Three NHL defensemen poised for a breakout season

Several young NHL defensemen are entering the 2026 season with bigger opportunities and higher expectations. Some have already flashed star potential, while others are finally getting the role needed to show what they can do. Here are three defensemen poised for a breakout season.

Bowen Byram could become a true No. 1 defenseman

Bowen Byram has already shown stretches of elite offensive ability, but his move to the Chicago Blackhawks gives him a chance to take another step.

Byram looked especially impressive during Buffalo’s playoff run last season. He recorded four goals and three assists in 13 playoff games while showing he could handle the responsibilities of a true top-pair defenseman.

Chicago acquired Byram and Jordan Greenway from Buffalo in exchange for the No. 4 pick, No. 45 pick and defenseman Louis Crevier. Shortly after the trade, the Blackhawks committed to Byram with a six-year, $75 million extension.

The biggest difference could come on the power play. Byram no longer has to worry about being stuck behind an elite offensive defenseman like Rasmus Dahlin for top-unit opportunities. In Chicago, he should have a much clearer path to PP1 minutes and a larger offensive role.

Brandt Clarke will get more opportunity

Brandt Clarke already showed what he can do offensively last season despite not receiving a massive role.

Clarke played all 82 games for the Los Angeles Kings and finished with 40 points, an impressive total considering his limited ice time and lack of consistent opportunities on the top power-play unit. With veteran Drew Doughty ahead of him, Clarke was not always given the offensive role his skill set deserved.

That could finally change this season.

Los Angeles signed Clarke to a five-year, $37 million contract extension this offseason, carrying a $7.4 million average annual value. That type of commitment shows how highly the Kings view the young defenseman and what they expect from him moving forward.

Clarke has elite offensive upside. He can create from the blue line, jump into the rush and generate scoring chances with the puck on his stick.

At this point, his talent could make it difficult for Los Angeles to keep him off the top power-play unit. If Clarke earns consistent PP1 minutes while also seeing increased five-on-five ice time, his production could take a major jump. After putting up 40 points without receiving the biggest offensive opportunities, Clarke is poised for a big-time breakout season.

Zayne Parekh faces huge expectations

Few young defensemen enter this season with as much upside as Zayne Parekh.

The Calgary Flames selected Parekh ninth overall in the 2024 NHL Draft, creating plenty of expectations around his development. He got a taste of the NHL last season, but this year could be when he establishes himself as one of Calgary’s most important young players.

Parekh’s biggest strength is his offensive ability. He can skate, move the puck, create chances and give Calgary a dangerous option from the blue line.

The Flames are also in a position to give their younger players significant opportunities. If Parekh earns major power-play minutes and a larger overall role, his production could rise quickly.

Byram, Clarke and Parekh are all in different stages of their careers, but each has the talent and opportunity needed to become one of the NHL’s biggest breakout defensemen this season.