Karlsson, D, San Jose Sharks
    
    
    Ottawa's 2008 first roud pick was the best defenseman in Fantasy Hockey five years ago. He now compliments Brian Burns on the first line, but San Jose may move him to the second line just due to how thin that defense is outside of Burns and Karlsson. I have a fifth round grade on Erik Karlsson in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
19. Seth Jones, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
    
    
    The former fourth overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft, struggled early in his career with the Nashville Predators. Columbus deserves all the credit in the world for giving the former Portland Winterhawk a second chance. Seth Jones had 24 assists and 30 points in each of his full seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets dating back to 2016-2017 after Nashville moved Seth Jones to Columbus for Ryan Johansen. Seth Jones also has had a +/- rating in the positive dating back to 2016-2017, so that is another reason to take Jones. I have a fifth round grade on Seth Jones in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
20. Zach Werenski, D, Columbus Blue Jackets
    
    
    The Columbus Blue Jackets 2015 first round pick out of Michigan compliments Seth Jones on the Columbus Blue Jackets top line. Zach Werenski has a minimum of 37 points in each of his first four NHL seasons. He also had a +/- rating in the positive in three of his first four NHL seasons which is why Werenski rounds out my top twenty. I have a fifth round grade on Zach Werenski in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
    
    
21. Rasmus Dahlin, D, Buffalo Sabres
    
    
    The former Frolunda Indian was drafted first overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. Dahlin ended up playing on Buffalo's first line anchoring their blue line right away as an 18-year-old. Dahlin had 44 points as a rookie, but only 40 points in his second season despite improving defensively. Rasmus Dahlin is due for a breakout season at some point and with him entering the final year of his rookie deal now being 21-years-old, something tells me that this may be Dahlin's breakout year. I have a sixth round grade on Rasmus Dahlin in Fantasy Hockey this season even though most sites have a seventh round grade on him because him being in a contract year may motivate him to perform well enouh to receive an extension.
    
    
    
    
22. Shea Weber, D, Montreal Canadiens
    
    
    Shea Weber still anchors the Montreal Canadiens blue line even at the age of 35-years-old. He's also the team captain of the Montreal Candiens after being shipped to Canada from Nashville in the Shea Weber P.K. Subban trade. Shea Weber helped knock out Pittsburgh in the playoff bubble last year during the qualifier round of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. He also has 102 career power play goals which is why you should take him around the seventh round in your Fantasy Hockey league.
    
    
    
    
23. Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins
    
    
    Kris Letang, Pittsburgh's 2005 third round pick may not be the top ten to top fifteen defenseman he used to be, but he's still pretty damn reliable. Not only is Letang, Pittsburgh's best defender, he has seven seasons with 10 or more goals along with 5 NHL seasons where he generated at least 40 assists dating back to 2006-2007. The 33-year-old Letang will turn 34 before the 2021 Stanley Cup Playoffs, so this year and next season when he enters his contract year, are two years Penguins fans need to keep an eye on. I have a seventh round grade on Kris Letang in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
24. Ivan Provorov, D, Philadelphia Flyers
    
    
    Ivan Provorov was my favorite defenseman in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. I loved him and Zach Werenski on tape despite the fact that many outlets had Noah Hanifin out of Boston College as the top ranked defenseman that year. The 23-year-old Ivan Provorov made the jump to the NHL when he was 19 and has not missed a single game the past four seasons since he anchors Philadelphia's first line on the blue line. I have a seventh round grade on Ivan Provorov in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
25. Ethan Bear, D, Edmonton Oilers
    
    
    Ethan Bear, Darnell Nurse, and Caleb Jones were all on Edmonton last season. Ethan Bear was the only Oiler among those three to score a power play goal. The 2015 fifth round pick was a top 100 prospect that fell to Edmonton. The scary thing is Bear is expected to anchor Edmonton's first line. I have an eighth round grade on Ethan Bear in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
    
    
26. Darnell Nurse, D, Edmonton Oilers
    
    
    Darnell Nurse was drafted seventh overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. The former Sault Ste. Marie Greyhound is also a nephew of former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. Nurse has three consecutive seasons of 20 assists making him a nice quarterback to generate assists to other teammates on the ice. I have an eighth round grade on Darnell Nurse in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
27. Tyson Barrie, D, Edmonton Oilers
    
    
    Tyson Barrie was one of the best offensive defenseman on the Colorado Avalanche for many years after being a 2019 third round pick. Barrie signed a one-year deal with Toronto in 2019-2020 before signing with Edmonton during the 2020 NHL Free Agency Period. Barrie had 34 points with Toronto last year which is more than anyone else on Edmonton. I have an eighth round grade on Tyson Barrie in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
28. Caleb Jones, D, Edmonton Oilers
    
    
    Caleb Jones, Edmonton's 2015 fourth round pick is the younger brother of Seth Jones. Caleb also had a top 100 grade like Ethan Bear. Caleb Jones improved his points and gave up fewer goals in his first two NHL seasons. Right now, Caleb Jones is expected to beat out Adam Larsson for the final defenseman spot on Edmonton's second line with Larsson being demoted to the third line which is why I have an eighth round grade on Caleb Jones in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
29. Brayden McNabb, D, Vegas Golden Knights
    
    
    Last year Brayden McNabb played on the second line with the Vegas Golden Knights while Nate Schmidt and Shea Theodore played on the top line. Brayden McNabb will compliment Alex Pietrangelo on the top line with the Vegas Golden Knights. That's why I have an eighth round grade on Brayden McNNabb in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
30. Shea Theodore, D, Vegas Golden Knights
    
    
    Shea Theodore was one of my favorite NHL draft prospects when he was on the Seattle Thunderbirds. The Vegas Golden Knights deserve a ton of credit for getting him. Vegas three good defenders instead of the two they were dependant on last year. That's one reason why Vegas could do something this year. I have an eighth round grade on Shea Theodore in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
    
    
31. Chris Tanev, D, Calgary Flames
    
    
    Chris Tanev anchored Vancouver's blue line as an alternate captain last season showing Quinn Hughes the ropes. He's now on Calgary anchoring their blue line after the Flames lost T.J. Brodie. I have a ninth round grade on Chris Tanev in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
32. Mark Giordano, D, Calgary Flames
    
    
    Mark Giordano played with Brodie on Calgary's first line when it came to defending the neutral zone. Now Giordano gets to compliment Tanev. I have a ninth round grade on Mark Giordano in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
33. Drew Doughty, D, Los Angeles Kings
    
    
    The former Guelph Storm defenseman from the Ontario Hockey League is consistent. Drafted second overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Doughty helped the Los Angeles Kings win two Stanley Cups. Ranking him at 33 may be a disservice because he's been consistent throughout his entire career. He's the only good defenseman on the Los Angeles Kings.
    
    
    
    Drew Doughty has a minimum of 3 power play goals in every season except one. He also produced a minimum of 21 assists in each season except one which was 2012-2013 when the NHL had their lockout so that should illustrate just how consistent Doughty is. You need to add Drew Doughty to your Fantasy Hockey team if he's still there in the ninth round.
    
    
    
    
34. Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers
    
    
    The former Barrie Colt, Aaron Ekblad, went first overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft after receiving exceptional status and entering the 2011 OHL Priority Selection a year early. Aaron Ekblad has been as good as advertised for the Florida Panthers winning the Calder Award for rookie of the year in the NHL.
    
    
    
    Aaron Ekblad had 10 goals in every season except last year in 2019-2020. Even in that shortened season, he posted a career high 36 assists. Like Doughty, Ekblad is a steal in the ninth round of your Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
35. Charlie McAvoy, D, Boston Bruins
    
    
    The Boston University prospect was the Boston Bruins 2016 first round pick. With guys like Zdeno Chara, Torey Krug, and Brandon Carlo, Boston was given ample time to ease McAvoy into their lineup. Now he's going to anchor the first lien of the Boston Bruins with Chara and Krug gone. This could be a breakout year for McAvoy in Fantasy Hockey which is why he's my last defenseman with a ninth round grade.
    
    
    
    
    
    
36. Adam Fox, D, New York Rangers
    
    
    Adam Fox is the best defenseman on the New York Rangers as he anchors their first line on defense. He's also the only player to have a tenth round grade among defenseman in these Fantasy Hockey rankings.
    
    
    
    
37. Ryan Suter, D, Minnesota Wild
    
    
    Nashville ended up getting Ryan Suter and Shea Weber in the 2003 NHL Draft and could not do anything with either one as far as getting to a Stanley Cup goes. Ryan Suter is very consistent. I'm talking 33 assists per season in all but one season consistent. He's also an alternate captain on the Minnesota Wild. I would consider taking Suter if he falls to the eleventh round of your Fantasy Hockey league.
    
    
    
    
38. Jared Spurgeon, D, Minnesota Wild
    
    
    Jared Spurgeon plays with Ryan Suter on Minnesota's first line pairing as far as defense goes. Spurgeon has 20 assists or more in each of the past four seasons. His consistent playmaking takes pressure off of Suter. I would consider taking Spurgeon if he falls to the eleventh round of your Fantasy Hockey league.
    
    
    
    
39. Neal Pionk, D, Winnipeg Jets
    
    
    Neal Pionk is someone who may push Josh Morrissey for that number one defenseman spot on Winnipeg's top line. That's the only reason Pionk made my top sixty. I have an eleventh round grade on Neal Pionk in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
40. Josh Morrissey, D, Winnipeg Jets
    
    
    Winnipeg took Josh Morrissey in the first round of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Morrissey has been Winnipeg's most reliable defenseman. I have an eleventh round grade on Josh Morrissey in Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
    
    
41. Erik Cernak, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
    
    
    Tampa Bay has three defensemen from their 2020 Stanley Cup championship team that compliment Victor Hedman in Erik Cernak, Ryan McDonagh, and Mikhail Sergachev. Cernak compliments Hedman on the Tampa Bay Lightning top line, McDonagh anchors the second line, and Mikhail Sergachev is Tampa Bay's best offensive defenseman in Fantasy outside of Hedman despite playing on the second line where he is expected to compliment McDonagh.
    
    
    
    All three of these Tampa Bay Lightning defenders warrant flyers in Fantasy Hockey if any of the three make it to round 12. This is a strong group.
    
    
    
    
42. Ryan McDonagh, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
    
    
    The second overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is the NHL's most consistent defenseman as he's spent every year in the NHL despite being a highly touted two-way defenseman coming out of Sweden. Victor Hedman has been a top 5 defenseman dating back to 2011 which is why Tampa Bay has consistently been in the playoffs where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions four times in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018 before Hedman won the Conn Smythe Award for helping Tampa Bay win the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.
    
    
    
    All three of these Tampa Bay Lightning defenders warrant flyers in Fantasy Hockey if any of the three make it to round 12. This is a strong group.
    
    
    
    
43. Mikhail Sergachev, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
    
    
    The second overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is the NHL's most consistent defenseman as he's spent every year in the NHL despite being a highly touted two-way defenseman coming out of Sweden. Victor Hedman has been a top 5 defenseman dating back to 2011 which is why Tampa Bay has consistently been in the playoffs where they lost to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions four times in 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018 before Hedman won the Conn Smythe Award for helping Tampa Bay win the 2020 Stanley Cup Finals.
    
    
    
    All three of these Tampa Bay Lightning defenders warrant flyers in Fantasy Hockey if any of the three make it to round 12. This is a strong group.
    
    
    
    
44. Thomas Chabot, D, Ottawa Senators
    
    
    The former Saint John Sea Dog and Ottawa Senators 2015 first round pick is great at generating assists. He struggles with everything else, but he did well enough to earn an extension. He's Ottawa's best defenseman on a young and inexperienced group. He's one player I'd consider taking a flyer on in round 12 of your Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
45. Jeff Petry, D, Montreal Canadiens
    
    
    Jeff Petry is on Montreal's second line. The thing is, he does more offensively than Ben Chiarot who compliments Shea Weber on the Montreal Canadiens first line. Both Petry and Chiarot are guys you can get in round 12 of your Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
    
    
46. Ben Chiarot, D, Montreal Canadiens
    
    
    Ben Chiarot plays with Shea Weber on Montreal's top line. Both Petry and Chiarot are guys you can get in round 12 of your Fantasy Hockey leagues.
    
    
    
    
47. Jaccob Slavin, D, Carolina Hurricanes
    
    
    Jaccob Slavin was one of the biggest steals in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Carolina got him in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
    
    
    
    Jaccob Slavin compliments Dougie Hamilton on the Carolina Hurricanes first line. Slavin has 18 assists in every season with the Hurricanes. He also has a +/- ratio in the positive each NHL season in his career. That's why Slavin warrants a round 12 grade in Fantasy Hockey if you can get him that late in your league drafts.
    
    
    
    
48. Ryan Pulock, D, New York Islanders
    
    
    Ryan Pulock was one of my favorite prospects in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He's really hit his stride and stepped up the last two years with a minimum of 9 goals and 25 assists in each of the past two seasons. He anchors the blue line on the New York Islanders. Ryan Pulock is the only prospect that I have a thirteenth round grade on in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
49. Tyler Myers, D, Vancouver Canucks
    
    
    Vancouver lost Chris Tanev. They promoted Tyler Myers from the second line to the first line. Myers now compliments Quinn Hughes. I have a thirteenth round grade on Tyler Myers in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
50. Nate Schmidt, D, Vancouver Canucks
    
    
    Nate Schmidt anchored the Vegas Golden Knights first line last season. He's a much better fit for a team where he can anchor the second line since he will face weaker forwards. I have a thirteenth round grade on Nate Schmidt in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
    
    
51. Rasmus Ristolainen, D, Buffalo Sabres
    
    
    Rasmus Rstolainein was taken eighth overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He ended up playing right away as a rookie despite being picked eighth overall which was huge for Buffalo. He's been good with Buffalo, but never had a strong line mate to play with until Buffalo took Rasmus Dahlin first overall. Rasmus Ristolainen is a great late round pick if you can draft him in the fourteenth round and the other thing with Ristolainin is he has 27 assists or more in every season after his rookie and sophomore year in the NHL.
    
    
    
    
52. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, D, Arizona Coyotes
    
    
    Oliver Ekman-Larsson is Arizona's best player. The sixth overall pick in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft is the captain of the Arizona Coyotes as he's been with the Coyotes for his entire career. At one point he was considered a top ten defenseman in Fantasy Hockey. Arizona's best defenseman had 10 assists in his rookie season and 19 assists as a sophomore. He's had 21 asissts or more in each season since. I have a fifteenth round grade on Oliver Ekman-Larsson in Fantasy Hockey, but you cannot criticize someone else if they wish to pick him earlier than that.
    
    
    
    
53. Matt Dumba, D, Minnesota Wild
    
    
    Minnesota hit on both of their first round draft picks in the 2011 and 2012 NHL Entry Drafts when they took Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba with top ten picks. Minnesota took Dumba seventh overall in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. I have sixteenth round grades on both second line defensemen with the Minnesota Wild.
    
    
    
    
54. Jonas Brodin, D, Minnesota Wild
    
    
    Minnesota hit on both of their first round draft picks in the 2011 and 2012 NHL Entry Drafts when they took Jonas Brodin and Matt Dumba with top ten picks. I have sixteenth round grades on both second line defensemen with the Minnesota Wild.
    
    
    
    
55. Ryan Graves, D, Colorado Avalanche
    
    
    Colorado has five more defensemen that made our top sixty. All five of these defenders that compliment Cale Makar made our Fantasy Hockey rankings. Ryan Graves is expected to play on the first line with Makar which is why I have a seventeenth round grade on him in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
    
    
56. Erik Johnson, D, Colorado Avalanche
    
    
    Colorado has five more defensemen that made our top sixty. All five of these defenders that compliment Cale Makar made our Fantasy Hockey rankings. Erik Johnson was drafted first overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the St. Louis Blues. He anchored Colorado's first line before he got injured in the playoffs. Johnson is still an effective defender, but he got demoted to the second line with the Colorado Avalanche. I got a seventeenth round grade on Erik Johnson in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
57. Samuel Girard, D, Colorado Avalanche
    
    
    Colorado has five more defensemen that made our top sixty. Samuel Girard was one of the best offensive defenseman in the QMJHL and Nashville took him in the second round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft, Nashville traded him to Colorado in the three-way trade that sent Matt Duchene to Ottawa. Girard may be the best offensive defenseman on this roster despite complimenting Erik Johnson on the second line. I got a seventeenth round grade on Samuel Girard in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
58. Ian Cole, D, Colorado Avalanche
    
    
    Colorado got Ian Cole as a third line defenseman. Cole won two Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh and he played on Pittsburgh's first line in game 1 of the 2017 Stanley Cup Finals. He anchors Colorado's third line. I got a seventeenth round grade on Ian Cole in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
59. Devon Toews, D, Colorado Avalanche
    
    
    Colorado has five more defensemen that made our top sixty. All five of these defenders that compliment Cale Makar made our Fantasy Hockey rankings. Colorado got traded a 2021 second round pick to get Devon Toews. Toews will compliment Ian Cole on Colorado's third line. I got a seventeenth round grade on Devon Toews in Fantasy Hockey.
    
    
    
    
60. Adam Boqvist, D, Chicago Blackhawks
    
    
    Adam Boqvist was the best offensive defenseman in Sweden since Erik Karlsson. His dominant offensive play on Brynas IF made him Chicago's first round pick in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft. After he was drafted he had 20 goals, 40 assists, and 60 points with the London Knights in 2018-2019. That impressive season with London in the Ontario Hockey League where Kane played got Boqvist promoted to the NHL for his rookie season in 2019-2020.
    
    
    
    Adam Boqvist is expected to make a huge leap this year and anchor the Blackhawks blue line which is a role Brent Seabrook played for many years before his injury last year. Duncan Keith complimented Seabrook on that blue line for many years, but had to step up as the leader of that defense last season. Now Boqvist will have the responsibility of having to lead this blue line as he enters his third year in the NHL. Boqvist only had 4 goals, 9 assists, and 13 points in 41 games during limited action as a rookie for the Blackhawks in 2019-2020.
    
    
    

1. Jamie Drysdale, D, Anaheim Ducks
   
   
   The sixth overall pick in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft was my top ranked defenseman in this entire draft. Anaheim has Hampus Lindholm and Josh Manson on their first line. Cam Fowler and Kevin Shattenkirk are on the second line. Kodie Corran will anchor the third line. Jamie Drysdale is the sixth best defenseman on the Ducks and deserves that final third line spot.
   
   
   
   However, Christian Djoos has a 1-year 1-way contract which is why Drysdale may return to the OHL for a year despite being the sixth best defenseman on this team. Drysdale is NHL ready which is why he's the clear cut top defenseman in the NHL Draft. He's the only player outside of Alexis Lafrenierre and Tim Stutzle with a shot to see NHL minutes right away as a rookie.
   
   
   
   
2. Jake Sanderson, D, Ottawa Senators
   
   
   Jake Sanderson struggled in a loss to Denver at North Dakota this season. Sanderson had a worse floor and ceiling than Drysdale, so I'm still trying to figure out why Ottawa took him ahead of Drysdale. He may end up being the line mate of Thomas Chabot at some point. It will not be this season though.
   
   
   
   
3. Kaiden Guhle, D, Montreal Canadiens
   
   
   Turns out the rumors I had about Chicago wanting Kaiden Guhle at 17 were true. They even called Montreal about trying to move up to 16. Montreal took Guhle at 16. Guhle has a high ceiling, but he needs another year or two in the WHL to develop. Montreal has three great defensemen and three good defensemen so Guhle will thrive in Montreal once he finishes developing.
   
   
   
   
4. Braden Schneider, D, New York Rangers
   
   
   Braden Schneider seems like a floor player rather than a ceiling player. His dirty hit during the World Junior Championships could get him fined or suspended if he tries that at the NHL level.
   
   
   
   
5. Justin Barron, D, Colorado Avalanche
   
   
   Colorado already has six of the top sixty defenseman. They also got Bowen Byram the top defenseman in the 2019 NHL Draft having that second additional year of development on the Vancouver Giants with Ottawa's pick thanks to the Matt Duchene trade. Colorado also took Justin Barron who I mocked to the Vegas Golden Knights in the first round of my 2020 NHL Mock Draft. Barron anchors the Halifax Mooseheads first line and is an effective two-way defender when healthy. He goes into a great siutation where he can just continue to grow at his own pace and get called up to Colorado.
   
   
   
   
   
   
6. Ryan O'Rourke, D, Minnesota Wild
   
   
   Ryan O'Rourke was one of three team captains in the 2020 NHL Draft along with Alexis Lafrenierre and Mavrik Bourque. He's also going to a team that is absolutely stacked on the blue line so he gets even more time to develop which should allow Ryan O'Rourke to maybe end up as a third line defenseman on Minnesota as early as 2021-2022 or 2022-2023. You can also put him on the Iowa Wild in the AHL if you want to make your second round pick prove himself before promoting him to Minnesota.
   
   
   
   
7. Emil Andrae, D, Philadelphia Flyers
   
   
   Philadelphia has a deep blue line. Emil Andrae was one of my top forty players in this draft. Philadelphia has the deepest blue line in the Eastern Conference outside of Tampa Bay.
   
   
   
   
8. Helge Grans, D, Los Angeles Kings
   
   
   Helge Grans was a top 3 offensive defenseman in this draft, his upside was that high. The problem is Grans is a 3-5 year project who needs to improve shooting and decision making. Kings need a defenseman to compliment Doughty now if they want to get to another Stanley Cup. Helge Grans was the fourth best defenseman on Malmo heading into his draft year, but he did well enough to earn the role of the leader on Malmo's second line so you have to feel optimstic about Grans improving. He was a steal in the draft, but he's a guy with the celing to anchor the second line and play with Doughty on the power play. He has a cringeworthy 57 overall rating on NHL21 so he's someone who may end up staying in Sweden until he's twenty while playing the first three years of his rookie deal in the AHL before joining the Los Angeles Kings.
   
   
   
   
9. William Wallinder, D, Detroit Red Wings
   
   
   Detroit is probably going to draft a defenseman in 2021 to play with Moritz Seider on their top line. Owen Power is looking like a strong candidate to go to Detroit in my 2021 NHL Mock Draft, but there are other players like Brandt Clarke, Luke Hughes, Carson Lambos, and Daniil Chaya who are all in my top 10, and let's face it Detroit will probably have a top 10 pick which they can use to get Seider's line mate this draft has a top ten goalie, but Detroit got Jan Bednar. Detroit has six options for 2021 in the top 10 along with four left wingers that they can develop into a third line left winger.
   
   
   
   Wallinder is a guy I mocked to Detroit at 32, but after rewatching his tape, I realized he's a five year project, but if he gets through Sweden and the Grand Rapids Griffins, he could be a solid second line option.
   
   
   
   
10. Donovan Sebrango, D, Detroit Red Wings
    
    
    Donovan Sebrango was the first line defenseman that anchors the Kitchener Rangers squad in the OHL. NHL scouts said Sebrango had character issues due to a fight that he was in during the CHL Prospects game. The opponent started the fight and Sebrango defended himself after rewatching the fight. That tells me that NHL scouts had a knee jerk reaction with Sebrango.
    
    
    
    Detroit should have a 2021 defender and Seider on the top line. You will have Wallinder, McIsaac, and Sebrango pushing each other for spots on the second line. Detroit also got Emmil Viro of TPS and Alex Cotton of the Lethbridge Hurricanes in the 2020 NHL Draft, with those guys having the ceiling to be candidates for the third line once they finish developing. Overall, Detroit may be a year or two away from contending, but if they hit on four of the five defenders they took in 2020, Detroit will be ready to field a team that can win a playoff series within five years by 2025.
    
    
    

Centers	Left Wingers	Right Wingers	Defensemen	Goalies