NHL Network releases top 20 defensemen rankings

The NHL Network has released its annual ranking of the top 20 defensemen in the league heading into the upcoming season.

Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy was ranked 11th, maintaining the same position he held last summer despite a career-high 61-point regular season. McAvoy's recent performance included leading the Bruins in points and average ice time, though his season was marked by various injuries and a suspension.

Colorado Avalanche defenseman Devon Toews landed at No. 20, a drop of three spots from his No. 17 ranking the previous year. Toews' decline in the rankings follows a regular season where he recorded a career-low 24 points in 68 games, although he maintained high defensive value and significant ice time during the postseason.