Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

NHL Network Names Their Top 20 Defensemen

08/18/2019 at 7:12pm EDT

from David Satriano of NHL.com,

20. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

In three NHL seasons, Werenski has 128 points (38 goals, 90 assists) in 237 games. He had 44 points (11 goals, 33 assists) and averaged 22:54 of ice time last season. The 22-year-old was a finalist for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year in 2016-17, when he had 47 points (11 goals, 36 assists) in 78 games. Werenski had six points (one goal, five assists) and averaged 26:37 of ice time per game in 10 games in the 2019 playoffs.

"He's going to be, within a couple years, top 10, there's no doubt about it," Daneyko said. "… He's a guy that you're going to be able to count on in every situation for a lot of years in Columbus, and a guy that always -- I would expect - [will] be in the top 20 for years to come.

19. Colton Parayko, St. Louis Blues

Parayko scored an NHL career-high 10 goals and had 28 points and a plus-20 rating (second on the Blues behind center Ryan O'Reilly's plus-22) last season. His 22:47 of ice time per game was second on St. Louis behind Pietrangelo's 24:05. The 26-year-old had 12 points (two goals, 10 assists) and averaged 25:07 of ice time in 26 playoff games to help the Blues win the Stanley Cup.

"He brings a lot of different elements, his game has grown tremendously," Daneyko said. "… I'd probably have him even higher. Colton Parayko's playing that well and that good for the St. Louis Blues.". But I expect him to climb."

18 more

Below, a short video on the Top 20...

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