NHL 19 Player Ratings: EA Sports Asks Fans Who Top-Rated Defenseman Will Be For 2019

The EA Sports’ NHL crew is looking to the fans for an answer to a pressing question. As NHL 19 player ratings are always under close scrutiny, EA wants the fans to help them determine which defensive star is the best of the bunch. There are plenty of contenders, but only one might receive “top player ratings” in the NHL 19 player ratings next year. It’s also possible a few players will have the same ratings, based on performance.

NHL 19 Player Ratings: Top-rated defenseman

The EA Sports NHL Twitter account posted an image showing off several of the league’s top defenders. They also happen to have some of the best player ratings in NHL 19 video game. They include the LA Kings’ Tim Doughty (92), San Jose Sharks’ Erik Karlsson (90), Tampa Bay’s Wedman (91), the Sharks’ Burns (90), and Toronto Maple Leafs’ Rielly (87). Along with the post, they asked fans to predict which defensive star will hold the top rating at this time in 2019.

Hedman is the reigning Norris Trophy winner and was ranked No. 7 in the NHL 19 player ratings. Drew Doughty, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, was considered No. 4 in the game, ahead of this season. However, his season hasn’t been the best, and many gamers feel he won’t be the top defenseman next year.

NHL 19 Player Ratings: Rielly headed for the top spot?

Defenders aren’t necessarily called upon for their playmaking or scoring on offense, but it helps. Rielly is currently tied at No. 16 in the league with a total of 44 points. The bulk of his points have come from his 31 assists for the Maple Leafs.

It helps that he has teammates like Mitch Marner and John Tavares, but Rielly’s among the top defenders in the game. The Leafs are also 26-11-2 and looking to challenge for the Atlantic Division. Here’s a look at Rielly in action as he was named the second star of the week by the NHL.

So who else might grab the top defenseman spot? The EA Sports’ NHL Twitter post received almost 400 comments during its time online. There were plenty of answers, with several players not pictured getting their names called out. Here are some of the other NHL defenders that fans mentioned:

  • Andrew MacDonald (Philadelphia Flyers)
  • Henri Jokiharju (Chicago Blackhawks)
  • Roman Polak (Dallas Stars)
  • Luca Sbisa (NY Islanders)
  • Thomas Chabot (Ottawa Senators)
  • Rasmus Dahlin (Buffalo Sabres)

The Calgary Flames’ Mark Giordano is another player that many fans in the comments felt could hold that distinction. Some say he should’ve been shown in the group photo as well. Meanwhile, of the players pictured, Hedman and Rielly seemed to get the most praise as next year’s top defenseman. It should be interesting to see once this season ends, how player performances will carry over to next year’s NHL 20 game.

Check out our helpful guide for how to do body checks in NHL 19 and improve your defensive presence.

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