The NHL Network's recent release of its Top 20 Defensemen for the 2025 season has ignited a familiar debate: the perceived snubbing of Toronto Maple Leafs players. While Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar rightfully claimed the top spot for the third consecutive year, followed by Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets, the absence of a Leafs defenseman has raised eyebrows and sparked discussion among fans and analysts alike.
The list, intended to highlight the league's best blueliners, inevitably omits deserving players, leading to passionate arguments about who should have made the cut. This year, the focus of the debate centers on the lack of representation from the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team consistently near the top of the league in recent years.
Morgan Rielly, the Maple Leafs' number one defenseman, was noticeably absent from the list. While Rielly's regular season performance last year might not have been his best, his consistent dominance in crucial games should have warranted a place on the list. Some argue that Rielly's offensive contributions are undeniable, but his defensive game is merely passable. Others contend that he has been underrated and miscast for years due to the Leafs' lack of a star-studded blueline. The addition of Chris Tanev might prove beneficial for Rielly, allowing him to focus on his strengths.
Another point of contention involves Chris Tanev, known for his shutdown abilities and penalty-kill dominance. Tanev's impact isn't always reflected in point totals, and his contributions often fly under the radar in rankings that favor offensive output. While some argue that Tanev's defensive contributions deserve recognition, others question his rank relative to the league's best.
The debate surrounding the NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen list highlights the subjective nature of player rankings. Different individuals prioritize different qualities, leading to varied opinions on who deserves recognition. While offensive production often weighs heavily in these rankings, defensive prowess and overall impact on winning should also be considered.
Ultimately, the NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen list is a snapshot of opinions at a particular moment in time. It is meant to spark discussion and celebrate the talent in the league. While disagreements are inevitable, they fuel the passion and engagement that make hockey such a captivating sport.
