By Louis Friedl 
The league’s most polarizing players tend to be goal scorers and standout goalies, but players who block shots play a vital role in a team’s success. These players are courageous and physically sacrifice their bodies. The blocked shot is underrated and can lead to scoring opportunities for the blocking team. Here is a look at the NHL’s top 10 blocked shot leaders heading into the 2025-2026 season.
1. Ian Cole, Utah Mammoth
Cole led the NHL with 211 blocked shots. He won’t be one of Utah’s top lines, but his ability to block shots sees him play an important role for Utah’s penalty kill. The 36-year-old has been durable, averaging 78 games played over the past four seasons.
2. Jacob Trouba, Anaheim Ducks
Trouba finished the season with 208 blocked shots. Trouba’s offensive production has regressed in recent years, but he will feature on Anaheim’s second line and penalty kills. In the latter stages of his career, his two best abilities are a high number of blocked shots and hits.
3. Nick Seeler, Philadelphia Flyers
Seeler finished the season with 200 blocked shots. The veteran defenseman continues to start on Philadelphia’s first line, but his contribution is defensive. While linemate Travis Sanheim contributes more offensively, both players provide shot-blocking abilities for the Flyers.
4. Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
Andersson finished the season with 196 blocked shots. Andersson’s offensive production has decreased, but he still manages time on the second unit power play and first line penalty kill. A bounce-back season will increase his value as he enters free agency following the upcoming season.
5. MacKenzie Weegar, Calgary Flames
Weegar finished the season with 192 blocked shots. Weegar has increased his offensive production in two straight seasons. He’s positioned himself for a career year during the 2025-2026 season.
6. Christopher Tanev, Toronto Maple Leafs
Tanev finished the season with 189 blocked shots. The veteran is a key component of Toronto’s penalty kill. The reliable veteran will be one of Toronto’s best defensive players in the upcoming season.
7. Moritz Seider, Detroit Red Wings
Seider finished the season with 181 blocked shots. Entering his fifth season, Seider has yet to miss a game and continues to improve. He enters the upcoming season as Detroit’s top defenseman and will again lead the team’s power play and penalty kill.
8. Radko Gudas, Anaheim Ducks
Gudas finished the season with 178 blocked shots. He’s a veteran leader on one of the NHL’s youngest teams. He doesn’t post high offensive numbers but is a plus (+/-) player who produces on the team’s penalty kill.
9. Travis Sanheim, Philadelphia Flyers
Sanheim finished the season with 170 blocked shots. He continues to be one of Philadelphia’s most important defensemen. The upcoming season will feature him on the team’s top penalty kill line.
10. Esa Lindell, Dallas Stars
Lindell finished the season with 170 blocked shots. The veteran is a plus (+/-) player who contributes to the team’s top penalty kill line. He’s posted back-to-back seasons with five goals and 21 assists.
Angel Atienza-Romero