EA have released the top 10 defensemen in NHL 17.
The ratings are based on six attributes; Puck Skills, Senses, Shooting, Defense, Skating, and Physicality.
- Dustin Byfuglien – Winnipeg Jets: 91 Overall
Dustin Byfuglien is a defender all about power. His Strength (95) and Slap Shot Power (93) are a testament to that. But despite being 6’5 and 260lbs, his Balance rating (95) means he can out-skate many of league’s attacking players.
- P.K. Subban – Nashville Predators: 91 Overall
Subban is a huge offensive threat thanks to his five-star skating ability and a (91) Slap Shot Power rating. He’s also more than capable of dishing out hits, with a (89) Body Check rating.
- Mark-Eduard Vlasic – San Jose Sharks: 91 Overall
Vlasic is one of the top defensive defensemen in the league, and his (93) Stick Checking, (90) Shot Blocking, and (93) Defensive Awareness will be key at keeping you opponents at bay.
- Victor Hedman – Tampa Bay Lightning: 92 Overall
Hedman is huge, Swedish, and an elite two-way defenseman. With a (91) stick checking and (91) shot blocking, not much will get past him. His (89) passing and (89) puck control help make him a valuable asset in the offense as well.
- Brent Burns – San Jose Sharks: 92 Overall
Burns is one of the most complete defenders in the NHL, and it is reflected in his five star puck skills, shooting, defense, and physical ability.
- Erik Karlsson – Ottawa Senators: 92 Overall
Captain of the Ottawa Senators, Karlsson has been the most prolific defenseman in the past five seasons. His Agility/Acceleration rating (94) and Passing/Puck Control rating (95) are the highest of any defenseman. The only thing keeping him so far down the list is a 3 out of 5 star physical game.
- Ryan Suter – Minnesota Wild: 93 Overall
A (90) Endurance means that Ryan Suter will have plenty of time on the ice, which is more time to take advantage of his five-star puck skills, skating, senses, and defense.
- Duncan Keith – Chicago Blackhawks: 93 Overall
Despite being 33, Duncan Keith still rates as one of the top-three defenseman in the NHL. You know what you’re going to get from this guy, and it’s good.
- Shea Weber – Montreal Canadiens: 94 Overall
Weber is almost the definition of a beast. His (93) Strength and (94) Body Checking make him a force to be feared. Oh, and he also has the most powerful shot in the NHL, with a (95) Slap Shot Rating.
- Drew Doughty – Los Angeles Kings: 94 Overall
Doughty is the top rated defenseman in the NHL. He boasts five-star puck skills, skating, senses, and defense, as well as a (92) Endurance, meaning he can stay on the ice for a long time.
So there you have it, NHL 2017’s top defensemen. NHL 2017 releases September 13 for Xbox One and PS4.