Illegal Curve ranks the top fantasy D-men... (Former NCAA)

I found this on the Illegal Curve one of my top daily reads for hockey information. Since it is almost that time of the year again here are some of the best fantasy defensive players in the NHL as ranked by the Illegal Curve.

I don't see much to take issue with other than I disagree with is that Burns will have more than 40 baring injury.I think Brent Burns is quickly becoming an elite player in the NHL and that is a major reason the Wild locked up to a long term deal.

1. Dion Phaneuf (projection: 70 points)
Possesses a cannon of a shot, and quarterbacks a potent power play. A workhorse that never misses a game.

2. Nicklas Lidstrom (projection: 67 points)
Although Father Time is catching up to him, Liddy still skates like the wind and will be in the running for another Norris Trophy.

3. Mike Green (projection: 65 points)
Playing for the high-octane Caps, Green will no doubt get his fair share of points this season. You probably could too if you were playing with Ovechkin.

4. Brian Campbell (projection: 64 points)
The newest Blackhawk cashed in quite nicely this off season as a UFA. Although there will be pressure to live up to his new contract, the Hawks forwards are just too good for him not to rack it up.

5. Dan Boyle (projection: 63 points)Former Miami U
Just what the Dr. ordered for the Shark Tank. Fully recovered from his bizarre wrist injury last season, Boyle could post career numbers.

6. Andrei Markov (projection 63 points)
Playing for the best power play in the league last year likely inflated Markov’s numbers. Similarly, this year’s power play will keep his points inflated, despite Streit’s exile to Long Island.

7. Chris Pronger (projection: 59 points)
They don’t come tougher than Pronger. Well, maybe Kevin Lowe. If healthy, Pronger should hover around the 60 plateau.

8. Joe Corvo (projection: 58 points) Former WMU
Corvo’s production once he was traded to the Canes last season was real and spectacular. Look for his numbers to be enlarged once again this year.

9. Sergei Zubov (projection: 56 points)
Despite his hip injury, Zubov will match his age and still score points in the mid 50’s.

10. Kimmo Timonen (projection: 55 points)
It’s just Kimmo being Kimmo.

11. Lubomir Visnovsky (projection: 54 points)
The newest Oiler with a great shot will run a young, but effective powerplay.

12. Zdeno Chara (projection: 53 points)
Big Zdeno Chara plays big minutes and will accumulate big numbers once again this year.

13. Brian Rafalski (projection 53 points)Former Wisconsin Badger
The mobile Rafalski should again get around 50 points. Rumours have Hossa playing the point on the powerplay as well, so things could get a tad interesting in MoTown.

14. Tomas Kaberle (projection: 48 points)
Despite the mess that is the Toronto Maple Leafs, Kaberle should still get his points. Now if only he would shoot.

15. Sheldon Souray (projection: 46 points)
How can a man married to a former Baywatch star not get around 50 points? And no, I don’t mean Mitch Buchanan.

16. Scott Niedermayer (projection: 45 points)
Oh hi Scott. Are you planning on playing again this year? That’s nice. Thanks for telling us ahead of time this year.

17. Shea Weber (projection: 42 points)
Weber’s season got off to a brutal start after he was injured right away. Look for the Pred’s #1 blueliner to get back to form. Terry Crisp will tell you the same thing.

18. Ed Jovanovski (projection: 42 points)
After playing his first injury-free season in quite some time, JovoCop is guaranteed to go down for a brief period with a “groin” injury.

19. Brent Burns (projection: 41 points)Wild Defenseman
A great skater with a cannon of a shot, Burns could lose the odd 5 on 3 situation to the newly acquired Zidlicky. Also of note, he is coming off of an elbow injury.

20. Wendy Redden (projection: 40 points)
A change of scenery was desperately needed for Redden, and should help him rehabilitate his offense production.