Who’s the best defenseman in the NHL? It’s a question with many answers, but two of the top names are Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Now, former Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson weighs in and shares his thoughts on the debate.
The NHL is currently filled with young, talented players who are taking the league by storm. When it comes to the discussion of who the best defenseman in the NHL is, there are quite a few names to choose from. Over the last two seasons, however, the Norris Trophy has been won by Cale Makar and Quinn Hughes.
Quinn Hughes or Cale Makar
These two names are often at the top of any ranking of the league’s best defensemen—and for good reason. Last season, Hughes recorded 76 points in 68 games, while Makar tallied 92 points in 80 games. But who is truly the best? Former Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson now shares his take.
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Erik Johnson shares his view
Johnson played 1,023 games for the St. Louis Blues, Colorado Avalanche, Buffalo Sabres, and Philadelphia Flyers between 2007 and 2025. Responding to a post on X, he shared his thoughts:
“I’ve had a bunch of people ask me about this. Both have completely broken my ankles multiple times and made me look silly (as have many others). I love Quinn Hughes—he is absolutely awesome. But Cale is the best D in the NHL by a country mile,” he writes.
This season promises to be a close competition between the two defenders.
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