Top Five Defensemen In 2024 NHL Entry Draft – Hockey Writers – NHL Entry Draft

He uses his long reach to disrupt passing lanes and break plays high in the defense. While Emery plays a shutdown role, he is also skilled with the puck. He can make simple transition plays and occasionally impress with good passes. Very little involvement in offensive plays, but his skating ability is good enough to grow in this aspect of his game.

While he may not be a strong player on the power play, his defensive skills and skating skills make him a valuable asset to play five-on-five and as a potential killer. Emery has a great defensive ability against the chasers. He forces the opposing players to go outside and at times he covers them well. His stick-up performance allows him to break up multiple rush attempts and prevent zone coverage with a simple poke or stick-on puck. Although he is not overly physical or aggressive, he has a good understanding of space and is successful in closing down opposing players on the wall. His in-zone defense is excellent, as he is very good at breaking opposing cycles in anticipation of a poke check or board battle. Additionally, he is an excellent penalty killer, using his ability to block shots and close passing lanes.

4. Ben Danford, Oshawa Generals (OHL)

Ben Danford's strength as an NHL draft prospect lies in his strong defensive play. He is a hard-working defensive player and is already considered one of the best shot blockers in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His attitude and ambition are unique. He always wins puck battles, and his skating ability allows him to stay ahead of the play and force attackers out. Additionally, he is adept at defending the crease and has a stealthy body that gives him an edge in his stance.

Danford is an outstanding player who can control and run the game with his play. He is often on the ice for big minutes and knows how to use those minutes quickly. Despite his larger frame, he has excellent skating and footwork. He also displays elite vision, which helps him organize his teammates throughout the game. Once the puck is deep in the defensive end, it quickly picks up the coverage it needs. If the puck is in his corner, he is one of the first in the fight, and if it is not, it makes standing in front of the net difficult. He is quick to make a smart pass out of the zone when the puck is on his stick, while rarely sticking the puck and can find an open player to pass to.

The concern with Danford is that he is not as dynamic a skater as some of the top blueliners from the OHL this year. Although he is an adequate skater with good defensive instincts and length, he lacks the quickness and agility of other players. However, his skiing will not stop him from reaching the professional level. Improving his explosiveness, quickness, and agility in all directions could improve his offensive game and consistency.

3. Charlie Elick, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

Charlie Elick is an outstanding defender in the goal area. He is strong and skillfully prevents opponents from blocking his goalie by tying their sticks and pushing them out. He excels at guarding the front of the net, almost making it his second home. When he needs to fight for the puck in the corner or block an open shooter at the dot, he does so seamlessly and quickly returns to the net to ensure it stays clear.

Elick usually plays a consistent game but can be aggressive when throwing hits. However, sometimes, he tries to make a big hit, which makes him vulnerable to being hit. He tried to hit it hard in the neutral zone at one point, but the opposing player passed him. As a result, he hit the boards, leaving the attacker open with two-on-one opportunities. Although it opened up a good opportunity, they did not get the goals.

Related: Top 5 Defensemen in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft

When it comes to the penalty kill, he is an unstoppable force. He skillfully defends against the rush with his stick, delivering massive hits to his opponents. His stance is strong as he blocks shots and quickly clears the puck once it's in his head. On the offensive end, he shows his ability by making impressive plays from the blue line and looking to hit the seams on the ice. He's also good at getting his shot on net, making sure it's low enough to create a rebound.

Elick's strong 6-foot-3 frame and skating ability contribute to his strong defensive game. He effectively closes gaps and defends the line, wins puck battles in front of the net, and smoothly turns defensive plays into offensive opportunities. Additionally, he is physical and can deliver strong body checks without compromising his defensive stance. He shows great potential as a secondary, matchup defender at the next level.

2. Stian Solberg, Valerenga (Norway)

Stian Solberg is a hockey player that his coaches love when he plays within the boundaries. He's fierce, powerful, deep and loves to deliver hits. The first thing you notice when you watch top players try to get past him is how sharp his run defense is. Gap control, reverse skating, active stick, and physical strength stand out. He is a strong competitor on the boards and in front of the net and has a powerful, accurate shot. Defensively, he is considered one of the best in the draft, with excellent skating, footwork, and ability to read the game. Although he is a big player, he has good skills and rarely gets out of position. He still holds up under pressure, perhaps because of his experience playing in Norway's top men's league. His standout performance at the IIHF World Junior tournament raised his draft stock after scouts recognized his abilities.

Solberg uses his incredible foot speed to quickly close the gap between himself and attackers, often delivering powerful hits when moving forward. At 6-foot-2 and 201 pounds, he's not afraid to step up and make a big open ice hit or cut forwards near the boards to push them down. He is self-contained and can make a big reverse even if it is the target. Although he shows that he can control himself, he is more than just a physical presence. The defining feature of his game is his clean and precise playing. In 42 games last season, he accumulated just 15 penalty minutes, which is remarkable given the power of his hitting.

Solberg is known for being aggressive, defensive on the ice. His combination of smooth skating and speed allows him to effectively cover space and limit opposing puck carriers' options. His strength and stamina make it difficult for opponents to keep the ball, as he is adept at applying pressure and disrupting plays. Additionally, he excels at setting himself up to block players in front of the net, using his active stick to create turnovers and transition opportunities for his team.

1. Anton Silayev, Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod (KHL)

Anton Silayev's game is built on his excellent defense. Using his size and skating ability, he is a formidable presence on the ice. He delivers powerful hits to attackers coming down his side but does so selectively and stays in place. His strong skiing allows him to control the distance between himself and attackers, forcing them to the outer edges of the ice. He excels at defending offensive cycles and redirecting play away from dangerous areas. His long stick effectively disrupts passing and shooting lanes.

Silayev stands out because of his impressive height on the ice and elsewhere. However, what is even more surprising is his departure. Unlike many players of his size, he has excellent mobility and does not rely solely on physicality and strength to succeed. He moves well for his size, dives effortlessly in the blue lane, excels in transition, and initiates attacks without being easily noticed. His quickness also works for him in defence, closing space quickly and catching attackers off guard.

Although he is still inexperienced, especially for a draft-eligible KHL defenseman, his skills are very different, and he has great potential. Silayev is able to cover a lot of ground on the ice, needing only three or four steps to cross the neutral zone. Although his skating may seem unpolished, he has used it effectively on both offense and defense. Defensively, he relies on his exceptional long reach and powerful moves to quickly close gaps.

Sign up for our NHL Prospects & Draft Substack newsletter