Hi there everybody and welcome to the newest version of Japanese Edge! I am Eli Feldman.
Whereas “elite power-play producer” is a label typically related to forwards, the NHL’s Japanese Convention is loaded with dynamic defencemen who not solely anchor their staff at even energy but additionally function the first engine with the person benefit.
Energy-play quarterbacks are among the many most precious property in at present’s NHL, each on the ice and in fantasy hockey. With out additional ado, let’s spotlight 5 d-men who deliver a novel mix of expertise, ability, and alternative, making them intriguing fantasy property for the 2025/2026 NHL season.
(Statistics offered by Frozen Instruments and MoneyPuck.com)
Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
Rasmus Dahlin has totally stepped into the position the Sabres envisioned once they chosen him first general in 2018. With 50+ factors over every of the previous 4 seasons (together with 73 factors in 78 video games in 2022/2023), Dahlin is likely one of the most constant offensive defencemen within the NHL. He logs large minutes in all conditions, but it surely’s on the ability play the place he showcases the total vary of his recreation: poised puck distribution, misleading motion, and a heavy shot from the purpose.
Buffalo’s high unit revolves round him. With the Sabres’ younger core – highlighted by Tage Thompson, Bowen Byram, and Zach Benson – bettering yearly, Dahlin has a rising arsenal of weapons to feed. He completed the 2024/25 marketing campaign with 21 energy play factors and will push that complete even increased this season if Buffalo can take a step ahead offensively.
Dahlin is a participant in his prime, captaining a staff on the verge of breaking by means of.
Dougie Hamilton, New Jersey Devils
When wholesome, Dougie Hamilton is among the many NHL’s elite offensive blueliners. In his final full season (2022/23), he put up 74 factors, together with 28 on the power-play. A lower-body damage price Hamilton a bit of final season, however all indicators level to a return to full energy to open 2025/26.
Hamilton is a catalyst on New Jersey’s deadly high power-play unit. He brings a right-handed shot that may rating from distance, and he has the imaginative and prescient and confidence to maneuver laterally on the blue line and discover seams by means of site visitors. With Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt, and Stefan Noesen up entrance, the Devils’ energy play is stacked with ability. If Hamilton stays wholesome, he ought to return to the 25-30 PP level vary with ease this season.
Seth Jones, Florida Panthers
Seth Jones made headlines when he was dealt by the Chicago Blackhawks to the Florida Panthers this previous March. Upon becoming a member of the defending – and eventual – Stanley Cup Champions, Jones immediately stepped right into a high-leverage position, offering the Panthers with a bodily, skilled, and offensively succesful rearguard to assist their Playoff push.
Jones brings a well-rounded skillset to the ability play quarterback position. He is an distinctive skater for his measurement, possesses a heavy and correct shot, and might stroll the blue line and open lanes with ease. Florida’s high power-play stays one of the crucial harmful leaguewide, that includes the likes of Aleksander Barkov, Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, and Carter Verhaeghe.
With Florida’s unparalleled ahead depth and top-tier puck possession metrics, Jones may simply surpass the career-high 24 PPP that he amassed with the Blue Jackets in 2017/2018, offered he maintains top-unit deployment all through the season.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Carolina Hurricanes
Shayne Gostisbehere enters the 2025/26 season as a key offensive driver for the Carolina Hurricanes’ energy play. After inking a three-year contract final offseason, Gostisbehere loved a productive marketing campaign in 2024/2025, recording 45 factors in 70 video games, 27 of which got here with the person benefit.
Gostisbehere’s one-timer from the left level, sharp lateral skating, and improved poise underneath strain have helped him change into a trusted presence on Carolina’s high power-play unit. In reality, Ghost ranked fourth amongst Japanese Convention defencemen in anticipated objectives at 5-on-4 final season (3.2), displaying simply how essential he’s to Carolina’s power-play scheme.
Carolina’s high unit incorporates a crop of proficient scorers – together with Sebastian Aho, Andrei Svechnikov, and Seth Jarvis – that enhances Gostisbehere’s skill to maneuver the puck rapidly and cleanly. With a full, wholesome season forward and a well-structured assist solid, Gostisbehere is well-positioned to flirt with the 30+ PPP mark for his third straight season as a Hurricane.
Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets
Zach Werenski‘s offensive toolkit has by no means been doubtful, however accidents have plagued him all through his profession. When wholesome, nevertheless, Werenski is well one of the crucial productive defencemen within the League with the person benefit.
Werenski loved a stellar marketing campaign with the Blue Jackets final season (each when it comes to well being and productiveness), racking up 82 factors (23 objectives, 59 assists) in 81 video games, together with 25 factors on the power-play.
Werenski is decisive on the blue line and thrives in methods that permit him to be the first puck distributor. Whereas Columbus has struggled to seek out consistency over latest years, the staff’s promising younger core – together with Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson, and Kirill Marchenko – makes Werenski an intriguing fantasy asset this season and within the years to return.
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That is all for this week! Keep tuned for the subsequent version of Japanese Edge on Tuesday, August 12. Have a fantastic week everybody!
