Friday's Defenseman Value Rankings

Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Friday, February 5:

Value Rankings
C | W | D | G

Top Options

All of the Flames' top-four defenseman make for great plays on Friday at home against Columbus. They'll all see a jump in ice time with the 20-game suspension dished out to Dennis Wideman.

Giordano has the highest floor and highest ceiling, but is also the most expensive. Brodie is questionable after leaving Wednesday's game, so his status will need to be monitored.

Russell's willingness to put his body in harm's way (160 blocks in 46 games) makes him a very safe low-priced cash-game play, though his upside is limited. His partner Hamilton is quite the opposite; he has offensive upside (seven points in his last nine games), but can be dud at times with hit-or-miss secondary stats.

Best of the Rest

Letang has been on fire with 12 points in his last 10 games. His matchup against Tampa, who has won seven games in a row at home, is the only thing keeping him in "Best of the Rest." His price is very affordable for an elite offensive defenseman.

Byfuglien's six goals in his last seven games would make you think he's been moved back to forward, but Big Buf remains the workhorse on Winnipeg's back end. Carolina's ability to prevent shots is the only thing keeping him out of the top options.

Nothing to See Here

Ekman-Larsson has only one point in his last seven games and isn't worth the risk against Anaheim.