Over the last decade, there’s no denying that the game of hockey has gotten a whole lot faster. Don’t get me wrong, there have always been some top athletes in the NHL, but the modern game is built on speed, creativity, and nonstop transition play. It’s no longer just the wingers burning down the boards who define the sport. Defensemen have had to evolve, too, finding ways to shut down elite offenses while still driving play themselves.
That shift will be reflected in NHL 26. Upon stepping on the virtual ice, you should immediately notice how blueliners aren’t just stay-at-home anchors anymore — mobile, dynamic, and as important to offense as they are to defense. That isn’t to say that the NHL isn’t still fueled by high-octane scorers. But in today’s game, the best defensemen have a much more active role in shaping that action, rather than just reacting to it.
So, which defensemen in NHL 26 will be among the most elite in the game? Here are the top 10 defensemen in the game, as revealed by EA.
Top 10 Defensemen In NHL 26
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1. Quinn Hughes – LD, Vancouver Canucks
- Overall: 95
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2. Cale Makar – RD, Colorado Avalanche
- Overall: 95
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3. Zach Werenski – LD, Columbus Blue Jackets
- Overall: 92
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4. Roman Josi – LD, Nashville Predators
- Overall: 92
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5. Victor Hedman – LD, Tampa Bay Lightning
- Overall: 92
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6. Rasmus Dahlin – LD, Buffalo Sabres
- Overall: 92
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7. Miro Heiskanen – LD, Dallas Stars
- Overall: 91
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8. Jaccob Slavin – LD, Carolina Hurricanes
- Overall: 90
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9. Josh Morrissey – LD, Winnipeg Jets
- Overall: 90
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10. Adam Fox – RD, New York Rangers
- Overall: 90
To almost nobody’s surprise, Quinn Hughes and Cole Makar are the standouts when it comes to defensemen in NHL 26. Since being drafted 7th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in 2018, Quinn — the oldest of the three Hughes brothers — has emerged as an elite defenseman on the right, known for his dynamic skating ability and mobility.
Now a 7-year NHL veteran, Makar also brings a sense of completeness to the Colorado Avalanche’s defense line and is known not only for his solid skills on the defensive side of the puck, but is also known for his unusually high offensive output. Makar is coming off a career year in 2024-25 in terms of offense, amassing a career-high 92 points (30 goals, 62 assists), not including the additional 5 points he had in 7 playoff appearances.
Overall, it’s hard to argue with EA about these overalls, especially when it comes to the two players who are presented as being absolutely elite when it comes to defense.
