The NHL Network's Top 20 Defensemen list for the 2026-27 season has sparked debate, with one player's omission causing a stir. Jakob Chychrun, a dominant force for the Washington Capitals, finds himself snubbed from the list despite an impressive 2025-26 campaign. This exclusion is particularly surprising given his outstanding performance, which included scoring more goals than all 20 players on the list and amassing an impressive 60 points or more, placing him among the top 8% of defensemen in the league.
Chychrun's talent is undeniable. At 28 years old, he is one of only six defensemen to reach the 20-goal mark, showcasing his ability to contribute offensively. His ice time of 23:20 per game, ranking 27th in the NHL, further emphasizes his importance to the team. With the departure of John Carlson, Chychrun is set to become Washington's de facto number-one rearguard, leading a defense corps that includes Matt Roy, Cole Hutson, Martin Fehervary, Vincent Desharnais, and Timothy Liljegren.
The Capitals' defense pairing of Chychrun and Roy last season was a force to be reckoned with. Together, they controlled a remarkable 54.2% of shot attempts, 55.7% of expected goals, 54.2% of scoring chances, and 56.4% of high-danger chances during their 640:28 of shared five-on-five ice time. This performance highlights their impact on the team's overall success.
Chychrun's snub from the NHL Network's list raises questions about the criteria used for selection. His outstanding season and potential to set a new single-season career high in points for a third straight season with the Capitals suggest that he should have been considered for the top 20 ranking. This exclusion may be a result of the network's analysts and producers having a different perspective or criteria, but it is hard to ignore the talent and impact of a player who dominated the ice.
In my opinion, Chychrun's omission from the list is a missed opportunity for the NHL Network to recognize a player who has proven his worth. His performance and potential should not be overlooked, and it will be interesting to see how this snub affects his future recognition and accolades. The Capitals' fans and management will undoubtedly be keen to see their star player receive the recognition he deserves.
