"List is kind of wacked out': NHL fans debate Top 20 NHL defensemen ranking topped by Cale Makar 

Cale Makar leads the NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list for the 2024-25 season. Vancouver Canucks captain Quinn Hughes is now second after winning the 2024 Norris Trophy. He moved up from 10th place last year. The competition between Makar and Hughes is growing, with Hughes making gains, especially as a captain.

Notably, Cale Makar still leads in Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe Trophies. However, Hughes’s recent success has shown his quick progress. In 77 games, Makar totaled 90 points through 21 goals and 69 assists.

Former Canucks draft pick Gustav Forsling placed sixth, while no other Vancouver defensemen made the list. NHL Network shared the rankings on X/Twitter and asked fans for their opinions.

Here's what some fans had to say about the list:

"Hedman ahead of Josi and Fox? Forsling ahead of Fox? List is kind of wacked out," one fan said.

"Forsling should be 4th and Bouchard should be t6 minimum," another fan commented.

"Hughes should be higher than Makar right now. Hedman isn't a top 10 D anymore. Fox dropped that far is malpractice. Morrissey always underrated. all-in-all pretty terrible," another fan said.

Here are some more reactions from NHL fans on X:

"This is the worst list I’ve ever seen. Fox is top 3. Absolutely ridiculous list. Just pack it up you guys stinkkkkkkk," one fan said.

"Mike matheson finishes 9th In points for dmen and he’s not on this list lol. These are the kind of crap shoot lists you get when nhl networks brain trust gets together," another fan tweeted.

"I can't believe how many people have Quinn Hughes at #2. Points can't be the only factor. Size and actual defensive skills and positioning has to matter. Dahlin should be #6. Guy is unreal but he doesn't get enough attention in Buffalo," one fan added.

Cale Makar is one of Colorado Avalanche's top offensive contributors

Cale Makar is a key player for the Colorado Avalanche as one of the top defensemen in the NHL and for his team’s offense. Last season, the Avalanche led the league in goals per game, averaging 3.68.

Makar had 90 points in 77 games last season. If he played all 82 games, his numbers would likely have been even better. He scored 21 goals, which is the second-best tally of his career so far after 28 goals in the 21-22 season. Over his career, Cale Makar has scored 336 points in 315 games.

With players like Nathan MacKinnon and the possibility of Valeri Nichushkin returning, the Avalanche should remain strong offensively next season.

What do you think of NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.