NHL Power Rankings: Top Western Conference Defensemen

Apr 7, 2015; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Arizona Coyotes defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson (23) skates against the Calgary Flames during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Calgary Flames won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

8. Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Ekman-Larsson is one of the few bright spots on an overall abysmal Arizona Coyotes team. OEL scored 23 goals with 20 assists and finished 10th in the NHL with an average of 25:12 ice time per game last season.

More from Editorials

• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• Blackhawks: Changes to the coaching staff are a step in the right direction
• Chicago Blackhawks: Reasons for optimism and cause for concern
• Blackhawks: Kick off four game road trip against Kraken
• Recapping the Jeremy Colliton era with the Chicago Blackhawks

Ekman-Larsson is primarily a goal scorer, but he can hold his own defensively, too. The majority of his zone starts came on the offensive side, but it wasn’t by an overwhelming margin. Also, Ekman-Larsson is a capable possession player with a 52.60 Corsi-for percentage last season.

The best part about OEL is he is in the early stages of his prime. He can be relied upon as an offensive threat while also being a dependable defender. It’s just a shame he’s stuck in a brutal situation in Arizona.

Next: Who's No. 7?

More from Blackhawk Up

• Blackhawks: List Of Things To Be Thankful For This Thanksgiving
• The perfect holiday gifts for the Chicago Blackhawks fan
• Blackhawks vs Flames: Date, Time, Lineup, Betting Odds, More
• Chicago Blackhawks Winning- Temper Those Expectations
• Three Takeaways from the Blackhawks’ Win vs Vancouver