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EA Sports has officially unveiled the top 20 defensemen in NHL 25, with NHL 24 cover star Cale Makar leading the pack at an impressive 95 overall rating. Joining him at the top are NHL 25 cover athlete Quinn Hughes with a 94 overall, and Roman Josi, the 2020 Norris Trophy winner, who holds a 93 rating.

Hughes, who took home the Norris Trophy in the 2023-24 season, led all defensemen in scoring with 92 points, while Josi and Makar rounded out the top three in Norris Trophy voting. Both were also the second and third-highest-scoring defensemen of the season.

Top 20 Defensemen by Overall Rating

Here’s the list of the top 20 defensemen based on overall rating in NHL 25:

Cale Makar – 95
Quinn Hughes – 94
Roman Josi – 93
Miro Heiskanen – 92
Victor Hedman – 92
Charlie McAvoy – 92
Adam Fox – 92
Rasmus Dahlin – 91
Devon Toews – 89
Josh Morrissey – 89
Jaccob Slavin – 89
Jonas Brodin – 89
Noah Dobson – 89
Alex Pietrangelo – 89
John Carlson – 89
Evan Bouchard – 89
Brett Pesce – 88
Moritz Seider – 88
Zach Werenski – 88
Drew Doughty – 88

Among this elite group are six past Norris Trophy winners: Makar, Hughes, Josi, Hedman, Fox, and Doughty. Together, they account for a combined 21 top-three finishes in Norris voting, cementing their dominance in the league. Another notable defenseman on the list, John Carlson, has also been a nominee for the prestigious award.

Notable Changes and Newcomers

Several notable defensemen from last year’s NHL 24 top 20 rankings did not make the cut in NHL 25. Shea Theodore, Thomas Chabot, Erik Karlsson, Dougie Hamilton, and Kris Letang all dropped out. They’ve been replaced by newcomers Jonas Brodin, Noah Dobson, Evan Bouchard, Brett Pesce, and Zach Werenski.

Brodin and Pesce, in particular, saw significant jumps in their overall ratings, with Brodin moving from an 87 to an 89, and Pesce climbing from an 86 to an 88. These increases reflect their improved defensive skills, showcasing their growing importance to their teams.

Bouchard, who was instrumental in the Edmonton Oilers' deep playoff run, earned an 89 overall rating. Given his strong performance, his rating could rise even further if he starts the upcoming season on a high note.

Meanwhile, aging veterans like Alex Pietrangelo and John Carlson still retain high rankings, both earning an 89 overall. While some might argue that their skills have declined with age, their past accomplishments and continued contributions justify their placement.

Attribute Highlights and Skills

In addition to their overall ratings, many of these top defensemen boast standout attributes. Makar, Hughes, and Fox all have exceptional passing abilities, each with a 96 rating in that category. Jaccob Slavin shines with a 94 stick checking rating, a key asset in shutting down opposing forwards.

Evan Bouchard and Victor Hedman are recognized for their powerful slap shots, both earning a 94 slap shot power rating. Carlson also excels in his wrist shot, with a 93 wrist shot power rating, making him a scoring threat from the blue line.

Hughes and Makar, in particular, were named among the fastest skaters in NHL 25, adding to their status as two of the most dynamic defensemen in the game.

Release Date and Access Information

Fans eager to experience the revamped gameplay and improved defensemen attributes in NHL 25 won’t have to wait long. Early access will be available starting September 27, with the full release slated for October 4. Those who opt for the Deluxe Edition will be able to dive into the game a full week before the general release.

In addition to the top defensemen, NHL 25 promises to offer a wealth of other features and improvements, with EA Sports expected to release more detailed information about individual player attributes and other aspects of the game soon. For now, hockey fans can get ready to hit the ice with the game’s top defensemen, each bringing their unique skill sets and game-changing abilities to the forefront.

Final Thoughts

The top 20 defensemen in NHL 25 represent a blend of rising stars and established veterans, all of whom have proven their worth on the ice. With new faces entering the mix and familiar names maintaining their elite status, the rankings reflect both the changing and consistent aspects of NHL defense. As NHL 25 prepares for its release, the combination of high overall ratings and standout individual attributes will make for an exciting gameplay experience, especially with the introduction of new defensive mechanics and team strategies.

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