NHL Comparisons for Top 5 Defensemen in the 2015 NHL Draft

This year's NHL draft offers two exceptional defensive talents and several who should be above-average players for years into the future.

NHL teams will have their choice of complete, two-way, offensive and stay-at-home defensemen, and some of them may arrive in the NHL within the next two seasons. The sheer number of top-quality rearguards available this year may end up being the best in a decade.

Here are the top five defenders in this summer's draft and their pro comparisons.

5. Thomas Chabot, Saint John Sea Dogs (QMJHL)

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Who Is His Comparable? Thomas Chabot of the Saint John Sea Dogs is a quality two-way defender with puck-moving skills. He's similar to Nick Leddy of the New York Islanders, and Craig Button of TSN suggests he is also similar to Alex Edler of the Vancouver Canucks.

How Are They Similar? Chabot is an effective player with the puck who can make an outlet pass effectively or carry it out without incident. He's also an emerging defender, although he lacks the size (6'2", 180 lbs) or mindset to be a physical player. These elements are similar to Leddy's skill set and what he brings to the game.

Will He Be Better? Leddy has enjoyed a quick transition to the NHL after college and is playing a feature role with the Islanders. It's unlikely Chabot will eclipse Leddy's performance in his first four seasons of pro hockey, but he's a splendid prospect with a bright future.

4. Zach Werenski, Michigan Wolverines (NCAA)

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Who Is His Comparable? Zach Werenski is a smooth-skating defender with size and is comparable to Jay Bouwmeester of the St. Louis Blues.

How Are They Similar? Both men are terrific skaters and capable of moving into the rush in a heartbeat. Both can recover and close gaps quickly and have been identified for lacking enough of a physical edge in their games.

Will He Be Better? There's a long way to go, but there is some evidence that Werenski might be a superior offensive player. It isn't a slam dunk, and a team drafting him would no doubt be thrilled with a Bouwmeester career. Nevertheless, there is an extra gear with Werenski that may develop over time.

3. Jeremy Roy, Sherbrooke Phoenix (QMJHL)

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Who Is His Comparable? Jeremy Roy of the Sherbrooke Phoenix is a fine two-way defender, similar in style to Dan Boyle of the New York Rangers—as suggested by Craig Button of TSN.

How Are They Similar? Roy is an undersized player (6'0", 188 lbs) who can make tremendous plays by passing the puck expertly and getting it into high-percentage offensive situations—something Boyle has been doing for years in the NHL. Both are perceived as being effective defensively despite being slightly undersized for the game.

Will He Be Better? The issue in projecting Roy to have a superior career is that Boyle has been effective forever. We can say that Roy displays a nice range of skills, and if he can remain healthy, he should have a similar career. Beyond that, catching and passing Boyle is going to take a long time.

2. Ivan Provorov, Brandon Wheat Kings (WHL)

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Who Is His Comparable? Ivan Provorov of the Brandon Wheat Kings is a dynamic player who is similar in style to Kris Letang of the Pittsburgh Penguins.

How Are They Similar? Provorov is money with the puck on his stick and a tremendous skater. Able to pass the puck or carry it with equal aplomb, he's also effective defensively—although that side of his game is obscured by the offense.

Will He Be Better? The defensive reputation of Provorov seems to be stronger than that of Letang, so for that reason alone he could become a better player. Letang's offensive ability is off the grid when he's healthy, so that portion of the equation may be more difficult to surpass despite Provorov's significant skills.

1. Noah Hanifin, Boston College Eagles (NCAA)

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Who Is His Comparable? Noah Hanifin of the Boston College Eagles is most similar to John Carlson, an emerging defender for the Washington Capitals.

How Are They Similar? Carlson and Hanifin display a complete range of skills, owing mostly to skating ability and intelligent decision-making. Both men are sometimes identified as being less physical than they could be based on size.

Will He Be Better? Hanifin is going to be a special player if he continues to develop this way, and he will have a superior career. His speed and ability to play defense are top-notch, and his passing ability should result in piles of points when he's a mature NHL player. From the beginning of January through the end of the Boston College season, he scored 15 points in 20 games. His offense took some time to shine, but he's going to be a substantial player.