Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Friday, October 23:
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrei Markov (MON) | at BUF | Low |
| 2 | Johnny Boychuk (NYI) | vs BOS | Low |
| 3 | Mike Green (DET) | at CGY | Low |
| 4 | P.K. Subban (MON) | at BUF | Low |
| 5 | Drew Doughty (LA) | vs CAR | Low |
| 6 | Kris Russell (CGY) | vs DET | Low |
| 7 | John Carlson (WAS) | at EDM | Low |
| 8 | Oscar Klefbom (EDM) | vs WAS | Low |
| 9 | Rasmus Ristolainen (BUF) | vs MON | Low |
| 10 | Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) | vs TB | Low |
| 11 | Mark Giordano (CGY) | vs DET | Low |
Markov is cheap, has a great matchup, blocks a ton of shots and is dynamite on the power play - making him an easy choice for No. 1. Russell is the reigning shot-blocking king with a good chance to show off some of his offensive skill. Klefbom and Ristolainen will both face backup goalies.
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Victor Hedman (TB) | at WPG | Medium |
| 13 | Niklas Kronwall (DET) | at CGY | Medium |
| 14 | Tyler Myers (WPG) | vs TB | Medium |
| 15 | Justin Faulk (CAR) | at LA | Medium |
| 16 | Justin Schultz (EDM) | vs WAS | Medium |
| 17 | Matt Niskanen (WAS) | at EDM | Medium |
| 18 | Torey Krug (BOS) | at NYI | Medium |
| 19 | Dennis Wideman (CGY) | vs DET | Medium |
| 20 | Zdeno Chara (BOS) | at NYI | Medium |
Calgary-Detroit and Edmonton-Washington should both see plenty of goals, giving extra value to the defensemen involved. Big Z has been a force since returning from injury. He'll continue to log minutes in Beantown.
| # | Name | Opponent | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Jason Garrison (TB) | at WPG | High |
| 22 | Marek Zidlicky (NYI) | vs BOS | High |
| 23 | Nick Leddy (NYI) | vs BOS | High |
| 24 | Jake Muzzin (LA) | vs CAR | High |
| 25 | Cody Franson (BUF) | vs MON | High |
Leddy and Zidlicky both see power-play time for the Isles. Muzzin and the Kings have to get it going at some point; a home matchup against Carolina might be all they need.
