Fantasy Hockey Top-20 Defensemen

The defense position used to be separated in half: most NHL teams had offensive and defensive defensemen. More often than not, teams would pair an offensive type with a more stay-at-home defender. Nowadays, with the NHL becoming a harder league to score goals with each passing season, MOST defensemen are asked to contribute on offense (while maintaining a standard of competency in the defensive zone). That said, the NHL's top two blueliners--Ottawa's Erik Karlsson and San Jose's Brent Burns--played alongside veteran defensive types in Marc Methot and Paul Martin last season. Methot is now with Dallas, where he could pair with Karlsson clone John Klingberg. Here are the 20 best fantasy defensemen heading into the 2017-18 campaign:

1. Erik Karlsson, Senators

The slick Swede needs a new partner in '17-18 (likely Fredrik Claesson or Johnny Oduya, both countrymen).

2. Brent Burns, Sharks

For much of '16-17, Burns was arguably the best player in the NHL. His ability to get shots to the net is uncanny.

3. Oliver Ekman-Larsson, Coyotes

With plenty of veterans gone from last season's squad, 'OEL' will take on a bigger leadership role in 2017-18.

4. P.K. Subban, Predators

In Year 2 with the Predators, expect Subban to kick it up a notch in terms of his freewheeling offensive style.

5. Seth Jones, Blue Jackets

The former Predators rearguard is poised to break out this season. He is a complete defenseman in every way.

6. Roman Josi, Predators

The Swiss blueliner is among the most mobile defenders in the league but his brain is catching up to his wheels.

7. Victor Hedman, Lightning

Big Hedman was (arguably) the most complete defenseman in the NHL last season. He can do it all on the ice.

8. Drew Doughty, Kings

Few defensemen are as good as Doughty in all aspects of the game. His offense should spike up this season.

9. Justin Schultz, Penguins

With Kris Letang often injured, Schultz has taken full advantage and become the team's top power-play QB.

10. Torey Krug, Bruins

The Bruins' power-play quarterback has carved out a solid partnership with stay-at-home type Adam McQuaid.

11. John Klingberg, Stars

He will likely be paired with Marc Methot this season, so Dallas is hoping for an Erik Karlsson-like performance.

12. Justin Faulk, Hurricanes

Carolina boasts great young blueline talent but Faulk remains their offensive leader. He might bust out in '17-18.

13. Nick Leddy, Islanders

Speaking of busting out, Leddy is a candidate to enjoy a career year in '17-18. His supporting cast is improving.

14. Rasmus Ristolainen, Sabres

The Sabres will not hesitate to feed the Finnish rearguard loads of ice time. His overall game is developing well.

15. Kris Letang, Penguins

If he could stay healthy, Letang would leapfrog over most players on this list. Alas, he always seems to be hurt.

16. Dougie Hamilton, Flames

He really turned it on last season and is now entrenched as one of Calgary's top all-around blueliners.

17. Tyson Barrie, Avalanche

While Colorado could struggle again this season, Barrie should still accumulate his fair share of assists.

18. Jacob Trouba, Jets

Winnipeg is witnessing a changing of the guard, as Trouba is on the verge of becoming a true No. 1 defender.

19. Cam Fowler, Ducks

While he is always a good pick, his value goes up to start '17-18 due to the S. Vatanen and H. Lindholm injuries.

20. Shayne Gostisbehere, Flyers

It was a harder sophomore campaign for Gostisbehere in '16-17, but he will always be able to produce points.