After breaking down the NHL's top forward trios, we're shifting our focus to the league's best defensive pairings.

This exercise isn't designed to highlight the most talented individual defensemen. Instead, we're looking to establish the five most effective defensive pairings from a season ago, using both counting stats and advanced analytics.

For a tandem to be eligible, it must be intact for the upcoming campaign.

All stats are from five-on-five play during the 2019-20 regular season, with a minimum of 400 minutes played. League ranking is in parentheses.

TOI: Time on ice
CF%: Corsi For
GF%: Goals For
xGF%: Expected Goals For
HDCF%= High Danger Chances For

5. Jamie Oleksiak-Miro Heiskanen

Heiskanen's breakout campaign and Oleksiak's bounce-back season occurred at the perfect time for the Dallas Stars. The pair were sensational at both ends of the ice, with their play helping to lift the Stars from postseason contenders to Stanley Cup finalists.

Oleksiak's size, grit, and defensive acumen blends perfectly with Heiskanen's elite skating and puck-moving ability. The former struggled to find his place following his arrival in Dallas at the 2018 trade deadline, but Oleksiak rebounded after starting the 2019-20 season in the Stars' system. His strengths allow Heiskanen to roam the ice and contribute offensively while not worrying about being burned defensively.

The only thing keeping the pair from being higher on this list is relatively low usage. However, Heiskanen and Oleksiak would have cracked the 500-minute mark over an 82-game slate, and the sample size of play from the two is large enough to prove their performance is no fluke.

4. Jeff Petry-Brett Kulak

The Canadiens rewarded Petry with a splashy four-year, $25-million pact after he put together perhaps the best season of his career at age 33. Meanwhile, Kulak's offensive production dropped, but he took a leap defensively and recorded some of the best metrics of his career at that end of the ice.

The pair made a major impact at both ends, finishing with a leading share of high-danger chances and a second-ranked expected goals share. However, Montreal's lackluster offense - which produced a 25th-ranked shooting percentage (7.49%) at even strength - didn't yield the results the duo's strong play warranted.

The pairing also controlled possession. Petry and Kulak owned the best Corsi For among all blue-line duos, with a convincing amount of play taking place in the offensive zone when the two were patrolling the ice.

3. Jared Spurgeon-Ryan Suter

Suter and Spurgeon have been the backbone of a strong Minnesota Wild blue line for years, and the veteran duo doesn't appear to be slowing down despite logging heavy minutes.

The pairing ranked fourth in ice time together and eighth while shorthanded this past season. The high-level play from Suter and Spurgeon was even more significant considering the woeful state of Minnesota's goaltending in 2019-20. The Wild ranked 29th in save percentage (.897), and the pairing still outperformed its expected share of goals for at five-on-five.

The tandem also produced strong possession numbers because the two are remarkably responsible with the puck. Spurgeon and Suter were two of just eight defensemen to register under one turnover per 60 minutes of ice time last season (minimum 35 games played).

2. Dougie Hamilton-Jaccob Slavin

Hamilton may have missed extended time, but there's no denying the Hurricanes' top duo produced quality work last season. Slavin cemented his status as one of the league's top two-way defensemen, while Hamilton established himself as a perennial Norris Trophy candidate.

The pairing is perfect for the Hurricanes' possession-oriented system, as Hamilton and Slavin are both quality skaters for their size (6-foot-6 and 6-foot-3, respectively), and they're strong at both ends of the ice. The duo is one of just two ranked in the top 10 in all four of the advanced stat categories applied here.

Each player took a major step, too. Slavin led the league with 81 takeaways while pouring in career highs in assists (30) and points (36) despite the shortened season. Hamilton, meanwhile, was on pace for a personal-best 24 goals and 70 points over a full 82-game campaign.

1. Roman Josi-Ryan Ellis

If you were starting a team tomorrow and needed to choose an active defensive tandem, it would be tough to pass on the Predators' star pairing.

Josi, the reigning Norris Trophy winner, is one of the world's top blue-liners, while Ellis is somehow still among the most underrated. Nashville's 50 goals scored with Ellis and Josi on the ice at five-on-five ranked second among all defensive tandems, even with the former missing 20 games due to a concussion. Before Ellis suffered his injury, the pairing was on pace to rank No. 1 in that department by a mile.

The duo dominated in every advanced metric, too, finishing in the top six in all four categories while eating a ton of minutes. Josi finished third among all skaters in average ice time (25:47) while Ellis finished 22nd (23:30).

Analytics source: (Natural Stat Trick)

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New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban is holding himself accountable for his down year in 2019-20 and is focused on being a better leader for the budding club this season.

"I think that in some ways maybe I failed in terms of making my teammates better at times," Subban said Thursday, according to NHL.com's Mike Morreale. "I've been very fortunate in my career to have great individual years, whether it's awards or being up for trophies.

He added, "I also understand that not every year is going to be the same and not every situation is going to be the same, but your responsibility is to be a good teammate, push your teammates, make them better."

Subban captured the Norris Trophy in 2013 while with the Montreal Canadiens and was one of the league's most electric blue-liners for much of last decade. Last season, however, Subban recorded a career-low 18 points in his debut campaign with the Devils and looked far removed from his former award-winning self.

The 31-year-old is the third-oldest player on the Devils' roster and understands how important it is to turn his game around in order for the team to maximize its potential.

"I'd like to play in Stanley Cup Playoffs again and, you know, bring this team together and to a place where we can compete for a Stanley Cup again," Subban said.

"I also understand that it's a young team, so that's a process. I still feel I can get better, so I want to continue to work with our coaching staff and my teammates. A big thing, too, is just jelling as a team, getting used to playing with new teammates."

The Devils opened their training camp Thursday after a 10-month layoff.

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Buffalo Sabres captain Jack Eichel missed practice Friday and is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, the team announced.

Sabres head coach Ralph Krueger addressed the media after practice and didn't appear concerned about Eichel's status moving forward.

"He will be fine," Krueger said, according to The Athletic's John Vogl. "We are just being cautious in the process. We expect Jack in the next couple days here."

Eichel, 24, sustained the injury while training. The 6-foot-2 pivot tallied a career-best 36 goals and added 42 assists over 68 games last season.

Friday marked the Sabres' first team practice since the NHL suspended the 2019-20 season on March 12.

Training camps for the 24 teams that qualified for last season's expanded playoffs begin Jan. 3. The 2020-21 campaign is set to open on Jan. 13.

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The Winnipeg Jets invited forward Trevor Lewis to training camp on a professional tryout contract, the team announced Friday.

Lewis, 33, has spent his entire 11-year career with the Los Angeles Kings. He tallied six goals and six assists while averaging 11:54 of ice time over 56 games last season.

The 6-foot-1 grinder has amassed 70 goals and 163 points over 674 contests and captured a pair of Stanley Cups with the Kings in 2012 and 2014.

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The NHL plans to stage a two-game "Outdoor Weekend" showcase at Lake Tahoe in Nevada during the 2020-21 season, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

The event will see the Colorado Avalanche take on the Vegas Golden Knights on Feb. 20 before the Boston Bruins face the Philadelphia Flyers on Feb. 21, reports Friedman.

Both games will reportedly take place at Edgewood Tahoe Resort, which hosts a popular celebrity golf tournament, and will be played around the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes.

Fans will not be permitted to attend the event, which will be limited to about 400 people including players, team staff, and workers, notes Friedman. He adds that this will give TV broadcasters a unique opportunity to use devices such as drone cameras during game coverage.

The NHL has reportedly been looking to stage an event at an aesthetically pleasing venue during an unusual season. Lake Louise in Alberta was one option that was considered, according to Friedman, as was Park City, Utah.

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After an offseason full of trade speculation, Winnipeg Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff says he expects star winger Patrik Laine to take his game up another level.

"I assume he's probably going to have one of the best years of his career given the group of players that we have and the professionalism that is there," Cheveldayoff said Tuesday, according to NHL.com's Tim Campbell. "And the maturity level that all players gain year over year over year, I think just helps us move forward."

Laine tallied 28 goals last season and improved his ability as a playmaker with a career-high 35 assists. The 22-year-old was on pace for a personal-best 76 points over a full 82-game season.

The Finnish sniper, who becomes a restricted free agent after 2020-21, has been involved in trade talks all offseason.

Winnipeg re-acquired veteran pivot Paul Stastny, who played with Laine during the final few months of the 2017-18 campaign. Cheveldayoff believes the club boasts one of the deepest forward groups in the league and that Stastny's addition will help enhance Laine's game.

"We think with some of the acquisitions that we've made, obviously adding (Stastny) we think we've got one of the better if not one of the best top-sixes in the NHL," Cheveldayoff said.

"So we're excited about having the ability down the middle with (Mark) Scheifele and Stastny in our top six with the quality of wingers like Patrik and (Blake Wheeler) and Nik Ehlers and Kyle Connor. I think there's lots of different combinations that can be very, very dynamic."

Laine ranks seventh among all skaters with 138 goals and sits third in power-play markers (52) since the Jets selected him second overall at the 2016 NHL Draft.

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Former Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers forward Ryan Callahan has officially hung up his skates.

The 35-year-old took to social media Wednesday to announce his retirement after 13 NHL seasons.

"Let's make it official. I did not play last year due to a back injury, but I am officially announcing my retirement from the NHL," Callahan said. "Reflecting on my career, it's hard to wrap my head around how lucky and grateful I am for being able to live out my childhood dream for 13 amazing years."

The Rochester, New York, native was selected by the Rangers in the fourth round of the 2004 NHL Draft and spent the first seven and a half seasons of his career with the Blue Shirts. He served as New York's captain from 2011-14.

Callahan was dealt to the Lightning for Martin St. Louis at the 2014 trade deadline. He helped Tampa Bay reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2015.

The 5-foot-10 winger amassed 186 goals and 386 points over 757 career contests and added 39 points in 121 playoff games.

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Former Washington Capitals forward Ilya Kovalchuk inked a two-year deal with the KHL's Avangard Omsk, the league announced Saturday.

Kovalchuk, 37, returned to the NHL on a three-year pact with the Los Angeles Kings in 2018-19, but he endured a roller-coaster season in 2019-20.

The Kings terminated the 6-foot-3 veteran's contract in December before Kovalchuk signed with the Montreal Canadiens in January. After rediscovering his game during a strong stint in Montreal, the Canadiens sent Kovalchuk to the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline.

He tallied 10 goals and 26 points over 46 games spread among the three clubs, adding one assist in eight playoff contests for the Capitals.

The 2001 first overall pick has amassed 433 goals and 423 assists across 926 NHL games. He earned the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2003-04 and is the Atlanta Thrashers/Winnipeg Jets franchise leader in goals (328), and Kovalchuk ranks second in points (615).

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The 2021 World Junior Championship is finally upon us. The tournament is taking place under unique circumstances but will surely be can't-miss TV once the puck is dropped.

Team Canada captured gold at the 2020 world juniors, defeating Russia 4-3 in a thrilling final. Which nation will climb to the top of the podium in 2021?

Here are five key storylines to watch for heading into this year's annual holiday event.

Navigating the pandemic

We can't ignore the obvious. This year's pandemic-altered tournament is going to be different in various ways, and everyone involved must do their best to ensure the event can be completed with integrity.

With the added layer of COVID-19 protocols, things can change in an instant, as Germany quickly learned one week ago. Eight players on the German roster tested positive upon arriving in the Edmonton bubble, so the team had to quarantine until Thursday and forgo their tuneup games. With the tournament being played over a short period of time, a positive test would spell the end of the event for a player and potentially for the entire team.

However, the Edmonton bubble worked seamlessly during the NHL playoffs, as no positive tests were returned. As was the case then, players at the world juniors will receive daily testing and be subject to several other protective measures in an attempt to prevent exposure.

Another effect of the pandemic will be the lack of fans in attendance. The world juniors - especially in Canada - usually draw electric crowds to create some of the most intense environments in all of sports.

NHL's delay brings increased talent pool

Two favorable quirks resulting from the pandemic are the expanded rosters and the volume of star talent that would otherwise be playing in the NHL during the tournament.

Unfortunately for Team Canada, captain Kirby Dach is reportedly out for the tournament after suffering an injury during exhibition play. Dylan Cozens and No. 2 pick Quinton Byfield, however, are two other premier talents who are available for Canada due to the NHL delay. For Team USA, Cole Caufield, Trevor Zegras, and several other former lottery picks would've had a strong chance to crack their respective NHL clubs.

Perhaps the biggest win for world junior fans will be the chance to watch 2020 No. 3 selection Tim Stuetzle suit up for Germany. The Senators' blue-chip prospect recorded five points in five games at least year's event and likely wouldn't have returned had the NHL season begun in the fall.

Sweden's remarkable unbeaten streak in jeopardy

Dec. 31, 2006 - that's the last time Sweden dropped a game during the preliminary round, losing in overtime to Team USA. Tre Kronor have won a remarkable 51 consecutive round-robin contests, but that world junior record could be at risk this year after the team suffered a few key last-minute setbacks.

Four Swedish players - including a trio of NHL prospects in William Wallinder, Karl Henriksson, and Albin Grewe - along with head coach Tomas Monten were deemed ineligible to participate last week after returning positive COVID-19 tests. Sweden also faces a tough schedule with matchups against the Czech Republic, Austria, Russia, and the United States.

The nation's round-robin dominance hasn't quite translated to the medal rounds. Sweden has just one gold medal (2012) since the streak began and has lost in the championship game five times.

3 nations look to continue domination

For the last several decades, the big five at the world juniors has included Canada, Team USA, Russia, Sweden, and Finland, but only three have experienced sustained success in recent years. Either the Canadians, Americans, or Finns have won the last eight tournaments and 15 of the last 17, largely thanks to Canada's five straight golds in the second half of the 2000s.

Russia and Sweden have each enjoyed a ton of success during the preliminary stage, but neither has been able to get it done when the lights shine brightest. The nations have combined for six silver medals and five bronzes since the last time either won gold (Sweden, 2012). Russia, which has finished on the podium on all but two occasions since 2005, has just one championship (2011) over that span.

Goaltenders poised to put on clinics

The world juniors typically present a strong crop of young netminders, but this year's group is elite.

Yaroslav Askarov became Russia's highest-drafted netminder ever when the Nashville Predators selected him 11th overall in October, and he's good enough to single-handedly lift the country to the top of the podium. The 18-year-old phenom owns a .962 save percentage and has allowed just six goals through seven games with the KHL's SKA Saint Petersburg. He'll be aiming to bounce back after his shaky world juniors debut in 2020.

Team USA's tandem of Spencer Knight and Dustin Wolf may be the best one-two punch the program has ever had. Knight is one of just three netminders (with Askarov) to be selected with a top-15 pick in the last 10 years. The Florida Panthers prospect owned a .931 save percentage through 33 games in his freshman season at Boston College, while Wolf was named CHL goaltender of the year for his phenomenal 2019-20 campaign with the WHL's Everett Silvertips.

Finland's Joel Blomqvist has also shown boatloads of promise during his young career overseas. The Pittsburgh Penguins' 2020 second-rounder is incredibly athletic and impressed during a pair of starts this season in Finland's top league.

Swedish youngster Jesper Wallstedt is unlikely to start but is currently the top-ranked goaltending prospect for the 2021 NHL Draft and could be Sweden's next big netminder on the international stage. The starting role will likely be Hugo Alnefelt's to lose, however. The Tampa Bay Lightning prospect was one of the top puck-stoppers at last year's world juniors, posting a .924 save percentage and 2.12 goals-against average over six starts.

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Team USA is well-equipped to get back on the podium at the world juniors after a disappointing sixth-place finish in 2020. With eight players returning to seek redemption, the club is loaded with budding talent and one of the most experienced groups the Americans have ever iced.

The roster features nine first-round selections - including seven lottery picks -and players from 14 different states. The lineup is balanced and highlighted by elite talent up front, on the blue line, and between the pipes.

The Americans medaled six times last decade, with the latest of their two golds coming on Canadian ice in 2017. Team USA will look to repeat that success in Edmonton to capture its fourth title at the world juniors.

Forwards

*Denotes returning player
All ages are as of the start of the tournament

Top talents

Turcotte and Caufield are two of five returning forwards and will play key roles. The pair will look to bring their chemistry back to the international stage after spending the 2019-20 campaign as freshmen with Wisconsin. Caufield put his elite scoring ability on display during his first NCAA season, registering a point per game with 19 goals in 36 outings, while Turcotte impressed with 26 points in 29 contests.

Zegras, who led Team USA in scoring with nine points (all assists) in 2020, hasn't played a ton of hockey as of late after forgoing his sophomore year at Boston University to sign with the Anaheim Ducks last spring. The crafty pivot has elite vision and is arguably the team's best playmaker. Zegras put his talents on full display with an incredible helper against the Czech Republic in 2020:

Boldy, who failed to make the squad last year after a slow start to his freshman season with Boston College, could also make a serious impact. The 6-foot-2 winger posted 24 points in his final 20 games in 2019-20 and carried that momentum into his sophomore campaign, amassing three goals and eight points in four outings.

X-factors

Kaliyev has established himself as a bona fide goal-scorer throughout his career in junior, and his game-breaking ability could make a significant impact for the Americans at any moment. The 6-foot-2 sniper was on pace to hit the 50-goal mark for the second straight campaign with the OHL's Hamilton Bulldogs and has lit the lamp 126 times in 192 games during three seasons with the club.

He led Team USA with four goals through fives games at last year's world juniors and will be relied upon to carry much of the scoring load with Nick Robertson out of the picture. He flanked the wing alongside Zegras last year - who picked up a helper on all of Kaliyev's tallies - and the dynamic duo will likely make up two-thirds of the Americans' top line this holiday season.

Brink, an undersized but talented winger, could also prove to be a difference-maker. His advanced vision and playmaking ability make those around him better, and he'll likely be surrounded by elite talent while playing in the team's top six.

Another under-the-radar player is Beniers, who's the youngest on the team and is pegged to be a lottery pick in the 2021 NHL Draft. He'll likely slot in further down the lineup, but he played both special teams as a freshman with Boston University and could be called upon in either of those situations. He's also the only yet-to-be-drafted player on the team, so the chance to boost his draft stock should serve as extra motivation.

Biggest strength/weakness

Team USA is loaded with firepower up front. The roster has a solid combination of playmakers and finishers, and it shouldn't have any problems finding the back of the net. It's an experienced group that will rely on a handful of elite second-year forwards to lead the way.

The only weakness with this unit is its size. Kaliyev, Boldy, and Colangelo are the team's biggest forwards at 6-foot-2, while six of the 13 are under 6-foot. The larger ice could allow the undersized Americans to benefit against inferior opponents, but their lack of bulk could be an issue when they match up with the likes of Russia or Canada later on in the tournament.

Defense

*Denotes returning player
All ages are as of the start of the tournament

Top talents

York is the lone returning defenseman and may also be the club's most important. The Michigan product has five points in eight games during his sophomore year and is an elite skater who can be relied upon in all three zones. York's ability to read the play and join the rush when appropriate - as he does in the clip below - should only be enhanced by the larger ice.

Sanderson was the highest-selected defenseman at the 2020 draft, and the fifth overall pick has the potential to make a serious impact for Team USA. The 6-foot-2 blue-liner is still developing his offensive game, but his decision-making is advanced and his defensive side is as sound as it comes for a player his age. Look for Sanderson to eat some big minutes as the tournament goes on, especially when the Americans match up against one of the other top nations.

X-factors

Kleven was a late addition to the roster after a trio of players - including 6-foot-6 defenseman Alex Vlasic - were deemed unavailable to participate. Vlasic would have been one of the most physically imposing players in the tournament, and at 6-foot-4, Kleven will play a key role in replacing that lost grit and size on the back end. The North Dakota freshman likely won't make an impact offensively, but his shutdown ability could prove vital during the deeper stages of the tournament.

Johnson is another intriguing player whose name doesn't necessarily jump off the paper. The California native is a strong puck-carrier who's capable of moving the play efficiently, and he'll allow the Americans' loaded forward group to go to work. Johnson's tallied four assists through six games with Minnesota this season and will look to carry his strong play to Edmonton.

Biggest strength/weakness

The defense certainly isn't flashy, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Team USA's blue line has a ton of strength and size; six of the club's nine rearguards are 6-foot-2 or taller. They all patrol the ice relatively well, too, and opposing teams may have a difficult time establishing extended periods of possession in the offensive zone.

As steady as the blue line is, it's rather inexperienced at the international level. Eight of the nine are playing in their first world juniors and some of their opponents will offer the stiffest competition they've ever faced. Team USA's defense isn't all that dynamic, either. Outside of York and Sanderson, there aren't a ton of players who can be effective in multiple roles or situations.

Goaltenders

*Denotes returning player
All ages are as of the start of the tournament

As potent as the Americans' top offensive talent is, the club's biggest strength may be between the pipes. Both Knight and Wolf played on the club in 2019 and the undrafted Stein has an extra something to prove.

Knight, who's just one of three goaltenders to be selected with a top-15 pick over the last decade, is making a rare third appearance at the world juniors and is elite enough to steal the tournament on his own. The 6-foot-3 puck-stopper followed up his All-Star rookie season at Boston College with a sensational start to his sophomore campaign. Knight owns a .955 save percentage and has recorded a pair of shutouts through four games.

Wolf will likely serve as the backup, but he could be the starter on most teams. The California native was named CHL goaltender of the year in 2019-20 after authoring a 34-10-2 record with a .935 save percentage and 1.88 goals-against average for the Western Hockey League's Everett Silvertips.

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