The NHL Network's top 20 defensemen list for the 2026-27 season has sparked debate, with one player's omission causing a stir. Jakob Chychrun, a dominant force for the Washington Capitals, finds himself snubbed from the list despite an impressive 2025-26 campaign. This exclusion is particularly surprising given his outstanding performance, which included scoring more goals than all 20 players on the list and recording an impressive 60 or more points.
Chychrun's talent is undeniable. At 28 years old, he is one of only six defensemen to hit the 20-goal mark, and his ice time of 23:20 per game ranked 27th in the NHL. With the departure of John Carlson, Chychrun is set to become Washington's de facto number-one rearguard, leading a defense corps that includes Matt Roy, Cole Hutson, Martin Fehervary, Vincent Desharnais, and Timothy Liljegren. His pairing with Roy last season was highly effective, resulting in impressive control over shot attempts, expected goals, scoring chances, and high-danger chances.
So, what's the issue? Why isn't Chychrun recognized as one of the top defensemen in the league? One possible explanation lies in the subjective nature of such rankings. The NHL Network's list is a product of the network's producers and analysts' opinions, and personal biases may have influenced their choices. Additionally, the Norris Trophy, an annual award for the league's best defenseman, did not even grant Chychrun a single vote, further highlighting the subjective nature of these rankings.
This snub raises a deeper question: How do we truly measure a defenseman's impact? While points and goals are important metrics, they may not fully capture the defensive prowess and leadership that Chychrun brings to the ice. His ability to lead a defense corps and control the game's flow is invaluable, and these intangible qualities can sometimes be overlooked in favor of more quantifiable statistics.
In my opinion, Chychrun's exclusion from the top 20 defensemen list is a missed opportunity for the NHL Network to showcase a player who is not only a scoring threat but also a defensive powerhouse. His leadership and impact on the ice are undeniable, and his performance last season was exceptional. Perhaps, in the future, the network will re-evaluate its criteria for these rankings to ensure that players like Chychrun receive the recognition they deserve.
