A solid defensive corps can be a key component of your fantasy hockey team. While most of the scoring and points are expected from the forwards and stars of the offense, there are plenty of rear guards that can be just as productive. Two such players are Alex Pietrangelo of the St. Louis Blues and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators.

The Predators aren’t exactly known for their offensive prowess but their captain can light the lamp with his Howitzer as well as any in the NHL. As the most complete player on the Predators Weber has worn the captain’s “C” as much for his leadership as for his talents. A regular on the short list of candidates for the Norris Trophy, Weber fills out the stat sheets on the defensive end with hits, blocks, shots and penalty minutes.

A young protégé is joining the cause for Weber and the Predators in Seth Jones. Though he may be raw, Jones brings a full arsenal of skills to the top defensive pair. With Weber’s natural inclinations as a stay at home defenseman, Jones will be given the opportunity to flex his offensive muscles. The duo promises to terrorize opponents with their size, strength and skill and should also help relieve some responsibilities from the Nashville star.

Across the Mississippi in St. Louis, the rival Blues have their own star blue liner in Alex Pietrangelo. At only 23, the young defenseman is already a veteran of three NHL seasons. After a breakout year in 2012, many (myself included) projected Pietrangelo to be a candidate for the Norris Trophy. A subpar 20123 campaign cast some doubts about the young star-in-the-making, but he will bounce back with a much stronger effort in 2013-14.

The coaching style of Ken Hitchcock preaches team defense and a collective team effort ahead of individual performance. With an incredibly deep defensive corps, Pietrangelo’s star will shine the brightest. As the key defenseman in almost every special teams and full strength scenario, there will be ample opportunity for him to pile up some significant stats.

Choosing one of the two defensemen seems more difficult on the surface because both will be highly productive this season. Pietrangelo will be playing more competitive and meaningful games because the Blues are a Stanley Cup contender. Weber and the Predators are looking to get back to the playoffs after a last place finish a year ago. He won’t be carrying the team as much this year, and Nashville certainly can’t score less than they did a year ago can they?

My pick is Shea Weber ultimately because I feel he has reached and will maintain his peak for the next four to five seasons. At the moment he is the most complete defenseman in the NHL and that will be reflected in a monster statistical year for Weber. Don’t expect the Predators to be making a significant playoff run, but it won’t be because of their captain. Advantage, Weber.