Hello everyone and welcome to the latest edition of Eastern Edge! I'm Eli Feldman.

While "elite power-play producer" is a label often associated with forwards, the NHL's Eastern Conference is loaded with dynamic defencemen who not only anchor their team at even strength but also serve as the primary engine with the man advantage.

Power-play quarterbacks are among the most valuable assets in today's NHL, both on the ice and in fantasy hockey. Without further ado, let's highlight five d-men who bring a unique blend of experience, skill, and opportunity, making them intriguing fantasy assets for the 2025/2026 NHL season.

(Statistics provided by Frozen Tools and MoneyPuck.com)

Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin has fully stepped into the role the Sabres envisioned when they selected him first overall in 2018. With 50+ points over each of the past four seasons (including 73 points in 78 games in 2022/2023), Dahlin is one of the most consistent offensive defencemen in the NHL. He logs massive minutes in all situations, but it's on the power play where he showcases the full range of his game: poised puck distribution, deceptive movement, and a heavy shot from the point.

Buffalo's top unit revolves around him. With the Sabres' young core – highlighted by Tage Thompson, Bowen Byram, and Zach Benson – improving every year, Dahlin has a growing arsenal of weapons to feed. He finished the 2024/25 campaign with 21 power play points and should push that total even higher this season if Buffalo can take a step forward offensively.

Dahlin is a player in his prime, captaining a team on the verge of breaking through.

Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils

When healthy, Dougie Hamilton is among the NHL's elite offensive blueliners. In his last full season (2022/23), he put up 74 points, including 28 on the power-play. A lower-body injury cost Hamilton a chunk of last season, but all signs point to a return to full strength to open 2025/26.

Hamilton is a catalyst on New Jersey's lethal top power-play unit. He brings a right-handed shot that can score from distance, and he has the vision and confidence to move laterally at the blue line and find seams through traffic. With Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Stefan Noesen up front, the Devils' power play is stacked with skill. If Hamilton stays healthy, he should return to the 25-30 PP point range with ease this season.

Seth Jones, Florida Panthers

Seth Jones made headlines when he was dealt by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers this past March. Upon joining the defending – and eventual – Stanley Cup Champions, Jones instantly stepped into a high-leverage role, providing the Panthers with a physical, experienced, and offensively capable rearguard to support their Playoff push.

Jones brings a well-rounded skillset to the power play quarterback role. He's an exceptional skater for his size, possesses a heavy and accurate shot, and can walk the blue line and open lanes with ease. Florida's top power-play remains one of the most dangerous leaguewide, featuring the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Carter Verhaeghe.

With Florida's unparalleled forward depth and top-tier puck possession metrics, Jones could easily surpass the career-high 24 PPP that he amassed with the Blue Jackets in 2017/2018, provided he maintains top-unit deployment throughout the season.

Shayne Gostisbehere, Carolina Hurricanes

Shayne Gostisbehere enters the 2025/26 season as a key offensive driver for the Carolina Hurricanes' power play. After inking a three-year contract last offseason, Gostisbehere enjoyed a productive campaign in 2024/2025, recording 45 points in 70 games, 27 of which came with the man advantage.

Gostisbehere's one-timer from the left point, sharp lateral skating, and improved poise under pressure have helped him become a trusted presence on Carolina's top power-play unit. In fact, Ghost ranked fourth among Eastern Conference defencemen in expected goals at 5-on-4 last season (3.2), showing just how important he is to Carolina's power-play scheme.

Carolina's top unit features a crop of talented scorers – including Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis – that complements Gostisbehere's ability to move the puck quickly and cleanly. With a full, healthy season ahead and a well-structured support cast, Gostisbehere is well-positioned to flirt with the 30+ PPP mark for his third straight season as a Hurricane.

Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Zach Werenski's offensive toolkit has never been in doubt, but injuries have plagued him throughout his career. When healthy, however, Werenski is easily one of the most productive defencemen in the League with the man advantage.

Werenski enjoyed a stellar campaign with the Blue Jackets last season (both in terms of health and productivity), racking up 82 points (23 goals, 59 assists) in 81 games, including 25 points on the power-play.

Werenski is decisive at the blue line and thrives in systems that allow him to be the primary puck distributor. While Columbus has struggled to find consistency over recent years, the team's promising young core – including Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko – makes Werenski an intriguing fantasy asset this season and in the years to come.

***

That's all for this week! Stay tuned for the next edition of Eastern Edge on Tuesday, August 12. Have a great week everyone!