Big development steps and experienced veterans - here are the TOP 5 defenders of the League!

SuomiKiekko anticipates the upcoming Liiga season by listing the best players from each position. This time, the focus is on defensemen.

5. Miska Kukkonen, HPK

Miska Kukkonen‘s name on this list may come as a surprise to many. However, Kukkonen took significant steps forward last season. In the spring, he was close to breaking into the high-level national team for the World Championships. The tough and aggressive defenseman also performed well in terms of points last season, scoring 8+15=23 in 59 games. If Kukkonen continues from where he left off in the spring, he will be one of the leading defensemen in the Liiga next season.

4. Jiri Tichacek, Kärpät

Jiri Tichacek was one of the few bright spots in the previous dark season for Kärpät. The agile defenseman recorded strong stats of 10+21=31 in 48 regular season games. Additionally, he represented the Czech Republic in both the Olympics and the World Championships. The national team experiences were surely beneficial for the 23-year-old defenseman. It will be interesting to see if Tichacek can take the next step in his development this upcoming season.

Jiri Tichacek has received a lot of responsibility in the Czech national team as well. Photo: All Over Press

3. Sami Vatanen, JYP

Sami Vatanen suffered from injuries last season but still managed to make a convincing return to Jyväskylä. He scored 8+36=44 points in 57 games. Vatanen’s plus-minus was minus eight, but he is not solely to blame for that. He won battles with an impressive 54.3% success rate during the season.

2. Jakob Stenqvist, Lukko

Jakob Stenqvist has been one of the most effective defensemen in the Liiga for years, and he is also a very reliable fighter in his own zone. Last season, Stenqvist scored 14 goals, which was a new personal record, along with 39 points. In the upcoming season, the Swedish defenseman will undoubtedly be one of the best power play quarterbacks in the Liiga, if not the best.

1. Jyrki Jokipakka, Tappara

Jyrki Jokipakka was the leading defenseman for Tappara last season. He excelled in both offensive and defensive roles. In 49 games, Jokipakka recorded impressive stats of 11+25=36 and was one of the most well-rounded defensemen in the league. In the upcoming season, he will once again enjoy significant responsibility on Tappara’s blue line, especially in puck possession, as Daniel Brickley has moved on.