![]() ![]() ![]() Tier 4 is filled with a group of defenders who are all under 26 and have already established themselves as high-end Fantasy options. Hedman, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, should be considered a close second to Burns, but he doesn't boast quite the same level of goal-scoring prowess, and he's only eclipsed the 70-point mark once in his career (as opposed to Burns, who has hit that mark twice in the past three seasons). It'd be impossible to go wrong with any of the players in this tier as your team's top option at defense, but Burns is a clear favorite due to his consistent production over the past three seasons and his 25-goal upside. Tier 1 is comprised of the best of the best. The order in which players are listed represents their rank within each tier.īrent Burns, Victor Hedman, Erik Karlsson, Drew Doughty, P.K. This tiered preview of NHL defensemen for the 2018-19 campaign is based on a 12-team, CBS head-to-head league, which emphasizes goal scoring and plus-minus. Having a robust core of blue-liners is now nearly always vital to a Fantasy club's success. With the top options at the position now producing offensive figures similar to some of the best forwards in the NHL, they can no longer be disregarded. "I go out there to make the right plays against the best players and just try to win hockey games.Defensemen used to be Fantasy Hockey afterthoughts, but that's no longer the case. "I'm the same guy now as when I arrived, just 14 years older," Vlasic said. That's Vlasic, day in and day out, producing with unwavering consistency. "He might not get all the recognition in the media and such, but everybody in the hockey world knows what he brings to a team," Marleau said. Vlasic won gold at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, was on the championship team at the World Cup of Hockey 2016, and played for runners-up at the 20 IIHF World Championship. His 11 goals in 2017-18 and 39 points in 2015-16 are his NHL highs.īut his defensive-zone play is never in question and is the reason he has been a popular choice for Canada national teams. Vlasic has not put up big offensive numbers in his career. "It might have taken a little while to figure out our tendencies, accepting what we are and utilizing each other as the best possible way, but it's going great, and hopefully it stays that way for a long time." "He's a guy who has been around a long time, and he's been a good player in this league for a long time," said Karlsson, who is in his second season in San Jose. The list includes Scott Hannan, Craig Rivet, Rob Blake, Dan Boyle, Brent Burns, Justin Braun and currently Erik Karlsson, a two-time winner of the Norris Trophy voted the best defenseman in the NHL (2011-12, 2014-15). He credits a lot of his success with always playing with responsible defense partners. Vlasic, who has consecutive games streaks of 255 and 217, holds the San Jose record for single-season rating (plus-31 in 2013-14). ![]() Now in his 14th NHL season and under contract for six more, Vlasic is in the top 10 in Sharks history in regular-season games (third 999), assists (sixth 248), points (eighth 320), shots on goal (seventh 1,399), Stanley Cup Playoff games (third 142) and playoff rating (first plus-20). "He goes about his business, works hard each and every night, and is a huge part of this team. "He's Steady Eddie," said forward Patrick Marleau, who has played the most games in Sharks history (1,523). Recognized as an elite defender, it wasn't long before Vlasic was matched up against opponents' top lines, pitting him against the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Joe Sakic, Brendan Shanahan, Keith Tkachuk, Mike Modano, Jarome Iginla and Bill Guerin, who later was a teammate. Video: Vlasic wires a wrist shot past Vasilevskiy "It's like you want to play in that league, and one day you're playing against them." "Playing against the players I watched growing up was a highlight for me," Vlasic said. At 19, Vlasic was the youngest defenseman in the NHL and finished sixth in voting for the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year after he had 26 points (three goals, 23 assists) and a plus-13 rating in 81 games. Vlasic entered the NHL at the start of the 2006-07 season after his third and final season with the Quebec Remparts of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. 35) of the 2005 NHL Draft, a pick acquired from the Calgary Flames for goalie Miikka Kiprusoff in what was the first trade of a player off the Sharks roster in general manager Doug Wilson's 16-year tenure. Vlasic was selected by San Jose in the second round (No. "You look back 13-14 years in, it goes by quickly, and have had a lot of fun doing it." ![]()
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