Moritz Seider, the Detroit Red Wings’ emerging defensive anchor, has been crowned the 2025‑26 recipient of The Hockey News’ Rod Langway Award, recognizing him as the league’s most outstanding defensive defenseman.
How the award was decided
A panel of editors, writers and longtime contributors at The Hockey News deliberated over a season‑long body of work, weighing factors such as plus‑minus impact, shot‑blocking efficiency and the ability to tilt ice in a team’s favor.
Seider’s statistical footprint reflects that influence. The German‑born blueliner logged over 1,200 minutes of even‑strength play against the league’s top lines, consistently posting a positive Corsi relative to his teammates while delivering a career‑high plus‑minus rating.
The award’s runner‑up, Jaccob Slavin of the Carolina Hurricanes, finished a close second, while Dallas Stars defensemen Esa Lindell and Miro Heiskanen, along with Minnesota Wild’s Jonas Brodin, rounded out the top five.
What sets Seider apart is his evolution since being selected sixth overall in the 2019 draft. From a promising rookie to a staple on Detroit’s penalty kill, he has become a true two‑way defenseman, capable of generating offense while preserving defensive integrity.
Coach Jeff Blashill praised the player’s growth, noting that Seider’s heavy minutes against elite competition have turned him into a cornerstone of the Red Wings’ rebuild. The organization hopes his defensive excellence will translate into more wins and a deeper playoff push.
As the next season approaches, Seider’s presence on the blue line remains a key variable in Detroit’s quest to return to contention.