The NHL network Recently unveiled The “Top 20 defenders now”, a list. As often happens with this kind of ranking, someone is split off. Much more frequent are the debates that develop about players who have left the list, who probably should not be there.
The list was arranged on the basis of various criteria. The post noted that the 20 players on the list have an impressive CV, including 19 All-Star performances, nine all-smoking awards, six Norris trophies, two Calder trophies, two Conn Smythe trophies and nine Stanley Cups.
Our top 20 defenders at the moment has a total of:
• 19 Total All-Star Game performances
• 9 All-smokie Team Honors
• 6 James Norris Memorial Trophies
• 2 Calder trophies
• 2 Conn Smythe trophies
• 9 Stanley CupsWhat do you think of our list?@NHL | #Nhltopplayers pic.twitter.com/0magys04de
– NHL Network (@nhlnetwork) August 13, 2025
It is not surprising that the rankings lean heavily on offensive production.
What about Chris Tanev?
In an intriguing twist, Asked an account If Toronto Maple Leafs defender Chris Tanev has to be admitted. Known for its closing options and the dominance of the fine-kill, the impact of TANEV is not reflected in flashy pointed totals.
He is the kind of player who does not often get credit for what he does, and his contributions tend to fly under the radar in rankings that prefer offensive output. However, does this mean that she should have earned a place?
Some felt strongly that the defensive contributions of TANEV earned recognition. “If defenders were only characterized by defensive statistics and not offensive, he is 100% [Top 20]”Wrote one commentator. Another suggested an approach with two columns: ‘Top 20 General? No. Top 20 in actual defense and closing the top rules? Yes.”
Others were more measured and noticed at the value of Tanev, but were questioning his rank compared to the best of the competition: “Tanev is defensively great, but that doesn’t put him in the top 20 fun. He is probably top 30-40,” said a fan. Another added: “Top 10-15 defending defender, generally not in the top 20.”
Where would you rank Tanev? Is he one of the best D-Men in the NHL? Or is he just really good at blocking photos and playing a closing role? The latter may not be enough to get it in the top 20. It is certainly not on this list.
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