NHL 19: Top Two-Way Defensemen

(Photo Credit: Polygon, via Twitter)

They’re lethal in the offensive end and a nuisance in the defensive end: these two-way defensemen know exactly how to play a 200-foot game. In NHL 19, there is somewhat of an overall ratings bias towards two-way defensemen, so you’ll find many of the best defensemen in the game here, all sorted by their overall rating. 

Drew Doughty (92 OVR)

Team: Los Angeles KingsAge: 28Nationality: CanadianHeight: 185cmWeight: 91kgShoots: RightBest Stats: Passing 94, Offensive Awareness 94, Defensive Awareness 94, Puck Control 93, Stick Checking 92, Endurance 92

For a number of editions, Drew Doughty has been one of the hardest defensemen to play against in the game. In the defensive end, he just seems to be everywhere and win every challenge. Now his offensive attributes have lifted to make him the best defenseman in NHL 19. With his offensive awareness and defensive awareness at 94, his passing of 94 and slap shot power of 91, he’s a serious weapon in the offensive end. 

Victor Hedman (91 OVR)

Team: Tampa Bay LightningAge: 27Nationality: SwedishHeight: 198cmWeight: 101kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: Strength 93, Balance 93, Shot Blocking 93, Stick Checking 93, Slap Shot Power 91

There are no two ways about it; Victor Hedman is a monster. The titan of a Swede dominates whichever area of the ice he inhabits with his long stick reach, massive frame, and incredible hockey skill. With attributes of 90 in passing, puck control, offensive awareness, poise, wrist shot power, body checking, and endurance, Hedman is the franchise defenseman that every team craves. 

Brent Burns (89 OVR)

Team: San Jose SharksAge: 33Nationality: CanadianHeight: 196cmWeight: 104kgShoots: RightBest Stats: Defensive Awareness 92, Wrist Shot Power 92, Balance 91, Strength 91, Slap Shot Power 91

The larger than life Brent Burns has always had an eye for goal; so much so that he played on the right wing for an entire season for the San Jose Sharks. Now, he’s rounded out his defensive game, using his size to muscle opponents to the wayside. With 90s in passing, puck control, stick checking, and body checking on top of the stats above, ‘The Beard that is Feared’ weighs in as one of the best two-way defensemen in the game.

Alex Pietrangelo (89 OVR)

Team: St. Louis BluesAge: 28Nationality: CanadianHeight: 191cmWeight: 95kgShoots: RightBest Stats: Defensive Awareness 93, Passing 92, Slap Shot Power 91, Offensive Awareness 91

Alex Pietrangelo has long been recognized as one of the most trusty defensemen in the league and the cornerstone of St. Louis’ tough-to-beat aura. Strong as a playmaker with the puck on his tape, Pietrangelo also boasts 90 wrist shot power, 90 poise, 90 puck control, and 90 stick checking. 

P. K. Subban (88 OVR)

Team: Nashville PredatorsAge: 29Nationality: CanadianHeight: 183cmWeight: 95kgShoots: RightBest Stats: Slap Shot Power 92, Wrist Shot Power 91, Passing 91, Puck Control 91, Offensive Awareness 91, Defensive Awareness 91

The cover star of NHL 19 certainly deserves it after coming to Nashville and delivering on the promise of his ability shown in Montreal. P. K. Subban has even developed his play to become the two-way star seen today by improving his defensive performances while remaining as one of the most offensive defensemen in the league. His skill in all phases are undeniable in NHL 19 as his 89 strength, 89 body checking, 89 stick checking, and 88 speed compliment his main attributes to create a superb defenseman. 

Roman Josi (88 OVR) 

Team: Nashville PredatorsAge: 28Nationality: SwissHeight: 185cmWeight: 91kgShoots: LeftBest Stats: Offensive Awareness 90, Passing 90, Puck Control 90, Shot Blocking 90, Stick Checking 90, Slap Shot Power 90

For the perfect example of an all-around defenseman, Swiss blueliner Roman Josi is that skater. After years of back-to-back consistently high-level seasons, he has helped to create one of the strongest defenses in the league. His NHL 19 attributes reflect his complete-defenseman image, boasting 89 endurance, 89 wrist shot power, 88 strength, 88 speed, and 88 balance. 

John Carlson (88 OVR)

Team: Washington CapitalsAge: 28Nationality: AmericanHeight: 191cmWeight: 99kgShoots: RightBest Stats: Offensive Awareness 93, Passing 93, Slap Shot Power 91

They say teams that want to win the Stanley Cup have to have at least one world-class defenseman who can munch minutes, control the play, and contribute to scoring. John Carlson is Washington’s only world-class defenseman and was a huge reason behind them going all the way in 2018. He’s most at home in the offensive end, but with attributes of 90 for defensive awareness, shot blocking, stick checking, wrist shot power, poise, and puck control, it’s clear that he’s a top-level two-way defenseman in NHL 19.

Other best two-way defensemen in NHL 19