In the world of ice hockey, where every play can make or break a game, the defensive aspect of the sport is often the most challenging to evaluate. The very nature of good defense is its subtlety; it's the absence of errors, the prevention of scoring chances, and the ability to read the play before it unfolds. This makes it difficult to assess a player's defensive prowess solely through the lens of traditional statistics like blocked shots or hits. As a result, many fans and analysts find themselves relying on flawed metrics or a player's reputation, which can be misleading. This article delves into the defensive struggles of six NHL players in the 2025-26 season, highlighting the complexities of evaluating defense and the importance of performance over reputation.
One player who stands out is Anthony Cirelli of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Despite being a finalist for the Selke Trophy, an award given to the league's best defensive forward, Cirelli's 2025-26 season was not up to par. His 5v5 regularized adjusted plus-minus expected goals against per 60 minutes (5v5 RAPM xGA/60) and defensive goals above replacement (GAR) were not impressive, and they fell short of his usual defensive standards. The issue becomes even more apparent when comparing his performance with Brandon Hagel, with whom he formed Tampa's most common top-six forward pairing. While Hagel's defensive numbers improved when playing apart from Cirelli, Cirelli's numbers dropped, indicating a potential issue with their on-ice chemistry. This raises a deeper question: How much does a player's defensive impact depend on their linemates and the overall team dynamics?
Another player who has struggled defensively is Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Crosby, once renowned for his offensive prowess, has never been a consistently strong defensive player. His 2025-26 season was not impressive, with a 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR that were worse than his previous seasons. The problem is not just his defensive numbers; it's the fact that Crosby has rarely had a season with a strong defensive impact. This raises a question about the sustainability of his defensive play and the impact of his team's decline on his overall performance. It's easy to see why people get caught up in the narrative of Crosby's defensive strength, but the numbers tell a different story.
Victor Hedman, a cornerstone of the Lightning's defense, also had a challenging season. Physical and mental health issues limited him to just 33 games, and he missed the entirety of the first round against the Canadiens. Despite this, his defensive numbers were not great, and he hasn't defended well for several seasons. The fact that the Lightning had such an excellent regular season and yet found two players who were the core of their defensive nucleus during their peak success indicates how much the guard has changed in Tampa. This raises a question about the team's defensive strategy and the role of individual players in a changing landscape.
Auston Matthews of the Toronto Maple Leafs has also struggled defensively in the last two seasons. His 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR were not impressive, and he has not played at his usual two-way level. However, unlike for most players on this list, there was a very easy solution to this issue: firing head coach Craig Berube. Matthews' struggles under Berube's systems and strategies highlight the importance of coaching in a player's defensive performance. It's a reminder that sometimes, the solution to a player's struggles is not just about the player themselves, but also about the team's overall approach.
Charlie McAvoy of the Boston Bruins has been an interesting defenseman to follow throughout his career. He has performed at an elite level for the majority of his time as a key player, but his defensive game has slipped in the past two seasons. His 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR were the worst of his career, raising questions about whether this is an aberration or a trend. If it's a trend, the Bruins could be in trouble unless they add another key player to their defense corps. This raises a question about the long-term sustainability of McAvoy's defensive play and the impact of his team's performance on his overall numbers.
Vincent Trocheck of the New York Rangers has also seen his defensive game slip in recent seasons. Unlike McAvoy, Trocheck's decline has been a trend for three straight seasons, with his 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR numbers declining steadily. This raises a question about the impact of his team's struggles on his defensive performance and the potential for a trade to revitalize his game. The Rangers were shopping Trocheck at the deadline, indicating that they may be looking to move him while his value is high.
In conclusion, the defensive struggles of these six NHL players in the 2025-26 season highlight the complexities of evaluating defense and the importance of performance over reputation. From the impact of linemates and team dynamics to the role of coaching and the sustainability of individual players' defensive play, there are many factors at play. As fans and analysts, it's crucial to pay attention to performances in each given season and to consider the broader context in which a player operates. Only then can we truly understand the nuances of defensive play and the challenges faced by these players.
