Deen’s Daily: Erik Johnson is a menace; Makar Tops NHL Network List

NHL Network released its top-20 defensemen list and the reigning Norris Trophy is No. 1. Also, Erik Johnson is an absolute menace, and having way too much fun this week.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — August 14.

Colorado Hockey Now

I’m trying my best to enjoy what’s left of the summer but, I have to admit, I’m craving hockey news.

This is honestly one of the better summers I’ve had in years. Maybe it’s because of the longer break, or maybe it’s the wonderful weather we’ve had (I’m up to 315 miles of running since early May).

Perhaps my first summer as a married man has something to do with it, too.

Either way, I’m off to Michigan to spend some time on the lake before things get going. Some of the guys are already skating informally at Family Sports and I imagine the rest will trickle in shortly after Labor Day weekend.

Most of them are probably going to make their way back from Italy soon. At least that’s what it seems like according to Erik Johnson’s hilarious Instagram stories.

I’m pretty sure Nathan MacKinnon got married over the past few days or so, and from what I can gather, it does look like it was a destination wedding. I don’t know any of this for sure and don’t want to dig much because it’s not really my place to do that.

Anyway, EJ posted a video of him grabbing a lobster from a tank and scaring MacKinnon with it.

The next day? He took it a step further. His next victims were Logan O’Connor, Josh Manson, Gabe Landeskog, Mikko Rantanen, and even MacKinnon’s dad, Graham. It looks like they’re all having a great time before the work begins.

Erik Johnson is a menace pic.twitter.com/f9zkyIbSHG

— Jesse Montano (@jessemontano_) August 13, 2025

To continue the trend of on-brand offseason content, here’s a story about a list released by NHL Network, ranking the top-20 defensemen in the game today. You’ll never believe who they have at No. 1 (I kid, I kid).

READ MORE: NHL Network Lists Makar as Top Defenseman; Toews Cracks Top-20

Around The NHL

Montreal Hockey Now: I’m excited to see what the Habs can do this season. One of their big offseason adds, Zack Bolduc, is excited to get going.