NHL Power Rankings: Rating the League's 25 Best Backchecking Forwards

In the NHL there are forwards, defensemen and goaltenders.

In some cases, players who are forwards can also play the defensive position very well, as is the case for some defensemen who can play offense very well.

This slideshow consists of the top 25 strongest backchecking forwards in the NHL.

Note that these ratings were not made through biased opinions and also were not done through stats alone.

Some players on the list may be injured currently, so do not be surprised if you see a player who has played three or four games make the list.

Thanks for the read—hope you enjoy. Feel free to comment below.

25. Los Angeles Kings: Brad Richardson

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LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 30: Brad Richardson #15 of the Los Angeles Kings plays in the game against the New Jersey Devils at Staples Center on October 30, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

He may not be a top player on the Kings, and his offensive numbers may be low, but Richardson knows how to play defense.

His backchecking and defensive skills have placed him in the top 25 for blocked shots by forwards this season.

24. Los Angeles Kings: Jarret Stoll

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Jarret Stoll #28 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on November 19, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Another King forward hits the list. Stoll is a very strong two-way player for Los Angeles.

He can score 15 to 20 goals a season and play a strong defensive style of play.

He will block shots, steal pucks and play a man down for the Kings. He is a strong backchecking forward.

23. Atlanta Thrashers: Bryan Little

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Bryan Little #10 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates against the New York Rangers on October 27, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Atlanta defeated the Rangers 6-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Though his offensive statistics have taken a major drop, Little's defensive play continues to impress Atlanta.

The 23-year-old forward knows how to backcheck, and he knows how to play a strong two-way game. He is a huge asset to the Atlanta Thrashers organization.

22. Edmonton Oilers: Colin Fraser

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Colin Fraser #16 of the Edmonton Oilers skates against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 21, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Fraser's strong defensive play has landed him in the top 22 for blocked shots this season by a forward.

Fraser is not a very strong offensive forward, and backchecking is a stronger asset of his.

He has helped the Oilers' penalty kill and young corps, and he makes the Oilers a stronger defensive team, even as a forward.

21. Buffalo Sabres: Tim Connolly

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Los Angeles Kings at HSBC Arena on November 19, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Buffalo won 4-2. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Connolly can put up some very good offensive numbers for his teams, and his defensive play isn't bad either.

Connolly is another strong two-way forward in the NHL, and he is an asset to the Buffalo Sabres as a forward and as a two-way player.

Connolly becomes a free agent at the end of the season, and I expect he will be well sought-after by many teams.

20. Minnesota Wild: John Madden

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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: John Madden #11 of the Minnesota Wild skates in a game against the Detroit Red Wings on November 19, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Wild defeated the Wings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty

Madden is a top two-way forward in the NHL, and his defensive numbers have been excellent this season.

Madden has been a strong offseason pickup by Minnesota, as he is a top backchecking forward, landing in the top 17 for blocked shots so far this season by a forward.

19. New York Rangers: Brian Boyle

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NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 05: Brian Boyle #22 of the New York Rangers against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 5, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Brian Boyle has been a pleasant surprise for the Rangers this season, as his offensive totals have been outstanding and his defensive play has been strong.

Boyle has been an asset on offense for the Rangers with 10 goals and an assist, and his defensive play has been stellar.

Brian Boyle is quickly becoming a very good two-way player, with the ability to score and log major penalty kill minutes.

18. Anaheim Ducks: Todd Marchant

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: Todd Marchant #22 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Honda Center on November 19, 2010 in Anaheim, California. The Blue Jackets defeated the Ducks 4-3. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Marchant has not scored a goal yet this season for the Anaheim Ducks, but he has been stellar on the backcheck.

Marchant's defensive play has placed him ninth in the NHL for blocked shots by a forward so far in 2010-11 season.

Marchant is amongst the league's best defensive forwards, and his stats reveal that fact.

17. New York Islanders: Matt Moulson

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UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 24: Matt Moulson #26 of the New York Islanders skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Nassau Coliseum on November 24, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old forward is turning into one of the league's most dominant two-way players.

Moulson has the ability to score 25 to 30 goals a season and help on defense for his current club, the New York Islanders.

Moulson, in only his fourth NHL season, is turning out to be a steal for the Islanders.

16. Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 19: Sidney Crosby #87 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes on November 19, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

One of the top players in the NHL has dominated offensively throughout his career.

Crosby has also been solid defensively and on the backcheck.

He is on pace for another 50-goal season on offense, and on defense he is on pace for a strong season in the blocked shots category.

15. Phoenix Coyotes: Eric Belanger

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 10: Eric Belanger #20 of the Phoenix Coyotes controls the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on November 10, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Coyotes defeated the Blackhawks 2-1. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Image

Belanger has been a solid offseason pickup by the Coyotes, as he has been a very solid two-way player.

His offensive stats have been decent, and he has played very solid on the backcheck.

Belanger is a tough and solid NHL forward, offensively and defensively.

14. Washington Capitals: Dave Steckel

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NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 22: David Steckel #39 of the Washington Capitals skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 22, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Capitals 5-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Steckel has been a top backchecking forward for the Washington Capitals and in the NHL.

Steckel has not been a huge goal scorer, but he has been important on the penalty kill and on the backcheck.

His work in the defensive zone has paid off, as he stands in the top 17 for blocked shots by a forward so far this season.

13. Vancouver Canucks: Manny Malhotra

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 17: Manny Malhotra #27 of the Vancouver Canucks skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 17, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Malhotra has been a top backchecking forward in the NHL throughout his professional career.

Malhotra is an excellent defensive forward, and he enjoys doing the jobs of a defender.

Malhotra is currently 12th in the league for blocked shots by a forward.

12. San Jose Sharks: Joe Pavelski

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SAN JOSE, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Joe Pavelski #8 of the San Jose Sharks in action during their game against the Los Angeles Kings at HP Pavilion on November 15, 2010 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Pavelski has become a dominant two-way forward for the Sharks in his five-season career.

So far this season Pavelski has scored seven goals and 11 assists, and he is ranked seventh in the NHL for blocked shots by a forward.

Pavelski has played very well offensively, while remembering his duties in the defensive zone.

11. Columbus Blue Jackets: R.J. Umberger

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ANAHEIM, CA - NOVEMBER 19: R.J. Umberger #18 of the Columbus Blue Jackets looks on against the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center on November 19, 2010 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

In his career, Umberger has been a legit two-way forward who can put up decent offensive numbers while playing well on the backcheck too.

Umberger has had a strong two-way season thus far, with seven goals and nine assists on the season, and he is tied for seventh in the blocked shots category for forwards.

Umberger is another strong backchecking forward in the NHL.

10. Nashville Predators: Joel Ward

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GLENDALE, AZ - NOVEMBER 03: Joel Ward #29 of the Nashville Predators awaits a face off during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on November 3, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Predators 4-3. (Photo by Chris

Joel Ward has been a solid two-way player throughout his four-season career, averaging about 15 goals a season on offense, while playing a strong defensive game.

Ward is strong in all assets of the game, and from what I have been told about the 29-year-old winger, he is a solid two-way player, willing to do anything his team needs him to do.

9. Tampa Bay Lightning: Martin St. Louis

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BUFFALO, NY - NOVEMBER 20: Martin St. Louis #26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning plays against the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on November 20, 2010 in Buffalo, New York. Tampa Bay won 2-1. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Throughout his long career, St. Louis has been a very solid two-way player who can play well offensively on the forecheck and defensively on the backcheck.

St. Louis is off to another strong season, as he stands at the top of the league in third place for assists and blocked shots by a forward.

8. New York Rangers: Brandon Dubinsky

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 17: Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the New York Rangers celebrates scoring a goal against the Boston Bruins during their game on November 17, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Dubinsky has been the best Rangers forward this season, as he leads the team in goals and points, and his defensive play has been outstanding.

Dubinsky has played an excellent all-around game for the Rangers, as he stars on the power play, even strength and the penalty kill.

Dubinsky is finally having his breakout season, and he will get a lengthy contract at the season's end.

7. Vancouver Canucks: Ryan Kesler

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 17: Ryan Kesler #17 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 17, 2010 at Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Over the years, Kesler has put up very good offensive numbers for the Canucks, averaging about 20 goals a season over his six-season career.

Kesler has also been a very good two-way player throughout his career.

He is a strong all-around player who will give the Canucks 20 goals on offense, and he'll be an asset on the backcheck and help out on defense.

6. Montreal Canadiens: Jeff Halpern

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MONTREAL- NOVEMBER 9: Jeff Halpern #15 of the Montreal Canadiens falls while skating with the puck during the NHL game against the Vancouver Canucks at the Bell Centre on November 9, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Canucks 2

Jeff Halpern has been an excellent offseason acquisition for the Canadiens, as he has put up decent offensive numbers and defensive numbers.

Halpern has scored 13 points in 24 games so far this season for Montreal, and he is slated in the top 10 for blocked shots by a forward.

NHL GMs must be hitting themselves for missing out on the opportunity to sign Halpern over the 2010 free agency period.

5. Philadelphia Flyers: Claude Giroux

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 22: Claude Giroux #28 of The Philadelphia Flyers in action against the Montreal Canadiens during their game on November 22, 2010 at The Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Claude Giroux is quickly becoming a lead player for the Philadelphia Flyers and one of the better two-way players in the NHL.

The Flyers are known for having a tough penalty kill to score against, and they are also known for their ability to score while short-handed.

Giroux is a huge reason for that, and his ability to play well on offense and defense is making him one of the NHL's best.

4. Philadelphia Flyers: Blair Betts

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 26: Blair Betts #11 of the Philadelphia Flyers shoots during warmups before a hockey game against the Calgary Flames at the Wells Fargo Center on November 26, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Flames won 3-2. (Photo by Paul

Betts is not known for superstar speed or an all-star shot, but Betts is known across the NHL as one of the better backchecking forwards in the league.

Betts was a favorite when he played for the New York Rangers, and his contributions on the penalty kill were greatly appreciated by the Rangers and their fanbase.

Betts has brought that same defensive-minded play to the Philadelphia Flyers, making them a better team defensively.

His hard work on the penalty kill and on the backcheck makes him No. 4 on the list.

3. Philadelphia Flyers: Mike Richards

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NEWARK, NJ - NOVEMBER 27: Mike Richards #18 of the Philadelphia Flyers skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on November 27, 2010 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Flyers 2-1 in the shoot out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett

Another Flyer makes the list of superb backchecking forwards, as Mike Richards hits the top three.

Richards is one of the stronger two-way forwards in the NHL today, as he continuously contributes on offense and defense for the Flyers.

Richards is off to another strong season for Philly, with 25 points in 25 games, and he is currently seated in 16th place in the NHL for blocked shots by a forward.

2. New York Rangers: Ryan Callahan

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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 27: Ryan Callahan #24 of the New York Rangers skates against the Atlanta Thrashers on October 27, 2010 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Ryan Callahan is one of the hardest-working players in the NHL today. His "never stop" attitude has already been rewarded by an "A" on the side of his jersey, and at the end of the season it will earn him a long-term deal with the Rangers.

Callahan is a nonstop hard worker on the ice for the Rangers, and he plays well in both assets of the game (offensively and defensively).

Callahan has been a top threat on offense for the Rangers this season, and his effort on defense has placed him in first place for blocked shots by forwards.

There is only one forward in the NHL that beats out Callahan's backchecking effort, and that is...

1. Detroit Red Wings: Pavel Datsyuk

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DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 19: Pavel Datsyuk #13 of the Detroit Red Wings skates in a game against the Minnesota Wild on November 19, 2010 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Wild defeated the Wings 4-3 in overtime. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Gett

The obvious choice, no?

The three-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner continues to demonstrate a perfect two-way game.

Datsyuk is without a doubt the best two-way forward in the NHL today.