NHL Network recently dropped their top 20 defensemen entering the 2026 season, and there was some controversy among the rankings. Cale Makar sits at the top for the top-rated defensemen, with Quinn Hughes and Zach Werenski among the top 3.
NHL defensemen are some of the most talented players with their elite edgework and play at the blueline. Some bring a more physical element to their game, like Moritz Seider; some have elite skating IQ, like Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar; and some have an awesome shot, like Evan Bouchard.
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The glaring issue of the rankingsMay 3, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) warms up before game one against the Colorado Avalanche of the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn ImagesThe top three are solid, with Makar at one, Quinn Hughes at two, and Werenski at three. The middle of the order, between 4 and 10, is where things get interesting. One notable player outside the top 10? Adam Fox. Ranked by WAR (Wins Above Replacement), Adam Fox ranks tied for 5th with Werenski at 2.7. Werenski has more points than Fox, but the WAR is the same. Fox played in 55 games and finished with 53 points.
People take the Four Nations Tournament for ranking Fox too harshly. Fox may not be what he was, and some say he has had some “down years,” but his down years are still strong years for other defensemen.
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Players ahead of Adam FoxApr 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers defenseman Adam Fox (23) skates against the Washington Capitals during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-Imagn ImagesSome notable players ahead of Fox are Matthew Schaefer, Lane Hutson, Evan Bouchard, Moritz Seider, and Miro Heiskanen. Other players like Charlie McAvoy are ahead too. Fox doesn’t put up the crazy amount of points like Hutson and Bouchard. He isn’t going to bodycheck someone harshly like Seider either. Schaefer has been in the league for one season, which was one of the best rookie seasons we have seen, but that doesn’t reward him a spot ahead of Fox.
What makes Fox special is his IQ with the puck and his elite defensive abilities, like knocking pucks down, defending the net well, and being a very smart player when skating with the puck on his stick. He isn’t on the Makar or Hughes skating level, but he is in the conversation as one of the smartest defensemen in the NHL.
How Fox can reclaim a top spot in the rankingsIf Adam Fox can put up a big point season, NHL analysts will take notice because that is why the rankings have players ahead. It comes down to points and not as much to their impact on the ice.
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