*Note: Stats courtesy of Frozen Tools

With the 2026-27 NHL season just over a week away, many leagues are in the midst of their fantasy drafts. An important aspect to any championship team is having an elite blueliner to solidify their backend. That's why this week we are looking at the Top 10 Fantasy Defensemen for the 2026-27 season.

HM's: Jake Sanderson (Ottawa Senators), Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins), Roman Josi (Nashville Predators), Josh Morrissey (Winnipeg Jets), Jackson Lacombe (Anaheim Ducks)

10. Adam Fox, New York Rangers

Fox has somehow become an underrated player around the league. This is largely due to the emergence of some elite young blueliners that have surpassed him in many people’s eyes. However, Adam Fox has still been a consistent offensive defenseman. If healthy, there is no reason why he shouldn't be a top-ten fantasy blueliner next season.

9. Miro Heiskanen, Dallas Stars

Much like Fox, Heiskanen has become a bit underrated when talking about the best defenseman in the game today. He doesn't have the same upside as some of the other players on this list, but he's still recorded a 70-point season in his career. He's a stable presence for what should be a Cup-contending team once again in Dallas. Heiskanen could be a steal in the middle rounds for managers looking to round out their defensive group.

8. Matthew Schaefer, New York Islanders

After being selected first-overall by the Islanders in 2025, expectations were high for Matthew Schaefer. But nobody expected him to be as dominant as he was in his rookie campaign. He had 59 points in his first season and was a game-changer in New York, completely transforming their blueline. Don't anticipate a sophomore slump out of Schaefer as he looks to build upon his first campaign.

7. Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings

Moritz Seider has some offensive capabilities, but he isn't an elite point producer like others on this list. But what he lacks in production, he makes up for with his elite physical play. He is one of the best hitters across the league, and this makes him one of the top fantasy options at his position. He hit a career-high 60 points last season, and if he can build upon that, it makes him one of the most valuable fantasy defensemen in the NHL.

6. Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres

Rasmus Dahlin is one of the main catalysts for the Sabres return to the playoffs last season. The former first overall selection has solidified himself as an elite amongst elites. Dahlin's mix of high-end skill and physicality makes him one of the most sought-after players in fantasy circles. He could very well be one of the first five blueliners off the board this season.

5. Lane Hutson, Montreal Canadiens

We're beginning to run out of adjectives to describe some of the things that Lane Hutson has done in his young career. After a Calder campaign, many wondered if he could replicate that success in year two as the primary focus of opposing teams’ defensive schemes. However, despite the increased workload and pressure, Hutson surpassed his year one totals and was just under a point per game. He is a part of an exciting young core in Montreal. If Hutson is able to yet again find another gear, he is genuinely in top-three defenseman talks.

4. Evan Bouchard, Edmonton Oilers

The goal-scoring and offensive upside is what brings Evan Bouchard to number four on this list. He has oftentimes been criticized for his defensive play, but that doesn't matter in fantasy hockey. Bouchard is coming off of a mind-blowing 21-goal, 95-point season. He quarterbacks an Oilers power-play unit that features Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. His booming shot makes him a threat to score 20 once again. Being on such a dangerous power play makes him one of the biggest upside bets of any defenseman.

3. Quinn Hughes, Minnesota Wild

Quinn Hughes was traded from Vancouver to Minnesota during the middle of last season. The former Canucks captain had no issues transitioning to a new team and a new city as he registered 53 points in 48 games with his new club. Hughes has been one of the most consistent offensive producers for several years, and he is one of the best power-play quarterbacks in the game today. The only concern for him next season is the looming contract and trade talks becoming a distraction for himself and the Wild.

2. Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets

Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski has solidified his place amongst the elite blueliners in the NHL. There have been questions surrounding his future in Columbus throughout this offseason. However, it looks like he'll remain a member of the Blue Jackets, at least to begin the year. Werenski's draft stock has continued to rise, and now he will be a top-20 pick and a top-three defenseman off the board.

1. Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche

There wasn't ever any doubt that Cale Makar would be at number one on this list. He has been the consensus best defenseman in the game for years now. As a result, he recently signed the longest contract in NHL history. Makar should be a slam-dunk top-10 pick in every fantasy league.

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