5 Top Defense Prospects That Will Make A Difference Next Season

The NHL is going to see a number of very good defensive prospects take steps into the NHL in a full time role next season and very quickly we are going to experience what the next wave of talent will bring.

Zeev Buium, Minnesota Wild

Zeev Buium put up two very good seasons in the NCAA and stepped into four games for the Minnesota Wild in the playoffs. He might have been a little over his head and role a little too big, but that shouldn't stop him from more freedom during the regular season in 2025-26 where he will be able to make more mistakes and not hurt the team as much. Buium will have a place on the Wild's blue line next season, even if it's in a third pairing role. He will also see power-play time like he had in the playoffs. Minnesota looks set with Buium and Brock Faber as the young d-men going forward.

Zayne Perekh, Calgary Flames

Zayne Perekh was able to play one regular season game for the Calgary Flames in which he scored and logged over 20 minutes per night. He has shown without a doubt that he is set for the spotlight after putting up 33 goals in back-to-back OHL seasons and 107 points in 61 games this season. There is a very good chance he starts in the top-4 and doesn't leave, while also be a contender for the rookie of the year. He is also going to get power-play time, and if Rasmus Andersson is traded, Perekh's role will further increase.

Alexander Nikishin, Carolina Hurricanes

Alexander Nikishin was arguably the top defensive prospect outside of North America and the Carolina Hurricanes were able to bring him over and sign him for the playoffs. I don't think they trust him yet as the team is in the conference finals against a very tough opponent, but he did look good in his limited ice time during his one game this postseason. He had a great season in the KHL and with Brent Burns and Dmitry Orlov leaving in free agency, he will most likely slide into a top-4 slot and get much more playing time.

Sam Rinzel, Chicago Blackhawks

Sam Rinzel had a bit of an extended look in the NHL compared to anyone else here as he played nine games for the Chicago Blackhawks to end the regular season. He looked great and already looks to be capable of playing top minutes on the young back-end. Rinzel recorded five assists in the 31st place Blackhawks and logged nearly 23:30 of ice time per game. He got lots of power-play time, shorthanded time, and finished with a great expected goals percentage. Artyom Levshunov is another to watch from the Blackhawks, but I think Rinzel plays more and has a better season as he has some more experience, is older, and has shown great things so far.

Axel Sandin Pellikka, Detroit Red Wings

Axel Sandin Pellikka is someone the Detroit Red Wings have been waiting for as the stellar defense prospect has done great this season, especially in the SHL with men and at the World Juniors. He will most definitely have a spot on the Red Wings' defense as Jeff Petry is gone and Justin Holl will follow this offseason. Pellikka might not get the same ice time as some of these other prospects due to the other d-men on the rosters, but will still arrive and show what he is capable of.