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NHL 26 reveals defensive players of the year

NHL 26 reveals defensive players of the year

Dateline: 1/9/2026

EA Sports today announced the defensive players on its NHL 26’s Team of the Year.

From EA Sports:

Below are the defensive Team of the Year winners for NHL and PWHL respectively:

  • Cale Makar, Defender, Colorado Avalanche

  • Lane Hutson, Defender, Montreal Canadiens

  • Connor Hellebuyck, Goalie, Winnipeg Jets

  • Renata Fast, Defender, Toronto Sceptres

  • Sophie Jacques, Defender, Vancouver Goldeneyes

  • Ann-Renée Desbiens, Goalie, Montreal Victoire

As with the offensive players, fans can also weigh in on defensive Honorary Mention selections by voting in-game now through January 12. Honorary Mention winner cards will be live in-game from January 13–16.

NHL Defense Nominees:

  • Quinn Hughes - Minnesota Wild

  • Zach Werenski - Columbus Blue Jackets

  • Jake Sanderson - Ottawa Senators

  • Adam Fox - New York Rangers

PWHL Defense Nominees:

  • Claire Thompson - Vancouver Goldeneyes

  • Lee Stecklein - Minnesota Frost

  • Ella Shelton - Toronto Sceptres

  • Megan Keller - Boston Fleet


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