Fantasy hockey is off to a good start, and with most teams playing several games in a row the stats are coming in faster than ever. With the first week of matchup being a long one for most leagues, it is important to get the right player in your starting lineup. Defense is an important stat for NHL teams but playing the right defenders can be just as important for fantasy players. Here are some defenders that fantasy owners should make sure to start.

Shea Weber

Alright, It’s pretty much a given that Weber should be a starter. Weber is possibly the best defender in the NHL but he has some stats that makes him fantasy gold. Weber is everything that people want from a big strong defender. He has a ton of hits, blocks some shots, gets penalties, and has a thundering shot from the point.

Weber will continue to put up huge numbers, and lead the Predators. The Weber style of play is easy for a big strong defender to maintain and he will most likely end the season as a Norris Trophy candidate.

Dustin Byfuglien

With only a few days gone from the NHL season Dustin Byfuglien might be the best defender in the NHL so far. Byfuglien has a goal and a few assists, but he also leads all defensemen in shots. It is true that Byfuglien sometimes puts actually playing defense on the back burner, but he gets all the stats that a defender should provide. If Karlsson can win the Norris with minimal amounts of defense, Byfuglien can be just as great of a defender.

Kevin Shattenkirk

Kevin Shattenkirk had a season that caught the attention of a lot of fantasy owners. Shattenkirk has a lot that is appealing, and is more than just a great name. Shattenkirk is a part of the dominant Blues defense that has shut teams down, and started some great offensive production.

The Blues showed that they are for real last season, and this year they look like they are ready to pick up where they left off. Shattenkirk will have huge assist numbers, and will have the hits and blocks that owners expect from a defender.