NHL Top 8 Defence Players who can win Stanley Cups
It’s an old saying that the “Defence wins Championships” National Hockey League, wouldn’t hesitate on agreeing to it. Although a goaltender might make it hard for the defensemen but a good defence certainly helps a goalie to score. In fact the top teams of NHL such as Montreal Canadians and Detroit Red Wings prove how important defence is, having the cream of the best defence players in their roster.
Here is a list of a few top most players who have made history in NHL, aiding their respective teams to win the Stanley Cup:
Pavel Datsyuk is a patriot from Detroit Red Wings; the Franchise who holds 11 Stanley Cups is one blessed team consisting of a Russian player Pavel Datsyuk who is the best defensive player in NHL holding Lady Byng Memorial Trophy and Selke Trophy. His intense shooting skills and puck-handling skills nearly got him into making a record of 100 points last season. Ever since the players arrival in 97’ he is alleviated the team’s performance and the Reds have won 4 Stanley Cups due to his uncanny ability to keep his team motivated.
John Madden, he is the uncommon one, a player who was has never drafted by the NHL, but was offered a contract in 97’ by Lou Lamoriello, New Jersey Devils General Manager. After Lou saw his dedication and persistence in the game he couldn’t but help offering him to play for the team. It was not long before he received The Selke Trophy in 2001. He served the Devils well bringing them two Stanley Cups, 1999-00 and in 2002-2003 respectively. The player showed his consistency as a player last year when after he joined the Chicago Black Hawks in 2009 and brought the Stanley Cup winning his third.
Henrik Zetterberg is a player who was selected as 210th overall in 1999, nobody likely to believe he’d succeed or make it big, but surprisingly the Detriot Red Pistons top defence player has made his mark in history. The Henrik who had one of the poorest ranking in the start of his career, is now one of the most favoured defence player in NHL. Henrik has come a long way, perfecting his defensive game and is considered to be a big threat in NHL. He earned his first Conn Smythe Trophy in 2008 due to his outstanding performance in the playoffs.
Jere Lehtinen, a player who has received 3 Selke Trophies ever since his career started in 1992. He might not be as good or prevailing as he used to be but still is one of the best defensive forwards NHL has to offer. Although many might argue the fact he is old and worn out, Jere still does not cease to give a show stopping performance once in a while. 1995 was a big year for the player as he won SM-Liiga and World Championship gold medals and obtained his first Stanley Cup by 1999.
Kris Draper is yet another top defence player from Detroit Red wings makes it to the top. Kris was drafted as a 62nd pick in 1989 by the Winnipeg Jets, wasn’t long before he was traded to Detroit for just a dollar hence got his first nick name and was known as “One Dollar Man.” Kris has aided his team into winning 4 Stanley Cups since his debut and picked up Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2004.
Rod Brind'Amour’s entry was in the top 10 when he started his career almost 2 decades ago and finally got hold of the Selke in 2006 which certainly was long due for the wonderful player. He has scored more than 1,000 points, and took his team Carolina Hurricanes to their first ever Stanley Cup in 2006, ability to outsource the opponent by not giving them an opening to score his remarkable.
Michael Anthony Peca is a retired player who last played for the Columbus Blue Jackets has won the Selke Trophy twice. He is a true class of acts for the game. His philosophy regarding defence play, his loyalty to the game has made him one of the best forwards of all time. His face-off ability is astounding as it helped him take his two previous teams Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres to the Stanely Cup Final. He was called “Captain Crunch” because of his lightening fast open ice hits.
Brenden Morrow is currently the team captain for the Dallas Stars and plays as a left winger. Although the player has not ever won a Stanley cup he is still one of the best defence players out there. He has attained 3 gold and 2 silver medals. He is a true definition of the word “Captian”. He is known for his crushing body checks and fancy stick work making the opponent think twice before coming near him. He is one of the very few defensive players left in the NHL who stays true to the game and his team since the beginning of his career.
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