NHL Sunday Morning Power Rankings: Central Division Defensemen

The big story in the NHL this past week was the Canadiens negotiations with defenseman P.K. Subban. The Canadiens and Subban were headed to arbitration. Both sides did finally came to an agreement on an 8 year 72 million dollar contract. Now Subban’s contract is large but is still less than other Elite defenseman in the NHL.

With defenseman and their worth being in the spotlight, this week’s Sunday Morning Power Rankings focuses on the NHL central divisions top 10 defenseman. There ARE a few surprises on this list with the top three being interchangeable in my mind.

Now onto the rankings:

Apr 5, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) and Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) battle for position at the Air Canada Centre. Winnipeg defeated Toronto 4-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

10. Dustin Byfuglien Winnipeg Jets: Dustin Byfuglien is a forward/defenseman for the Winnipeg Jets. Byfuglien can be an offensive force when he puts his mind to it and stay away from the buffet line. Last season he put 20 goals, 36 assists, and was a -20 rating. The -20 rating is the worst of his career; however he did average .72 point per game which was the second highest in his career. Bfyuglien strengths are that his had great size and can play in front of the net on the power play. If anyone Byfuglien can play on the power play ask Roberto Luengo on that one? Hockey reference states that Byfuglien’s career potential is a unique offensive defenseman.