from David Satriano of NHL.com,

Whether it's breaking up a big play, setting up a goal, or scoring on the power play, some defensemen can do it all. NHL Network producers and analysts chose the top 20 defensemen in the League right now, and they were revealed Sunday in the first of a four-part series. Here is the list:

11. Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks

The runner-up for the Calder Trophy as NHL rookie of the year last season, Hughes led NHL rookies in assists (45), points (53) and power-play points (25; three goals, 22 assists) in 68 games, and his 21:53 of ice time per game was second (defenseman Ethan Bear, Edmonton Oilers, 21:58). Hughes helped the Canucks reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2014-15 and scored 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) in 17 postseason games.

10. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars

Heiskanen scored 35 points (eight goals, 27 assists) in 68 regular-season games, was plus-14, and averaged 23:46 of ice time per game to lead Dallas. In the postseason, he set a record for points by a Stars defenseman with 26 (six goals, 20 assists), including eight on the power play (two goals, six assists), and was plus-8 in 27 games averaging 25:58 of ice time.

"He has a Norris Trophy in his future, there is no question in my mind that Miro Heiskanen will win it one year," Daneyko said. "He just continues to get better and better. He adjusts to however his team is playing. … As smooth a skating as you're going to see. …Nobody is smoother than Heiskanen, he's like silk."

9. Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins

After getting off to a slow start last season, McAvoy tied his NHL career high in points (32) and set his career high in assists (27) in 67 games. He led the Bruins in ice time per game (23:10) and blocked shots (131), and he ranked third in hits (131). McAvoy averaged 1:00 more per game last season than he did in 2018-19, and he was plus-24 to improve to plus-58 in three NHL seasons.

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