Blue Line Buzz: Top-50 Defensemen of the Week

Well, that didn't turn out so well. A week after touting Kris Letang as the must-own defenseman for the rest of the year, he suffered a concussion Saturday against Arizona and was forced to sit out Sunday's game against San Jose with no return date set. It's a good thing that the Pens still have a 99.9 percent chance of making the playoffs, according to sportsclubstats.com, meaning they can afford to give Letang a longer rest.

Some of the big surprises this past week includes Yannick Weber, a rotating No. 6 defenseman who has finally found a home on the Canucks' power play, and with his booming shot, he has collected goals in three straight games. As long as Weber continues to see power-play time he will have some value, but the stronger fantasy player is still Alexander Edler, who finished the week with three points. Kyle Quincey was yet another star, who notched four assists and 12 penalty minutes despite his conservative style playing alongside Danny DeKeyeser.

There are just two weeks left to the season, meaning there will be just one more regular season Blue Line Buzz before the playoffs edition starts. Without further ado, here's the top-50 for the week of March 30 to April 5.

* = injured

1. Erik Karlsson
Last week: 4 GP, 1-2-3, minus-1, 9 SOG
This week: @DET, vs. TB, vs. WSH, @TOR
Karlsson scored his 20th goal of the season Sunday and extended his scoring lead among defensemen with five points. The Sens don't have an easy schedule coming up but Karlsson should still be able to find the score sheet without a hiccup.

2. Brent Burns
Last week: 4 GP, 0-4-4, minus-3, 11 SOG
This week: vs. COL, vs. ARI, @ARI
Burns has seven assists in his past eight games, making him one of the hottest defenseman down the stretch, and he has set a career-high with 55 points this season. The Sharks have only three games but won't have much trouble scoring against the Avs or Coyotes.

3. Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Last week: 3 GP, 1-3-4, plus-1, 8 SOG
This week: vs. BUF, @SJ, vs. SJ
OEL has seven points in his past five games and is arguably the league's best defenseman. He averaged 28 minutes per game over the past week, has now surpassed 40 points for the second straight season, and even though the Desert Dogs are headed to the golf courses early, they're looking to finish on a high note.

4. Tyson Barrie
Last week: 4 GP, 1-2-3, plus-3, 10 SOG
This week: vs. EDM, @SJ, @ANA, @LA
Barrie snapped a three-game pointless streak with points in three straight games, with the Avs winning five of their past eight. With four games this week, the Avs' top scoring defenseman will have plenty of opportunities.

5. P.K. Subban
Last week: 3 GP, 0-1-1, even, 11 SOG
This week: vs. TB, vs. WSH, @NJ, @FLA
Subban hasn't scored in five games, which means he should be able to snap that streak soon, especially with four games this week. Hockey-mad Montreal demands the team to perform every night, which means even with a playoff spot clinched, Subban's ice time is unlikely to drop.

6. Alex Pietrangelo
Last week: 2 GP, 0-1-1, minus-3, 9 SOG
This week: VAN, vs. CGY, @DAL, @CHI
The Blues' big minutes-eater has four points in his past five games but may see a reduced role on offense with Kevin Shattenkirk's return. Regardless, with four games on the slate, albeit tough games, Pietrangelo is still in line for a good week.

7. Kevin Shattenkirk
Last week: 1 GP, 0-0-0, minus-1, 4 SOG
This week: vs. VAN, vs. CGY, @DAL, @CHI
Shatty played 21:34 against Columbus in his return to the lineup, and though he looked a little rusty, he didn't seem to have too much trouble making plays. The Blues have four tough games on the docket but if the first-half was any indication, Shatty is a must-start every week.

8. Dustin Byfuglien
Last week: 2 GP, 3-0-3, even, 6 SOG
This week: vs. NYR, vs. VAN
Byfuglien returned this week with a loud bang, scoring a goal against the Habs in his return and then added two goals against Chicago. Big Buff is a must-start every night, but with just two games on the slate for the Jets, there are few opportunities to play him.

9. Keith Yandle
Last week: 4 GP, 0-2-2, minus-1, 7 SOG
This week: @WPG, @MIN, vs. NJ
Three games this week and just two assists in his past four games while averaging fewer than 20 minutes per night doesn't give Yandle a whole lot to work with, but he's still considered one of the elites.

10. Tyler Myers
Last week: 4 GP, 1-2-3, even, 7 SOG
This week: vs. NYR, vs. VAN
Just two games this week really hurts his value because Myers has been playing like an MVP since coming to Winnipeg. His defensive play has been excellent and the speed and physicality of the Jets really seems to suit him. He should be a top fantasy asset for the rest of the season.

11. Justin Faulk
Last week: 4 GP, 1-1-2, plus-1, 16 SOG
This week: @WSH, @FLA, vs. PHI
Faulk fired nine (!!!) shots on goal against Chicago but couldn't register a point, which is a microcosm of his ability to generate offense yet have his talents squandered by forwards who aren't scoring very much. He's a clear No. 2 on the "elite defenseman on bad teams" list behind OEL.

12. Drew Doughty
Last week: 4 GP, 0-0-0, plus-1, 12 SOG
This week: @CHI, vs. EDM, vs. COL
It was a typical week for Doughty, in that he continues to be a big minutes-eater for the Kings but little to show for it. He has just five goals on 201 shots, but with two games against easy opponents, he should pick up a point here and there.

13. Duncan Keith
Last week: 4 GP, 0-2-2, minus-4, 8 SOG
This week: vs. LA, vs. VAN, @BUF, vs. STL
Keith wasn't very good against Columbus (minus-3) but redeemed himself with a goal on Sunday, marching in tune with the Hawks' uneven play of late. The Sabres are the only enviable matchup this week as the other three present challenges.

14. Torey Krug
Last week: 3 GP, 0-3-3, even, 9 SOG
This week: vs. FLA, @DET, vs. TOR
It looks like Krug is going on a hot streak and will play against two teams that have various problems keeping the puck out of their net. He's a good play this week.

15. Victor Hedman
Last week: 3 GP, 0-0-0, even, 9 SOG
This week: @MTL, @TOR, @OTT, @FLA
Hedman laid an egg against Detroit but was otherwise quite good across the board last week. He didn't register a point but there's a good chance he'll do so this week with four games. He's too good to be held off the score sheet.

16. Alexander Edler
Last week: 3 GP, 0-2-2, minus-1, 5 SOG
This week: @STL, @NSH, @CHI, @WPG
Edler mooched off Weber's hot streak but he's a good player in his own right. It's a nasty road trip coming up but Edler will surely log lots of minutes and hopefully get a few points, too.

17. Jake Muzzin
Last week: 4 GP, 1-2-3, plus-1, 8 SOG
This week: @CHI, vs. EDM, vs. COL
It's an unfair world because Doughty pulls more minutes, but defensive partner Muzzin rakes in all the points. Muzzin's fired about 50 shots fewer than Doughty but has scored three more goals, though in cases like these it's just safer to go with the better overall player.

18. Niklas Kronwall
Last week: 3 GP, 1-1-2, even, 5 SOG
This week: OTT, vs. BOS, @MIN, vs. WSH
With just 93 shots in 73 games, Kronwall actually doesn't shoot a whole bunch, but does get plenty of assists. The Red Wings are struggling but with four games this week there's a good chance Kronwall will continue to pile on the points.

19. Roman Josi
Last week: 4 GP, 1-3-4, minus-1, 8 SOG
This week: vs. VAN, vs. DAL
With 55 points in 77 games, Josi has been one of the best point producers this season. Unfortunately, there's not as much upside as usual, with just two games on the slate and a playoff spot already clinched, but he should still be able to collect a few points.

20. Shea Weber*
Last week: 2 GP, 0-0-0, even, 9 SOG
This week: vs. VAN, vs. DAL
Weber sat out two of the Preds' four games last week with a lower-body injury but should return Tuesday against the Canucks. However, with just two games this week, the odds of Weber being the highest-scoring defenseman are very small.

21. Mike Green
Last week: 3GP, 1-0-1, plus-1, 7 SOG
This week: This week: vs. CAR, @MTL, @OTT, @DET
With Green's diminished role and John Carlson picking up the slack, it's anyone's guess which of the two will score more, though Green does have the higher pedigree. Green has scored in two of his past four games in which he's fired at least three shots on net. He should get those chances against Carolina and Ottawa.

22. Michael Del Zotto
Last week: 2 GP, 0-3-3, plus-1, 4 SOG
This week: @PIT, @CAR, vs. PIT
MDZ is one point shy of reaching 30, which would mark the third time he's done so in his career. He certainly has the most upside for the remainder of the season among Flyers defensemen, and played 30:18 against San Jose last week.

23. Yannick Weber
Last week: 3 GP, 2-0-2, minus-1, 6 SOG
This week: @STL, @NSH, @CHI, @WPG
Weber is a viable option if a) the Canucks keep using him on the power play, and b) he can stay in the lineup. Both scenarios are likely outcomes, which provides some late-season value.

24. James Wisniewski
Last week: 3 GP, 0-3-3, even, 5 SOG
This week: vs. EDM, vs. COL
After playing 22:54 and scoring an assist, Wiz was a surprise healthy scratch the following game with the Ducks' crowded blue line, but with points in three consecutive games, it's hard to see him sitting again. He is turnover prone but his offensive abilities are very good.

25. Marek Zidlicky
Last week: 4 GP, 0-1-1, minus-2, 6 SOG
This week: vs. OTT, vs. BOS, @MIN, vs. WSH
Zidlicky's hot hand cooled this past week and most concerning is how few shots he's getting through. With four tough games, despite three of them at home, his value this week dips a little.

26. Simon Despres
Last week: 4 GP, 0-1-1, even, 6 SOG
This week: vs. EDM, vs. COL
In a bigger role with Anaheim, Despres has become a key contributor, including a game against Boston when he logged 20:17 and finished with an assist, two shots, six penalty minutes and seven hits. He's one of the team's more well rounded talents, so if he doesn't score, at least he offers some peripherals; however, he only plays twice this week.

27. Jack Johnson
Last week: 3 GP, 1-1-2, plus-3, 4 SOG
This week: vs. NJ, vs. NYI, vs. PIT
Johnson ended the week on the positive side of plus-minus, which has been a rarity this season. Still, with Sergei Bobrovsky in net, the Blue Jackets have looked much more confident of late, especially Johnson, who has points in five of his past eight games.

28. Dennis Wideman
Last week: 4 GP, 0-1-1, even, 6 SOG
This week: @DAL, @STL, @EDM
Wideman is a scoring defenseman, but points won't come often with just six shots in four games. He still averaged around 25 minutes per game last week, so there's still some potential.

29. Mark Streit*
Last week: 1 GP, 0-0-0, plus-1, 3 SOG
This week: @PIT, @CAR, vs. PIT
Streit sat out Saturday's game with the flu but the Flyers don't play until Wednesday, giving him ample time to rest up. Two games against the Pens may seem daunting, but Marc-Andre Fleury is back to his unpredictable (in a bad way) self.

30. John Carlson
Last week: 3 GP, 0-1-1, even, 8 SOG
This week: vs. CAR, @MTL, @OTT, @DET
Carlson continues to play a lot of minutes but the points have come few and far between. With 47 points on the season, Carlson has just two in his past seven games. He offers more peripherals than standard scoring.

31. Andrei Markov
Last week: 3 GP, 1-1-2, even, 4 SOG
This week: vs. TB, vs. WSH, @NJ, @FLA
Markov was red-hot in February but has cooled off in March despite continuing to log big minutes. The 36-year-old continues to be an effective player despite inconsistent production, including four games without a shot on goal in his past nine.

32. Morgan Rielly
Last week: 3 GP, 0-2-2, plus-1, 5 SOG
This week: vs. TB, @BUF, @BOS, vs. OTT
He's the only Leafs defenseman really worth owning because of his upside and heavy minutes. With seven goals, he's already proven to be more valuable than Dion Phaneuf and should get a chance to score points against Buffalo.

33. Ryan Suter
Last week: 4 GP, 0-1-1, plus-5, 9 SOG
This week: vs. NYR, vs. DET
It was a very productive week for Suter and the Wild, who have won five straight and eight of their past 10. With just two games this week, it hurts Suter's value since he doesn't score very often.

34. Ryan Murphy
Last week: 4 GP, 1-1-2, plus-2, 5 SOG
This week: @WSH, @FLA, vs. PHI
He's starting to come around late in the season after suffering a slew of injuries and has lots of upside, though Faulk still is the better player to own this week. Keep an eye on Murphy, especially for next year.

35. John Moore
Last week: 3 GP, 1-2-3, plus-2, 8 SOG
This week: vs. BUF, @SJ, vs. SJ
Maybe playing with OEL is rubbing off on him, but Moore has been a 20-minute player for the Coyotes and has boosted his offensive production since coming from Broadway. The talented skater is a strong play in very deep leagues.

36. Rasmus Ristolainen
Last week: 3 GP, 2-1-3, plus-4, 7 SOG
This week: @ARI, vs. TOR, vs. CHI, @NYI
Poolies who want to look really smart or really dumb will nab the Sabres' future franchise defenseman, who has five points in his past seven games. He gets consistent ice time but like any young player, he can't be relied on nightly. Still, games against Arizona and Toronto make him an intriguing play.

37. Alex Goligoski
Last week: 4 GP, 0-2-2, minus-2, 13 SOG
This week: vs. CGY, vs. STL, @NSH
Goose has picked up his offensive game after a slow start to the season and now has four points in his past five games. As long as he's firing the puck a lot, he's bound to get some points, though the Flames and Blues are excellent shot blockers.

38. Trevor Daley
Last week: 1 GP, 0-2-2, plus-1, 1 SOG
This week: vs. CGY, vs. STL, @NSH
Daley returned Saturday and notched two assists after being sidelined since March 3 with a knee injury. With 35 points in 62 games, Daley actually has a good point-per-game average, but the Stars are spreading the ice time around, making it tough to predict which defenseman will score.

39. John Klingberg
Last week: 4 GP, 1-1-2, even, 5 SOG
This week: vs. CGY, vs. STL, @NSH
Klingberg has 11 goals on 88 shots, an above-average shooting percentage, but with Tyler Seguin back on the power play, the Stars' defense should put in a few points. His low shot totals are a bit worrisome so Goligoski may be the better play this week.

40. Nick Leddy
Last week: 4 GP, 0-2-2, minus-3, 8 SOG
This week: @CBJ, vs. BUF
Leddy's two-assist effort against Detroit snapped a six-game drought. He has the most upside of the Islanders' defensemen but plays just twice this week, including one against Sergei Bobrovsky.

41. Sami Vatanen
Last week: 4 GP, 0-1-1, even, 6 SOG
This week: vs. EDM, vs. COL
The good news is that Vatanen will not be a healthy scratch anytime soon, but his offense has dipped with Wisniewski in the lineup and will play just twice this week.

42. Cam Fowler
Last week: 3 GP, 0-3-3, plus-4, 5 SOG
This week: vs. EDM, vs. COL
After sitting as a healthy scratch, Fowler responded with three assists in three games. With 27 assists, Fowler sits second on the team and still has plenty to give, but only plays twice this week.

43. Dion Phaneuf
Last week: 3 GP, 0-0-0, minus-1, 4 SOG
This week: vs. TB, @BUF, @BOS, vs. OTT
Despite a win on Saturday, the Leafs downward spiral continues and Phaneuf is in the eye of the hurricane. The former 20-goal scorer has just three goals this season and three assists in his past 11 games.

44. Travis Hamonic
Last week: 4 GP, 0-2-2, even, 10 SOG
This week: @CBJ, vs. BUF
A game against the Sabres should provide a boon but don't count on it. The physical defenseman has four points in his past five games but that's well beyond what he's capable of normally.

45. Anton Stralman
Last week: 3 GP, 0-0-0, even, 3 SOG
This week: @MTL, @TOR, @OTT, @FLA
Stralman was much more productive the week before last with two goals, and despite playing strong defense, he could not generate much offense. With a lengthy road trip this coming week there should be better options available.

46. Johnny Boychuk
Last week: 4 GP, 1-0-1, minus-3, 9 SOG
This week: @CBJ, vs. BUF
There's very little upside for the 31-year-old defender with limited offensive abilities. His points mostly came from the beginning of the season, but he continues to be a solid shot blocker.

47. Brent Seabrook
Last week: 4 GP, 0-0-0, minus-2, 5 SOG
This week: This week: vs. LA, vs. VAN, @BUF, vs. STL
With four games, it's a good bet Seabrook will score, but he hasn't registered a point in seven games. He finished with a minus-4 rating against Columbus but otherwise has been his usual, low-key self.

48. Aaron Ekblad
Last week: 4 GP, 0-0-0, plus-2, 7 SOG
This week: @BOS, vs. CAR, vs. TB, vs. MTL
The super rookie has one assist in his past five games and seems to have trouble hitting the 40-point plateau. His inexperience makes him somewhat unpredictable despite his strong, dependable play.

49. Matt Niskanen
Last week: 3 GP, 0-4-4, plus-1, 2 SOG
This week: vs. CAR, @MTL, @OTT, @DET
Niskanen has seven points in his past six games but doesn't play the most minutes and doesn't shoot the puck a lot. His little hot streak is certainly an anomaly, but keep riding him until it stops. He's got a good chance to extend that streak against Carolina.

50. Kris Letang*
Last week: 3 GP, 0-0-0, minus-1, 9 SOG
This week: vs. PHI, @CBJ, @PHI
Letang's concussion was serious enough to warrant a trip to the hospital, and he shouldn't get serious consideration until he's cleared to play. For now, assume he's out for the week.