As of 1/6/14: Top Ten Fantasy Defensemen Over the Last 15 days Ryan Suter, Min             7GP--5G--4A--2PPG--1PPA Team USA's best two-way rearguard was just named the third star of the week, leading all NHL defensemen with four goals and six points in three games. His "hat trick" against Washington was the first by a NHL blueliner in over three years. How good has he been? He has only been held off the score sheet once in his last 12 games. Duncan Keith, Chi          7GP--0G--10A--2PPA For those fantasy owners thinking to "sell high" at some point on Keith, think again. Chicago's electrifying d-man leads all NHL defensemen with 42 points, including a staggering 17 points in his last 13 contests. The Norris Trophy front-runner has been an absolute assist machine for the high-octane Blackhawks, and despite his low goal totals, he has been scoring at close to a point-per-game pace all season. Start him with extreme confidence. Kevin Shattenkirk, StL    6GP--2G--4A--2PPG--2PPA With at least a point in 8 of his last 9 games, the prolific blueliner has 6 goals and 31 points in 40 games for the St. Louis Blues. After starting his NHL career with consecutive 43-point seasons, his numbers took a dip in his third year (23 points/48 games). Now in Year 4, typically the "breakout" season for many d-men, Shattenkirk has taken his game to new heights and now looks poised to surpass the 50-point mark for the first time. Brent Seabrook, Chi       7GP--2G--5A--1PPG--1PPA Quite honestly one of Team Canada's biggest snubs for the upcoming Olympic team, this sensational two-way defender has flourished alongside Duncan Keith as Chicago's top pairing and has rung up plenty of points despite secondary power-play time. With 31 points in 45 games, Seabrook stands to set career-highs in point production, but keep in mind that he has only surpassed 40+ points (48/'10-11) once in his eight-year NHL career. I would have pegged him for a decent "sell-high" fantasy option, but maybe being left off the initial Canadian Olympic roster will serve as huge motivation for him to continue his "hot" scoring. Hold onto him. Keith Yandle, Pho           6GP--2G--4A--1PPA  Speaking of Olympic snubs, this slick American defenseman is perennially among the league leaders in d-men scoring. With 28 points in 41 games, Yandle played an extremely spirited game immediately following the bad news of his omission from Team USA, playing over 30 minutes, firing 7 shots on goal and even getting into a few scraps. Just like Seabrook, look for Yandle to do everything in his power to prove Team USA management wrong and continue piling up big numbers. Fantasy owners should send GM David Poile a "thank you" card. Shea Weber, Nsh           7GP--1G--6A--2PPA  Probably the only Nashville fantasy option worth owning, the hard-shooting defenseman has been "red hot" lately with 11 points(3G/8A) in his last 10 games. With 10 goals and 27 points in 40 games, one of the true fantasy elite on "D" continues to thrive despite the lack of offensive production by the rest of the Preds. Just imagine Weber on an offensive-minded team! He is still worth starting in all fantasy formats. Torey Krug, Bos             6GP--2G--3A--2PPA Prior to his 3-point explosion against Winnipeg, Boston's rookie sensation had endured a bit of a slump, collecting only 3 assists in the previous 11 games. He will have his "high" moments the rest of the way, but don't count on him matching his first-half point totals. Still, his 10 goals have him tied for first with Erik Karlsson and Shea Weber for all NHL defensemen. Plenty of dynasty league upside. Alex Pietrangelo, StL      6GP--1G--5A--3PPA Only two years removed from a 51-point season in '11-12, one of the NHL's most consistent fantasy defensemen has collected 6 points (1G/5A) in the last 5 games. With 28 points in 41 games, Pietrangelo, along with Shattenkirk, give the St. Louis Blues the "hottest" fantasy defensive tandem in the league right now. Andrew MacDonald, NYI 6GP--6A--3PPA One of the best kept fantasy secrets in recent weeks, MacDonald has replaced Lubomir Visnovsky as the Islander's top scoring defensive option with great results. His 9 points in the last 8 games is partially a result of an offensive resurgence by John Tavares and company, but that doesn't matter to fantasy owners. Start him as a serviceable 3rd/4th fantasy option on defense. Ryan McDonagh, NYR     7GP--1G--5A--3PPA With 25 points in 44 games, the Ranger's emerging star rearguard should easily eclipse his previous career-high of 32 points. Under Coach Alain Vigneault, McDonagh plays in all types of situations, including the primary power-play unit. In summary, he has done everything that Michael Del Zotto could not. Arguably the most consistent point-producer for the "Blue-Shirts" in '13-14, continue to ride his hot hand.