(Note: These rankings are based on players' projected performances in 2016-17. Players are listed at their official NHL position when the rankings were created.)

Here’s the Yahoo Sports ranking of the top 25 defensemen in the NHL for the 2016-17 season. Let us know what you think in the comments section.

1. Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators: Just ask anybody, he’s the best defenseman in the league.

2. Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings: Just ask anybody, he’s the best defenseman in the league.

3. Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning: A beauty and a beast.

4. Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks: He’s logged a lot of miles on a not-real-big body, but who else would you rather have out there when it’s all on the line?

5. Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins: So smooth you take him for granted. Don’t.

View photos Hot dog? P.K. Subban looks good in Nashville's mustard jersey after shocking summertime trade. (AP) More

6. P.K. Subban, Nashville Predators: Vive la difference. Right, Montreal?

7. Brent Burns, San Jose Sharks: Wookie of the year (and it wasn’t close).

8. Roman Josi, Nashville Predators: Nothing neutral about Swiss star’s game.

9. Mark Giordano, Calgary Flames: After a couple of Norris Trophy-caliber seasons were derailed by injury, he didn’t quite reach the same level last season. Still one of the best all-around defensemen in the game, though.

10. Shea Weber, Montreal Canadiens: They say he’s on the decline, but we’ve got big expectations for his debut season in Montreal.

11. Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues: His offense has leveled off the past couple of years, probably because he’s doing so much of everything else.

12. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, San Jose Sharks: He’s not completely unheralded, but he should be much more heralded…if that’s a word. (It is. We looked it up.)

13. John Carlson, Washington Capitals: The best defenseman on the East’s best (regular season) team.

14. Anton Stralman, Tampa Bay Lightning: Not real big, just real good.

15. Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets: Real big and real good. Did we mention that he’s real big?

View photos He's been great so far and the best is yet to come for 20-year-old Aaron Ekblad. (Getty) More

16. Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers: He’ll be higher on this list next year, no doubt about it.

17. John Klingberg, Dallas Stars: He’ll be higher on this list next year, no doubt about it.

18. Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers: The captain is the straw that stirs the Rangers.

19. Jay Bouwmeester, St. Louis Blues: Actions speak louder than words.