Sunday's Defenseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's defenseman value rankings for Sunday, April 3:
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Kris Letang (PIT) | vs. PHI | 9 |
| Shayne Gostisbehere (PHI) | at PIT | 8 |
| Josh Manson (ANA) | vs. DAL | 8 |
Letang overcame a minor injury to stay in and finish Saturday's game. He has nine points in his past 10 games, racking up 40 shots on goal. Gostisbehere's production has declined since his early-season rampage, but he'll have more opportunities while trying to keep pace with Letang and the Penguins.
Manson scored his last time out, playing over 19 minutes for the second time in his past four games. He doesn't need to do much in order to exceed value, and he'll have an excellent opportunity in a high-pace game against the Stars.
Best of the Rest
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin Shattenkirk (STL) | at COL | 7 |
| Trevor Daley (PIT) | vs. PHI | 6 |
| Ryan Suter (MIN) | at WPG | 5 |
| Alex Pietrangelo (STL) | at COL | 5 |
| Dustin Byfuglien (WPG) | vs. MIN | 4 |
Shattenkirk isn't much cheaper than Letang, but he's been producing at a much lower rate. Daley had eight points in 10 games coming into Saturday, averaging over 22 minutes of ice time per game. Byfuglien is coming off a three-point game, but he has a tough matchup against a hot goalie in Devan Dubnyk.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Torey Krug (BOS) | at CHI | 3 |
| John Klingberg (DAL) | at ANA | 2 |
Krug's totaled 16 shots on goal and three assists in his past four games, but he has a very difficult road matchup Sunday. Things aren't any easier for Klingberg, as his salary remains too high while he struggles.