NHL Network is spending the offseason presenting the best current NHL players at each position. On Sunday, the network's producers and analysts chose the top 20 defensemen in the League in a special program that airs at 6 p.m. ET on NHL Network. To add to that conversation, we asked eight NHL.com writers to pick the player they think will be the best defenseman in three seasons. Here are their choices:

Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

I would put Makar atop any list of the NHL's best defensemen in three seasons (I might do it sooner, but I wasn't asked that). He has looked comfortable and confident with the Avalanche since he made his NHL debut in the 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs, when he scored six points (one goal, five assists) in 10 games. He won the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie last season with 50 points (12 goals, 38 assists) in 57 regular-season games. Sure, there were times when the 21-year-old made rookie mistakes, but they were rare. Makar finished ninth in the Norris Trophy voting for the League's best defenseman last season, and he's only going to get better over the next few seasons. -- Tracey Myers, staff writer

The NHL is becoming more and more of a young man's game, so I'm agreeing with Tracey's selection of Makar. This is a player who looks tailor-made for the new NHL and he is only going to get better as he gains more experience and knowledge. He could approach a point-per-game (.88 per game last season) while driving play and performing solidly defensively. He has confidence, poise and talent, reasons why I'm putting my money on Makar. But, you know, check back in three seasons. -- Amalie Benjamin, staff writer

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