Nicklas Lidström

Nicklas Lidström's seven Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman are tied for the most in history with Bobby Orr, yet he remains overshadowed by flashier forwards like #5 Alexander Ovechkin. His four Stanley Cups and a plus-minus rating of +450 over his career—the highest among active players during his era—prove his defensive mastery. Lidström's technical perfection, including a 93% pass completion rate in the postseason, redefined the position, making him the quiet architect of the Detroit Red Wings dynasty.