In the world of ice hockey, defense is often an overlooked aspect, especially when evaluating players. The challenge lies in assessing a player's defensive skills when the essence of good defense is the absence of errors. This makes it difficult to gauge a player's defensive impact solely through on-ice events. As a result, many fans and analysts turn to flawed metrics like blocked shots, hits, and plus/minus, or rely on a player's reputation. However, advanced statistics offer a more nuanced approach, providing a better understanding of a player's defensive contribution. With this in mind, let's explore six NHL players who underperformed defensively in the 2025-26 season, despite their reputations.
Anthony Cirelli, Tampa Bay Lightning
Cirelli, a finalist for the Selke Trophy, has been a cornerstone of the Lightning's defense. However, his 2025-26 season was a disappointment, with a 5v5 regularized adjusted plus-minus expected goals against per 60 minutes (5v5 RAPM xGA/60) of 0.089 and a defensive goals above replacement (GAR) of -3. These numbers are not terrible, but they fall short of his usual defensive prowess. The contrast between his performance when paired with Brandon Hagel and when playing separately highlights the impact of his teammates. While Cirelli improved in the playoffs, his regular season performance raises questions about his defensive consistency.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Crosby, once renowned for his offensive skills, has faced criticism for his defensive shortcomings. Despite receiving Selke Trophy votes, his defensive impact has been inconsistent. With a 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 of 0.077 and a defensive GAR of -2.6, Crosby's defensive numbers have been underwhelming. His struggles are not new, as he has not consistently demonstrated strong defensive skills since 2020-21. The narrative surrounding Crosby's defensive abilities may be overstated, and his recent focus on offense has come at the expense of his defensive play.
Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
Hedman, a key defensive player for the Lightning, faced numerous challenges in the 2025-26 season. Physical and mental health issues limited his playing time to just 33 games, and he missed the entire first round of the playoffs. Despite his struggles, Hedman's defensive numbers were not impressive, with a 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 of 0.111 and a defensive GAR of -3.6. His defensive performance has been declining for several seasons, and his absence from the playoffs may not have been the sole reason for the Lightning's early exit.
Auston Matthews, Toronto Maple Leafs
Matthews, once considered one of the game's best two-way players, has faced a challenging season. Along with his offensive struggles, he has also faced defensive challenges, with a 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 of 0.077 and a defensive GAR of -3.6. The firing of head coach Craig Berube may have contributed to Matthews' struggles, as his systems often trapped the Leafs in their own end, limiting Matthews' offensive opportunities. The team's defensive strategy under Berube may have hindered Matthews' performance.
Charlie McAvoy, Boston Bruins
McAvoy, an elite defenseman, has seen his defensive game slip in recent seasons. His 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR have declined, raising questions about his future performance. While his defensive numbers in the 2024-25 season were the worst of his career, the 2025-26 season was even more concerning. The Bruins may need to add another key player to their defense corps if McAvoy's decline continues.
Vincent Trocheck, New York Rangers
Trocheck, a U.S. Olympian, has faced a downward trend in his defensive performance. His 5v5 RAPM xGA/60 and defensive GAR have been on a decline for three straight seasons. The Rangers' decision to shop Trocheck at the deadline may be a reflection of his poor defensive play. However, the team's struggles could also be a factor in his defensive shortcomings.
In conclusion, these six players, despite their reputations, have faced defensive challenges in the 2025-26 season. Advanced statistics provide a more nuanced understanding of their defensive contributions, highlighting the importance of performance consistency. As the NHL season progresses, these players will need to find their defensive form to remain competitive and contribute to their teams' success.
