Ottawa Senators NHL hockey player Erik Karlsson, of Sweden, makes his way to speak with the media in Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, Aug. 18, 2014. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Adrian Wyld)

All week, your friends at Puck Daddy drop some fantasy hockey knowledge on you ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Undisputed

Erik Karlsson, Ottawa Senators – Karlsson is still the best defenseman in fantasy hockey. By far. He is the Sidney Crosby of defensemen.

Next Up

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators – Weber has always been a good fantasy own, but his value in real hockey is absolutely elite. Now that the Preds have a more offensive-minded coach, Weber could well top 60 points and see his fantasy value match his 'real' value.

P.K. Subban, Montreal Canadiens – If you're not sold already, by the end of the 2014-15 season you'll see why he was given a $72 million contract.

Boom or Bust

Mike Green, Washington Capitals – It's rare when a defenseman tops 70 points. That's why Karlsson is so valuable. So when you consider that Green has done it twice and is only now in his prime, poolies will keep drafting him and hoping for a return to glory even five years from now.

Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins - One injury after another and just when you figured it couldn't get any worse - last year happened. If Letang can play even 65 games he's a good bet for 60-plus points.

The Stars

These next few players are the rest of the true fantasy stars on defense.

Victor Hedman – I wouldn't be surprised if Hedman finished second in defensemen scoring this year. His rise in production year after year has been steady and consistent.

Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes – Not only is the 27-year-old Yandle coming off of the second 50-point season of his career, but he also hasn't missed a game since 2009.

Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks – I won't be drafting the reigning Norris Trophy winner this year because I don't value him at the 61 points he tallied last year. The last time he topped 60 points, he followed it up with three years of 45-ish points. Other managers will draft him very, very, very, very early. So I'll let them.

Christian Ehrhoff, Pittsburgh Penguins – I don't have to tell you what Ehrhoff's signing with the Penguins means in fantasy hockey. Do I? Three words: Ca. Reer. High.

Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild – After averaging 27:16 per game in 2012-13, Suter took it one step further, seeing 29:24 per game last season. If anything, his numbers were hurt by the added workload, but he's still a lock to clear 40 points.

Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues – Still only 25, Shattenkirk is coming off of career highs in goals, assists and points. Five of his 10 goals were game winners, too.

Alex Pietrangelo, St. Louis Blues – Pietrangelo hit 51 points for the second time in his career. Even though he's taking on more defensive responsibility and letting teammate Shattenkirk shoulder the offense, he's still putting up big numbers.

Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings – He may be 33 but he seems to be just getting started. Coming off the second best season of his career, Kronwall should have an easier time of it this year with a healthy Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, as well as the emergence of Gustav Nyquist.

Alex Goligoski, Dallas Stars – Goligoski managed 42 points last season despite starting off the year pointless in nine games. Add in the fact that the Stars have more firepower now than they did last season and Goligoski is primed for a big year.

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