Which NHL top defense pairs have been the best and worst in the 2025-26 season?
In the world of professional ice hockey, the NHL (National Hockey League) is a league where every team's success hinges on the performance of its top players. Among these players, the top defense pairs play a pivotal role, often acting as the foundation upon which a team's success is built. This article delves into the performance of these top defense pairs during the 2025-26 NHL season, identifying the best and worst performers.
The Methodology
To determine the best and worst top defense pairs, we employed a meticulous approach. We began by defining what constitutes a 'top pair' for each team, considering factors such as ice time, partner rotation, and overall performance. Our analysis focused on the defenseman who has consistently played on the first pair, serving as a proxy for the top-pair results. We then utilized Natural Stat Trick data to track and evaluate the performance of these pairs.
The Best Top Defense Pairs
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche's Cale Makar and Devon Toews form an elite duo, transitioning play up the ice and generating offense while shutting down opponents. Their defensive prowess is evident in their 1.94 goals against per 60 rate, the second-best mark in the NHL. Despite Makar's recent absence due to injury, the Toews-Makar combination remains a force to be reckoned with.
Montreal Canadiens
Lane Hutson, a Calder Trophy winner, has solidified himself as a superstar in Year 2. His quickness and agility make him an effective defender against the rush. While his defensive game is strong, Hutson's partners have rotated, impacting his performance. However, when paired with Mike Matheson, Hutson's defensive metrics improve significantly.
Tampa Bay Lightning
J.J. Moser, an underrated shutdown defenseman, has emerged as a key player for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite Victor Hedman's injuries, Moser's pair has dominated, earning nearly 59% of scoring chances and surrendering only 1.82 goals against per 60. Darren Raddysh, his partner, adds offensive spice to the duo.
The Worst Top Defense Pairs
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings' top pair of Drew Doughty and Mikey Anderson is a microcosm of the team's struggles. While they excel defensively, their offensive output is lackluster. Doughty, in particular, is not as dynamic as he once was, impacting the pair's overall performance.
Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks' Quinn Hughes-Filip Hronek pair, once the NHL's best, has seen a decline in performance. The departure of Hughes has affected the pair's goal differential, but Hronek's two-way play remains steady. The team's overall struggles and Hronek's partners have impacted the pair's statistical results.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes' top pair has faced challenges due to Jaccob Slavin's injuries. K'Andre Miller, who stepped up when Slavin was out, struggled in a No. 1 role. However, when Slavin is healthy, the pair performs well, dominating possession and scoring-chance metrics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 2025-26 NHL season has seen its fair share of top defense pairs shining and others struggling. The Colorado Avalanche's Makar-Toews duo and the Detroit Red Wings' Moritz Seider-Simon Edvinsson pair stand out as the best, while the Los Angeles Kings and Vancouver Canucks' top pairs face challenges. As the season progresses, these pairs will continue to shape the league, impacting the success of their respective teams.
