The age-old debate when it comes to any sport, any league, any team: who are the best of the best?

With the NHL's preseason on the horizon, let's takes a look at the top 25 players at each position right now: forward, defense and goalie. This list takes into account both recent NHL performance and what is expected from the player in the year to come.

MORE: Top 25 forwards | Top 25 goaltenders

Here are the top 25 NHL defensemen for the 2019-20 season:

Honorable mentions: Ryan Ellis (Nashville Predators); Charlie McAvoy (Boston Bruins); Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg Jets); Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers).