NHL Network has released its list of the top 20 defensemen currently playing in the NHL, with Vancouver Canucks’ Quinn Hughes ranking second behind Colorado Avalanche’s Cale Makar. These rankings have divided opinions among hockey fans on social media.
Hughes took home his first Norris Trophy last season after an impressive season in which he scored 17 goals and provided 75 assists for 92 points. This catapulted him from his No. 10 ranking last year to the No. 2 spot.
Not all fans are convinced by the rankings, with one commenting:
“Surprised he’s not lower. Number 9 on this list Evan Bouchard defeated Quinn in the playoffs”
Another fan wrote:
“I don’t agree with that, but I think it’s important to note. Neither team AVS nor Canucks. Would complain if they have either player. IF there is a hole. It’s not very big and both players are phenomenal.”
A fan unhappy with the rankings wrote:
“Another biased NHL Network post.” on X.
Many Canucks fans argue that Quinn Hughes deserves to be No. 1 after his Norris-winning performance last year.
“Totally makes sense. The winner of the trophy as the NHL’s best d-man is ranked the second best d-man according to the NHL Network.” a fan wrote on X.
“I guess it’s not a big deal. But if the award for best defenseman goes to the number two defenseman, does the list still make sense? Or does Cale deserve the Norris?” wrote another fan.
“This is fair. If he has another great season and Makar has another bad year, he will be No. 1.” a user commented.
Quinn Hughes and his brothers are on the cover of EA Sports NHL 25
The Hughes brothers – Quinn, Luke and Jack – have made history by becoming the first trio of siblings to appear together on the cover of an EA Sports NHL video game.
“It’s a huge honor for us to be on the cover of NHL 25 together.” Quinn Hughes told NHL.com. “We all grew up playing EA Sports NHL games and never imagined we would one day be the cover athletes. It’s a dream come true.”
Quinn is joined by his younger brothers Luke, a defenseman drafted by the New Jersey Devils in 2021, and Jack, a center for the New Jersey Devils and the 2019 first overall draft pick.
EA Play subscribers will receive a 10-hour trial per week before NHL 25 launches, along with in-game benefits and discounts during its October 4 release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles.
Edited by Neha
