Whether they're blocking shots or letting pucks rip from the blueline, good defencemen are the backbone of any winning team. Sometimes these guys fly under the radar, clocking an ungodly number of minutes, other moments, they're ruffing up their rivals all over the ice. Here's a look at some of the top defencemen who have shined during the first four Game Days of the 2022/23 season of the Champions Hockey League.
William Wallinder - Rögle Angelholm
Just two teams have been surgical during the Group Stages stitching up four wins in regular time. Not surprisingly one of those teams includes the 2021/22 Champions Hockey League victors, Rögle Ängelholm, and William Wallinder has been invaluable in helping his side finish on top in Group D after the first four Game Days.
So far the 20-year-old has collected five points (5A) over four games, dishing up the gold to his linemates. The 193cm left-hander, in his second season with Rögle, looks to be right on track for a breakout season. This time last year the Swedish defenceman hadn't netted a point, and would play 13 games, securing just seven shots on goal. Fast foward one summer, and he's turned into a point-a-game man, with zero penalty minutes.
Julius Honka - Luleå Hockey
Compatriots Luleå Hockey were the other side not to drop a single point so far and their performance saw them qualify and lead Group A. Julius Honka was at the sharp edge of the arrow for the Swedes managing a +7 plus/minus rating over his four games, and collecting three points (2G, 1A) on the way. More impressively, the 27-year-old Finn is averaging a little over five shots on net per game.
Niklas Hansson - EV Zug
In Group B, EV Zug have already qualified for the Playoffs with three wins in regular time, and a fourth OT win. 27-year-old Niklas Hansson has been an integral part of their success so far, netting an impressive eight points (2G, 6A) over four games, including one game-winner. With a points tally that puts him on par with the best forwards, Hansson is currently the top-ranked offensive defender in the competition.
The Swedish blueliner suits up for his second season with Swiss side Zug, and if his last season is anything to go by, this blueliner is good for many more goals. Hansson's 2021/22 domestic season included a tally of 42 points in 48 games plus a trip to the NL playoffs.
Mikko Lehtonen - ZSC Lions Zurich
With one OT loss blemishing an otherwise perfect record, Swiss team ZSC Lions Zurich have qualified for the next stage of their CHL journey, and Mikko Lehtonen has been a key contributor. The Finn played his 2021/22 season in the KHL and this year the Turku native has had a strong start to his third season in the CHL, with six points (1G, 5A) over four games so far.
While it's been a number of years since Lehtonen last played in the CHL (his last stint was with Tappara during the 2017/18 CHL season), this season looks to be his best yet with a +10 plus/minus rating currently, also shared by teammate Yannick Weber.
Theodore Lennström - Färjestad Karlstad
While the number one place is still up for grabs in Group F, Theodor Lennström is on task helping his side generate offensive opportunities. Like Honka, Lennström has been pivotal with outstanding puck posession. His 21 attempts to date have helped Färjestad post three wins, while he's secure three assists, and combines for a +4 plus/minus rating.
With the quality of games and plays unravelling, and regularly blowing our minds each period, honourable mentions are a must, click through the gallery below to see the top of the crop.
Be sure to return later on in the week for more Top Five articles ahead of Game Days 5 & 6 and follow our social media channels to keep up on all the latest news in the CHL!