Fantasy Hockey Spotlight: Top 5 Defensemen for 2015

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They key to all fantasy hockey championships is being able to rely on your defense. When drafting, do not forget about some of the league’s best at this position. It could be the difference coming down the stretch of April. This means valuing overall points, and other important categories too. These top five D are the best of the best heading into 2015. These ranks are based on the most balanced category numbers.

Lets dive in:

#5 – Dustin Byfuglien

April 16, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) hits Anaheim Ducks left wing Patrick Maroon (19) during the first period in game one of the first round of the the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Stats:

69 GP (18-27-45)
(+/-) +5
(PIM) 124
(Hits) 203
(BS) 59

Byfuglien’s strongest suit is his penalty minutes. This past season was his first year breaking the 100 PIM mark in his career. Every year he consistently puts up great points, but he has only played one full season (2009-2010 with Blackhawks).

One stat not mentioned is his shots on goal. Over 10 seasons, Byfuglien has recorded 1816 SOG. An average of 181.6/year. Also, he hits – a lot. With over 200 hits in 2014-2015, he ranked 11th overall of all defensemen. He has very balanced numbers across the board, however, block shots is a weak point.

#4 – Kris Letang

Mar 15, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang (58) reacts after being called for a ten minute unsportsman like penalty against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Detroit won 5-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Stats:

69 GP (11-43-54)
(+/-) +12
(PIM) 79
(Hits) 131
(BS) 117

If only Letang were able to stay healthy year-to-year. His potential is so high, but with only one full year to show for it, his numbers aren’t as high as they could be. Last season he put up 54 points in only 69 games. At this rate, and playing 82 games, he could potentially lead the league in points. He is on a good Penguins team that only got better this offseason with the addition of Kessel. They will most likely play together on the first and powerplay lines. If healthy, look for a career high in points from Letang this year.

Don’t be fooled by Letang’s PIM from last season. He has only broken 50 PIM twice in his NHL tenure, including this past season. His health issues over recent years may cause a decline in his PIM, hits, and blocked shots. Still, a top five defenseman should not be ignored in fantasy hockey drafts.

#3 – Shea Weber

Mar 26, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Nashville Predators defenseman Shea Weber (6) skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period at Amalie Arena. Nashville Predators defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Stats:

78 GP (15-30-45)
(+/-) +15
(PIM) 72
(Hits) 166
(BS) 147

In his 10th season in the NHL, Weber continues to prove his dominance as a defenseman. Only three times has Weber had a negative plus/minus rating. Even so, they were only: -6, -2, -2. He’s also a hit and blocked shots machine. With 166 and 147 respectively, those numbers were good enough to get himself into the top five defensemen for 2015-2016.

As captain of the Predators team that is arguably the best team in the West, he will continue to show his strength this upcoming year. Weber provides great fantasy numbers, but taking more penalties would make him more valuable.

#2 – P.K. Subban

May 9, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau (15) celebrates with teammates P.K. Subban (76) and Andrei Markov (79) after scoring a goal against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Stats:

82 GP (15-45-60)
(+/-) +21
(PIM) 74
(Hits) 97
(BS) 142

Tied for first of all the D with 60 points, and getting better. After just completing his sixth season in the NHL, his points have gone up every year. In his first two to three years, he was more of a penalty taker. As his game continues to improve and develop, 70+ points is close. Montreal has Carey Price and a solid team overall. Heading into 2015-2016 with mainly the same team, Subban has the capability of leading all defensemen in points.

His hitting is subpar. With 97 (T-84th) of every D in the league, this needs to increase for him to be considered the best option on the backside of the puck. Don’t get me wrong, Subban is still a great fantasy hockey target. Hence, the rank at number two.

#1 – Erik Karlsson

Feb 25, 2015; Anaheim, CA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) skates during a breaking play against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

2014-2015 Stats:

82 GP (21-45-66)
(+/-) +7
(PIM) 45
(Hits) 93
(BS) 89

It is hard to ignore Karlsson’s year-to-year point production. As Ottawa’s clear number one D, Karlsson will continue to shower Senators fans with goals and assists. 292 shots is what he ripped in ’14-’15. That number is first for all defensemen, and fourth in league total. He outshot elite players such as: Stamkos, Giroux, Tavares, and Seguin. Pretty incredible for a non-forward to do.

Karlsson’s other stats aren’t the best, but at only 25 years old his game will become more dominant. When a guy is tops in points of all D more than once, it is hard to argue against him. Ideally, fantasy hockey owners would love to see their best blue-liner take it to the next level. If he is going to do so, this is the team that he can do it with.

— All stats and numbers recorded from ESPN.com

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