Here at The Hockey News, we have ranked the top 18 freshmen coming into the 2023-24 NCAA season. There are ten forwards, five defensemen, and three goalies. This list will be the five best freshmen defenders.
1.) Artyom Levshunov, Michigan State
Artyom Levshunov is legit. The 2024 top-five projected pick in the NHL draft is such an intriguing player to watch. The 6-foot-2 defender played in the USHL last year with the Green Bay Gamblers where he notched 13 goals and 42 points in 62 games.
The native of Belarus is a quick-moving, offensive defenseman who will rack up the points and likely will for Michigan State. He can quarterback a power play at a high level and distribute pucks to teammates with ease.
There may be a little concern on the defensive side of things but playing under Adam Nightingale will help Levshunov's development a lot. His potential is through the roof which is why he is being talked about as a potential top-five pick in next year's draft.
If you get the chance to watch Michigan State this year, look out for Levshunov and be prepared to watch in awe.
2.) Tom Willander, Boston University, VAN
The Vancouver Canucks made no mistake drafting Tom Willander with the 11th pick in the 2023 draft and throughout the season, you will see why. Fellow Swedish defenseman Axel Sandin Pellikka got a lot more attention coming into the draft but the Canucks decided to take Willander with pick 11 instead.
Willander, like Levshunov, is an extremely good offensive defenseman. He may not be as flashy as most offensive defenders but Willander has been known to always show great patience with the puck.
His vision and playmaking ability make him such a threat in the offensive zone. His defensive game is solid as well making him a very good well-rounded defenseman who will be playing alongside another offensive defender who might just win the Hobey Baker this year in Lane Hutson.
3. Sam Rinzel, Minnesota, CHI
Sam Rinzel was taken in the 2022 draft with the 25th overall by the Chicago Blackhawks out of High school. The native of Chanhassen, MN, is another very good offensive defenseman.
Although his defensive game may need to improve a little before he makes the transition to professional hockey, Rinzel's 6-foot-4 frame makes him very appealing. Rinzel will quarterback a strong Minnesota Gophers power play as a freshman and is projected to rack up the points this season.
The right-shot defender has a great release and strong frame which allows him to fire rockets from the blue line. Rinzel is a strong skater who likes to rush the puck. His vision is good and his defensive game is developing on the right track under Gophers head coach Bob Motzko.
Rinzel is definitely someone to look out for especially being on a good Gophers hockey team.
4. Maxim Strbak, Michigan State, BUF
Maxim Strbak is a big power defenseman from Slovakia and is such an intriguing defenseman. He can overpower you with his size while also possessing a powerful shot from the point.
The Buffalo Sabres' 2023 second-round draft pick will play a much better defensive game than an offensive game but his physicality and good stick make him a fun player to watch.
He should grow into his projection which is currently a second pairing defender who provides great defensive play.
5. Brady Cleveland, Wisconsin, DET
Last but not least, Brady Cleveland. The Wisconsin Badgers have had a couple of good freshmen on these lists and Cleveland is a fun defender to watch out for. He doesn't flash the best offensive ability but Cleveland is a good shutdown defender with size.
Standing at 6-foot-5 Cleveland is a force to watch out for especially if you're going up against him. Cleveland was usually the USNTDP's seventh defenseman throughout the season but when he played, he always provided some bone-crushing hits.
Every NHL team needs a defender like Cleveland and every NCAA team should too. The 210-pound defender should be a very interesting player to keep tabs on throughout the season.