Top Fantasy Defensemen for 2025-26: Key Rankings

The blue line remains a critical battleground for fantasy hockey managers each season, and the 2025-26 campaign is no different. With NHL.com unveiling its latest top 50 defensemen rankings, it's time to break down which blueliners offer the most value, the biggest upside, and the greatest risks for your roster. Whether you’re eyeing proven stars or targeting breakout candidates, understanding usage trends, power-play deployment, and injury histories is essential for gaining an edge in your league.

What’s New & Why It Matters

This year’s list reflects both the enduring dominance of established names and the emergence of new talent. Cale Makar once again claims the top spot, showcasing his unrivaled offensive toolkit and locked-in role on the Avalanche’s top power-play unit. Quinn Hughes holds strong near the top despite an injury scare, underlining his point-producing prowess for Vancouver. Meanwhile, the inclusion of rookies like Lane Hutson and Matthew Schaefer signals a changing of the guard and offers intriguing upside in dynasty formats.

Managers must also weigh recent injuries, evolving depth charts, and shifting special teams roles. Power-play quarterback opportunities, in particular, can swing a defenseman’s value dramatically. The rankings are tailored for standard leagues, but the underlying trends—such as time on ice, category coverage, and team context—apply across formats.

Fantasy Implications

Points-Only

In points-driven leagues, elite puck-movers reign supreme. Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes are must-have assets given their high-end assist and goal totals, plus near-constant power-play exposure. Zach Werenski also deserves attention for his ability to rack up points on a resurgent Blue Jackets squad. Lane Hutson’s offensive instincts could translate quickly at the NHL level, making him a dark horse for managers willing to gamble on youth.

Categories / Bangers

Category leagues demand a different lens. While Makar and Hughes still anchor your defense, managers should also consider players who contribute in hits, blocks, and PIMs. Radko Gudas has traditionally been a staple for banger stats, but his lower ranking this year and declining role in Anaheim suggest diminished value. Instead, targeting defensemen who offer a blend of offense and peripherals—think multi-category contributors—can help you stay competitive across the board.

Dynasty / Keeper

Long-term formats are all about upside and sustainability. Lane Hutson is generating significant buzz as a future power-play quarterback for Montreal, and Matthew Schaefer’s arrival on Long Island could give the Islanders a new offensive dimension from the blue line. Both are worth stashing, especially if your league rewards patience and prospect development. Conversely, veterans with declining usage or injury concerns should be viewed with caution in dynasty builds.

Who to Add / Stream / Watch

Lane Hutson (MTL): High-upside rookie with a clear path to PP1 minutes; stash in all dynasty leagues.
Matthew Schaefer (NYI): Promising rookie; monitor his deployment and early-season production.
Quinn Hughes (VAN): Still a trade target even with injury risk; elite offensive ceiling.
Radko Gudas (ANA): Consider dropping; role and peripherals trending down.
Jamie Drysdale (PHI): Emerging as a possible PP1 option; keep an eye on his usage.
Bowen Byram (BUF): New team, opportunity for bigger minutes and breakout potential.
Thomas Harley (DAL): Gaining trust in all situations; multi-category appeal if role expands.
Owen Power (BUF): Sophomore bounce-back candidate with strong all-around game.

Fantasy Takeaways

Cale Makar remains the gold standard at defense; start him without hesitation in all formats.
Quinn Hughes is a prime trade target, especially in points-only leagues, even with injury concerns.
Lane Hutson and Matthew Schaefer headline the next wave of fantasy-relevant defensemen—prioritize them in dynasty and keeper leagues.
Radko Gudas’s declining role makes him expendable in most category leagues.
Monitor PP1 assignments and usage rates closely—these will be decisive for defensemen beyond the top tier. For more, see our guide on how to value PP1 time.

Source: NHL.com (2025-10-27). See the original for full details.