NHL 23: Best Defenders

With NHL 23 out for a week now, some fans are probably still trying get a feel for which star players they need on their teams, particularly in Franchise Mode.

Not every top player will meet your interests, seeing as every star talent comes with a unique set of skills. But chances are, at least one of the Top 5 players of every position will have what you’re looking for, and we’re here to help you with that selection process.

In this guide, we will be reviewing the Top 5 defenders in NHL 23 and dig into some of the details that sets each player a part the rest. From their skill attributes to their X-Factor perks, this guide is here to provide the clarity you’re after when building your best teams for Franchise Mode in NHL 23.

Let’s have a look.

NOW BUY: NHL 23 Standard Edition (Xbox Series X|S) Digital Code from Green Man Gaming.

NHL 23: Top 5 Defenders

5. John Carlson (90 Overall) – Capitals

The long-time veteran Washington Capitals defender John Carlson, is quite special and worth having for just about any team you create. The 32-year-old tallied a career high 17 goals last season to go with 54 assists and 73 hits. His power and strength on the ice is quite the force to contend with and you can’t go wrong with having him on your team. Carlson comes with the ‘Thunder Clap’ X-Factor ability and has a handful of great skills as well. Let’s check out his Top 5 ratings:

• Passing (94)
• Puck Control (93)
• Wristshot Power (93)
• Slapshot Power (93)
• Offensive Awareness (93)

4. Adam Fox (90 Overall) – Rangers

Young 24-year-old Adam Fox is quite the marvel and has everything the Rangers could have asked for. In 78 games played, Fox had 11 goals and 63 assists, providing the best of both worlds with his offense and defense. Fox does come with the ‘Tape To Tape’ X-Factor ability as well as a whole bunch of influential ratings, particularly on the offensive end. Here’s his Top 5 skills:

• Offensive Awareness (96)
• Puck Control (96)
• Agility (94)
• Passing (93)
• Deking (93)

3. Victor Hedman (93 Overall) – Lightning

A big part of why the Tampa Bay Lightning have been able to endure this kind of dynasty run for the past few years, is because of the consistent, incredible defensive play from Victor Hedman. Playing in all 82 games last season, Hedman has been a rock for the Lightning’s defense, posting 20 goals with 65 assists and 93 hits. Hedman comes with the ‘Stick Em Up’ X-Factor ability and several great ratings you could benefit from having on any team in NHL 23. Let’s have a look:

• Defensive Awareness (95)
• Stick Checking (95)
• Slapshot Power (94)
• Balance (94)
• Strength (93)

2. Roman Josi (93 Overall) – Predators

If you’re after a physical, work-horse-of-a-defender, Roman Josi is a must have for you in NHL 23. The 32-year-old veteran had a career high in goals (23) and assists (74) last season. The Nashville Predators defender is one of the games true elites and comes not only with some dominant skill attributes, but also the ‘Send It’ X-Factor ability as well. Here’s Josi’s Top 5 ratings:

• Defensive Awareness (96)
• Stick Checking (94)
• Puck Control (93)
• Passing (93)
• Endurance (93)

1. Cale Makar (94 Overall) – Avalanche

It’s challenging to sometimes get the very best on your team. But if you want the most complete, all-around defender in NHL 23, Cale Makar is the man for you. Last season, Makar had 28 goals, 58 assists, and 95 hits. The 23-year-old stud comes with the ‘Elite Edges’ X-Factor ability and a variety of superb ratings. Here’s the Top skills Makar has in NHL 23:

• Puck Control (97)
• Deking (97)
• Passing (96)
• Speed (96)
• Agility (96)

NOW READ: How to defend in NHL 23.