You won't find a No. 1 defenseman on the NHL free agent market this summer.
Like the majority of the 2023 free agent class, the blue liners who are up for grabs don't wow. A couple are capable of playing on the top pairing, but none are cornerstone pieces.
For the most part, the available defensemen are either playmakers who need a stay-at-home partner, or the stay-at-home partners themselves.
MORE: Seven bold predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason
The Sporting News ranks the top 10 defensemen available in free agency.
NHL free agency 2023: Defenseman rankings
1. Dmitry Orlov
There aren't many high-quality defensemen on the free agent market this summer, but Orlov is far and away the best option. The Capitals moved Orlov to the Bruins at the deadline and was an exceptional piece for Boston's deep back end. The Russian can improve any top-four defensive group with his versatility, passing ability and physical play along the boards.
2. Matt Dumba
Dumba and the Wild are seemingly parting ways after 10 years together. The Minnesota defender had his worst season in terms of scoring, registering just 14 points in 79 contests. Nonetheless, there still should be plenty of appeal for a 28-year-old, top-four defensemen who never shies away from laying the body.
3. Shayne Gostisbehere
Gostisbehere rejuvenated his career in the desert. After being cast aside by the Flyers, he bounced back in a big way with the Coyotes, putting up solid numbers the last two seasons. He was an excellent deadline addition by the Hurricanes. Gostisbehere is a smaller, offensive defensemen who can do damage on the power play.
4. John Klingberg
What a difference a year makes. Klingberg thought he was going to cash in last offseason with a long-term deal. Instead, he signed a one-year, prove-it contract with the Ducks. If anything, his performance in the 2022-23 season lowered his value even more. If Klingberg can get back to his previous form as a puck-moving defender, then the risk could be worth it, considering he brings next to nothing on defense.
5. Brian Dumoulin
Dumoulin is a classic tall, rangy, stay-at-home defenseman. He has been a key cog in Pittsburgh's back end for a number of seasons. He's coming off a career year on offense with 25 points and 24 assists.
6. Radko Gudas
Gudas was a consistent talking point throughout the Panthers' run to the Stanley Cup Final. He hits hard, clears out people in front and plays right along the edge (while crossing over a time or two). His performance in the playoffs, plus the lack of blue-line options, should result in a nice payday.
7. Ryan Graves
Like Dumoulin, there isn't much flashy about Graves' game. He's a towering, stay-at-home defender who contributes here and there on offense but does most of his damage in his own zone. Graves' appeal is his age; he's only 28, making him one of the younger free agent options.
8. Ian Cole
Cole is a solid second- or third-pairing defenseman. He doesn't bring much offense (just 17 points last season), but he's heavy and plays a consistent, stay-at-home style. It's likely that some team will overpay for him.
9. Luke Schenn
A veteran leader who absolutely loves to hit; that's what Schenn brings to the table. He's the kind of defender every contending team needs. He posted a career-high 22 points last season but expect that number to go down in '23-24.
10. Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Ekman-Larsson is hitting the open market after being bought out by the Canucks. He's far from the No. 1 defensemen he used to be, especially with his offense decreasing, but he was strong on defense last season. He may be an attractive option now that he can be signed to a cheaper, prove-it deal.