Two of the rising defensemen in the NHL are the type of guys on the verge of a statistical break out. Kris Letang is the point man for an explosive Pittsburgh Penguins attack that can score goals by the dozen. Alex Pietrangelo is doing the same thing out in St. Louis for a much more modest attack.

Who has had the more impressive career so far? That doesn’t really matter just yet; it’s where these guys are going that should get your attention. Letang was on his way to taking a step into the defensive elite. A head injury took Letang out for separate chunks of the 2011-12 season, but not before the young Penguin showed that he will soon be in the discussion as a top defenseman.

Injuries are nothing new, and should be considered when taking Letang as your defensive option. The risk however, could well be worth the reward.  Despite missing 31 games this past year, Letang flirted with some career highs before settling in at an impressive 42 points.

Though he is not the biggest body, Letang plays larger, which may affect his durability. When healthy, he quarterbacks a terrifying Penguin power play, and is never afraid to shoot. Only 25, you have to wonder if the Penguin brass might want Letang to ditch the physical style of play to keep him on the ice.

Out in St. Louis, Blues fans are licking their chops at the 22-year old dynamo on their own blue line. Alex Pietrangelo dropped a cool 51 points in only his second year of NHL service. He has the size (6’3” 205) and skills that have many projecting Norris (plural) nomination for the young Bluenote.

With a style of play that favors a solid team defense, Pietrangelo’s numbers might be that much more impressive. Ken Hitchcock has plenty to look forward to with what may not even be his breakout season yet. Pietrangelo doesn’t play an overly aggressive physical style, but doesn’t shy away from contact. He recognizes that he is much more useful to his team when he is on the ice, and keeps himself out of the sin bin.

Pietrangelo might not break out with numbers like Erik Karlsson, then again, who knows? That being said, the same could be true for Letang. With the wealth of offense around him, Letang could put up 60 points simply by being on the ice for 82 games. The smart play here is Pietrangelo because of his size and age and upside. Letang’s questionable injury history doesn’t bode well for a full season of productivity and you aren’t going to win any matchups with your top defenseman on the disabled list.