Mobile defensemen have always been valuable, but today's NHL gives these players elevated status. Speed and mobility are useful in all areas of the game, and since so much of the action occurs in transition, the top-end skaters can dominate.
Every year sees the best skaters among the first defensemen drafted, and the popularity of these player-types are forcing the slower, pure defender to the outskirts of the game. Every team has at least one puck mover who can defend, and some have several as part of their arsenal. The number of these players grows every year, and the best are among the biggest stars in the game.
Here, in order, are the 10 most mobile defensemen in the game today. Rankings are based on strength of opposition, difficulty of zone start, quality of linemates and long-term success.
Note: All possession stats via HockeyAnalysis.com unless otherwise indicated.
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Article written by Allan Mitchell
Ranking the 10 Most Mobile Defensemen in the NHL for 2015-16
August 24th, 2015 by Allan Mitchell Leave a reply »
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