Several high-profile NHL players underperformed defensively during the 2025-26 season, despite their reputations. Key players, including Anthony Cirelli, Sidney Crosby, and Victor Hedman, showed significant drops in defensive metrics, raising questions about their effectiveness on the ice. Advanced statistics reveal that some players are living off their past accolades rather than present performance. Coaches and management need to reevaluate these players’ roles as their declining defensive contributions could derail team success moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Anthony Cirelli: 0.089 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -3 defensive GAR
  • Sidney Crosby: 0.077 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -2.6 defensive GAR
  • Victor Hedman: 0.111 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -3.6 defensive GAR
  • Auston Matthews: 0.077 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -3.6 defensive GAR
  • Charlie McAvoy: 0.082 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -4.7 defensive GAR
  • Vincent Trocheck: 0.138 5v5 RAPM xGA/60; -4.9 defensive GAR
Yes, But

Despite their poor defensive metrics, some players, like Cirelli and Crosby, have strong reputations that lead to continued recognition, such as Selke Trophy votes. Critics argue this reliance on reputation clouds judgment about current performance and diminishes accountability. Enhanced evaluation methods are essential to avoid such discrepancies in player assessment.

State of Play
  • Many key players on playoff-contending teams showed defensive declines, impacting overall team dynamics.
  • Coaches are facing pressure to adapt strategies given underperformance from expected top contributors.
What's Next

Teams may need to reassess their defensive lineups and consider trades or changes in coaching strategies to optimize player performances. Coaches like Craig Berube have already been let go, indicating a shift in team philosophy could be on the horizon. Continued monitoring will determine whether these players can rebound or if their decline is a longer-term trend.

Bottom Line

The recent performance of high-profile players challenges the narrative surrounding their defensive skills, highlighting the need for care in evaluating player effectiveness. Teams must prioritize up-to-date metrics over past accolades to ensure sustained competitive performance. Player roles may need reevaluation to align with the current capabilities of the roster.