Panthers’ Gustav Forsling Cracks NHL Network’s Top 20 Defensemen List
Florida Panthers defenseman Gustav Forsling has been recognized once again among the NHL’s elite at his position, landing the No. 12 spot on the NHL Network’s 2025 list of the Top 20 Defensemen. While the ranking marks a drop from last season’s placement—when Forsling was ranked sixth overall—his consistent play, defensive excellence, and importance to the Panthers’ recent championship runs remain undeniable.
The 29-year-old Swedish blue-liner finished the 2024–25 NHL season with a stat line of 11 goals and 31 total points across 80 games. Statistically, this represents a decline from the 37, 41, and 39 points he put up in the three preceding years, each of which demonstrated his ability to contribute steadily on offense. However, the numbers do not tell the whole story. Due to roster changes and the Panthers’ diminished defensive depth last year, Forsling was asked to shoulder heavier responsibilities. He not only logged more ice time but was also consistently matched against opposing teams’ top forwards, increasing his workload in a way that reflects trust from coaches and recognition of his elite defensive reliability.
Recognition in Norris Trophy Voting
Forsling’s efforts have not gone unnoticed by those who evaluate the best defensemen across the league. Over the past two seasons, he earned Norris Trophy votes—awards given to the NHL’s best defenseman—finishing ninth and 13th in the voting. These placements underscore how league observers view him as one of the most complete defenders in the modern game.
Unlike some of the offensive juggernauts among his peers—such as Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche or Quinn Hughes of the Vancouver Canucks—Forsling’s value comes less from gaudy scoring totals and more from his shutdown defense, disciplined play, and ability to frustrate star forwards. Analysts have even described him as perhaps the best purely defensive defenseman in the NHL today, a rare distinction in a league that increasingly emphasizes offensive production from the blue line.
NHL Network’s High Praise
In its announcement, NHL Network offered strong words of endorsement for Forsling’s all-around game:
“Since joining the Panthers four seasons ago, Forsling has been one of the best defensive defensemen while also blossoming on offense. He had 31 points (11 goals, 20 assists) in 80 games last season to go along with a plus-33 rating while averaging 22:57 of ice time per game, and has had at least 30 points in four straight seasons. His plus-149 rating is tied with Jonathan Toews over that span for best in the League. The 29-year-old has won the Cup each of the past two seasons with the Panthers.”
The statistics cited emphasize both Forsling’s consistency and his two-way impact. His plus/minus rating of +33 last year, and +149 across four seasons, highlights how the Panthers are consistently more successful when he is on the ice. Add to that his impressive durability, logging nearly 23 minutes per game, and Forsling has proven indispensable to Florida’s defensive corps.
A Key Contributor to Championships
Forsling’s role extends beyond regular-season success. In the postseason, where every play is magnified and mistakes are costly, he has remained a stabilizing presence. The Panthers have lifted the Stanley Cup in back-to-back years, with Forsling anchoring the defense both times. His calm under pressure, ability to transition the puck effectively, and keen positional awareness have been instrumental in Florida’s ability to outlast high-powered opponents during deep playoff runs.
The Panthers’ transformation from playoff hopefuls to Stanley Cup champions has coincided with Forsling’s prime years, underscoring how his arrival and growth within the organization have elevated the team’s defensive identity.
Teammates Left Off the List
While Forsling secured a top-20 spot, two other prominent Panthers defensemen—Seth Jones and Aaron Ekblad—were not included in the final rankings.
Jones, who joined the Panthers and provided a significant boost to their blue line, was widely believed to have been just outside the top 20 cutoff. In the 2025 playoffs, Jones contributed four goals and nine points while averaging a remarkable 25:30 of ice time per game. His workload and timely production demonstrated how vital he was to Florida’s championship defense, but evidently, it was not enough to place him among the league’s elite in the eyes of the NHL Network’s panel.
Ekblad, meanwhile, remains a respected figure and was instrumental in Florida’s defensive scheme, especially in the postseason where his shutdown play proved critical. However, his regular-season offensive output—three goals and 33 points—fell below expectations for a player who has previously been among the most dynamic defensemen in the league. That drop in scoring likely influenced his omission. Still, his presence in the playoffs showcased that his value extends beyond statistics, and his defensive efforts were key to the Panthers’ repeat title.
Forsling vs. the League’s Best
Comparisons to players like Makar and Hughes are inevitable, given that they headline the new wave of offensively gifted defensemen redefining the position. Yet Forsling’s place at No. 12 serves as a reminder that there is still significant value placed on balance.
Whereas Makar dazzles with end-to-end rushes and Hughes racks up assists by quarterbacking power plays, Forsling excels in the subtler arts: closing passing lanes, forcing turnovers, executing clean exits from the defensive zone, and playing disciplined hockey without frequent penalties. His style may not generate viral highlights, but it wins championships.
It is also worth noting that Forsling’s ability to produce 30-plus points for four consecutive seasons shows that he is not one-dimensional. He can chip in offensively while remaining primarily focused on his shutdown duties, giving Florida one of the most reliable two-way defenders in hockey.
Looking Ahead
As the Panthers prepare for the 2025–26 NHL season, Forsling’s continued presence will be vital. At 29, he is in the prime of his career, balancing experience with physical capability. Florida’s goal of a potential third straight Stanley Cup championship will depend heavily on his ability to maintain his elite form against increasingly motivated opponents.
While his drop from sixth to 12th in the NHL Network’s rankings might initially seem like a step backward, the reality is more nuanced. Rankings fluctuate based on a mix of production, perception, and the emergence of younger stars. Forsling’s lower point totals last year hurt his standing slightly, but his defensive reputation remains firmly intact, and his role in the Panthers’ championship success ensures that his stock across the league is still sky-high.
For Forsling, the recognition as one of the Top 20 defensemen in the NHL is less about personal accolades and more about validation of his team-first approach. As Florida continues to thrive, he will remain a cornerstone of their system—trusted to shut down the league’s best scorers and guide the team through the toughest challenges.
