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

This is the offseason content you get in mid-August of one of the slower hockey news cycles we’ve had in what feels like forever.

NHL Network released a top-20 list ranking defensemen in the NHL. And to nobody’s surprise, Avalanche superstar blueliner Cale Makar is No. 1. I don’t necessarily think that part is all that interesting because quite frankly, we’re well aware of Makar’s excellence. I envision the two-time Norris Trophy winner has at least three more of them in his future and will go down as the best of his generation.

But I was a little curious about how the rest of the list would look, and it’s as controversial as usual for things like this. At times, I do feel like these are released to rile up the audience and get clicks and interactions.

It’s working.

No. 2 is Quinn Hughes which also isn’t really much of a surprise. But the rest of the order is where the debates begin. They have Zach Werenski listed No. 3, which is understandable given where he ended up in the Norris race. Albeit I still wouldn’t have him that high.

Miro Heiskanen and Victor Hedman round out the top five.

As for Devon Toews? He’s also there, but perhaps lower than he should be. He’s listed at No. 17, just ahead of Mikhail Sergachev and behind Adam Fox.

There’s a ton of recency bias in the list in general. I did find it interesting that the top 20 blueliners, at least according to NHL Network, have a combined only six Norris Trophies. Makar makes up 33% of those.

Our Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list has a total of:
• 19 total All-Star Game appearances
• 9 All-Rookie team honors
• 6 James Norris Memorial Trophies
• 2 Calder Trophies
• 2 Conn Smythe Trophies
• 9 Stanley Cups

What do you think of our list?@NHL | #NHLTopPlayers pic.twitter.com/0MaGYS04de

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) August 13, 2025