NHL 2025-26: Five defensemen ready to make the full-time jump

Every NHL season presents a new crop of young players eager to have their share of the game. Transitioning from college or the AHL to the NHL is especially intimidating for the defensemen, as it demands patience, skill development, and the grit to stick it out.

In the coming 2025-26 season, several promising blueliners seem ready for that jump. From raw potential bursting with upside to polished defenders craving regular minutes, these players stand on the brink of establishing themselves as full-time NHL contributors.

Sam Rinzel, Owen Pickering, and Scott Morrow are poised to break through

The group includes Sam Rinzel, who adds size and calmness to the Chicago Blackhawks' blue line after tasting nine games of NHL action. Owen Pickering, given his gargantuan stature and good defensive stick, seems on the cusp of battling for regular minutes with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Both players represent the kind of young defenders able to stabilize the team in even-strength situations and, when the opportunity arises, show the offensive potential.

A little more intrigue was added for the New York Rangers when Scott Morrow was acquired in a trade. With him being blocked on the depth chart, his offensive instincts may eventually carve out a role for him. Each of these players has different strengths, but all share the desire to show they belong in the toughest hockey league on the planet.

Logan Mailloux and Adam Wilsby could earn full-time NHL spots

Logan Mailloux, formerly of the St. Louis Blues, adds offense and could prosper in this transitioning team. Meanwhile, Adam Wilsby may be relatively unknown in Nashville, but he showed excellent defense in limited minutes last season. Each of them is going to have to fight hard for a roster spot, but they both have skill sets that could make them viable depth defenders. If given the opportunity, they just might not only stick but also cement their role going forward.Also Read: Gavin McKenna holds top spot in 2026 NHL Draft rankings as teams eye future superstarOnce the 2025-26 season rolls around, these five defensemen will likely be filling permanent NHL roles. While all bring a distinct style- whether being physical, moving the puck, or being defensively reliable- all hold the possibility of being future-building blocks for their franchises. For the fans, it will be worth the while to watch these young blueliners transit from hopeful prospects into established NHL regulars.