NHL 23 Builds: Best Defensemen Builds in WOC


Choosing from the several NHL 23 builds that are available can be tough if you don't know exactly what you're looking for.

Today, however, we're going to help you out by coming up with the best defensemen builds in the game (in our opinion).

If you're ready to be the backbone of your team, keep reading.

Best NHL 23 Builds (Defensemen)

The defensemen NHL 23 builds are a little interesting and they take a bit of finesse to make them work really well in-game.

You don't want to sacrifice the ability to score but you want to be tough enough to make sure you can lay out your opponent.

NHL 23 builds
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MAKAR: Want to play like the best defensemen in the NHL?

We're going to take a look at three different NHL 23 builds for defensemen, each of which will provide you with a different playstyle.

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Enforcer Defenseman NHL 23 Build

The Enforcer Defensemen is one of our favorite NHL 23 builds because it gives you the ability to decimate your opponents.

Your big body will nearly be impervious to damage but you'll be able to hand it out in droves, knocking your opponents all around the ice.

NHL 23 builds
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BIG BODY: Want to knock your opponents around? Use this build.

The basics of the build are:

  • Height - 6'6"
  • Weight - 230 LBS
  • Zone Ability - Bouncer

Here are the specifics:

  • Technique:
    • Wrist Shot Accuracy - 79 OVR
    • Slap Shot Accuracy - 79 OVR
    • Speed - 80 OVR
    • Balance - 85 OVR
    • Agility - 81 OVR
  • Power:
    • Wrist Shot Power - 81 OVR
    • Slap Shot Power - 84 OVR
    • Acceleration - 80 OVR
    • Puck Control - 82 OVR
    • Endurance - 80 OVR
  • Playstyle:
    • Passing - 80 OVR
    • Offensive Awareness - 78 OVR
    • Body Checking - 86 OVR
    • Stick Checking - 80 OVR
    • Defensive Awareness - 82 OVR
  • Tenacity:
    • Hand-eye - 79 OVR
    • Strength - 86 OVR
    • Durability - 86 OVR
    • Shot Blocking - 80 OVR
  • Tactics:
    • Deking - 70 OVR
    • Faceoffs - 80 OVR
    • Discipline - 78 OVR
    • Fighting Skill - 85 OVR

The best part about any of the NHL 23 builds that we're going to go through is that you can test them out and if you don't like it you can do it again.

Looking for something with a bit more balance, check out the next build we have for you.

Two-Way Defensemen Build

Most everyone wants to have a World Of Chel player that can score goals and provide assists to their teammates.

Of the defensemen NHL 23 builds, this is the one that we'd recommend if you're looking to do that as it provides more balance.

NHL 23 builds
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BALANCED BUILD: Use this build for a big more balance this year.

For this build, you'll give up a bit of size, going from 6'6" down to 6'2" but you'll still have great defensive awareness and discipline along with having an 82 OVR Fighting Skill rating.

The basics of the build are:

  • Height - 6'2"
  • Weight - 205 LBS
  • Zone Ability - Quick Pick

Here are the specifics:

  • Technique:
    • Wrist Shot Accuracy - 82 OVR
    • Slap Shot Accuracy - 82 OVR
    • Speed - 83 OVR
    • Balance - 82 OVR
    • Agility - 83 OVR
  • Power:
    • Wrist Shot Power - 81 OVR
    • Slap Shot Power - 82 OVR
    • Acceleration - 83 OVR
    • Puck Control - 84 OVR
    • Endurance - 83 OVR
  • Playstyle:
    • Passing - 85 OVR
    • Offensive Awareness - 83 OVR
    • Body Checking - 83 OVR
    • Stick Checking - 85 OVR
    • Defensive Awareness - 88 OVR
  • Tenacity:
    • Hand-eye - 82 OVR
    • Strength - 83 OVR
    • Durability - 83OVR
    • Shot Blocking - 88 OVR
  • Tactics:
    • Deking - 75 OVR
    • Faceoffs - 80 OVR
    • Discipline - 87 OVR
    • Fighting Skill - 82 OVR

This set up will provide for a bit more balance compared to some of the other defensemen NHL 23 builds.

Now, let's take a look at our last option, the Grinder build.

Grinder NHL 23 Build

This build is slightly more scrappy and similar to defensemen such as Jared Spurgeon of the Minnesota Wild.

Although you won't hit as hard, you'll be an absolute menace on the ice, stick-lifting and poke-checking your opponents.

NHL 23 builds
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GRINDER BUILD: This is one of our favorite NHL 23 builds period.

Of the NHL 23 builds that are available, this one is great for those that aren't worried about scoring goals but protecting their side of the ice.

The basics of the build are:

  • Height - 6'1"
  • Weight - 205 LBS
  • Zone Ability - No Contest

Here are the specifics:

  • Technique:
    • Wrist Shot Accuracy - 80 OVR
    • Slap Shot Accuracy - 80 OVR
    • Speed - 83 OVR
    • Balance - 82 OVR
    • Agility - 83 OVR
  • Power:
    • Wrist Shot Power - 82 OVR
    • Slap Shot Power - 82 OVR
    • Acceleration - 83 OVR
    • Puck Control - 83 OVR
    • Endurance - 83 OVR
  • Playstyle:
    • Passing - 80 OVR
    • Offensive Awareness - 83 OVR
    • Body Checking - 83 OVR
    • Stick Checking - 88 OVR
    • Defensive Awareness - 85 OVR
  • Tenacity:
    • Hand-eye - 86 OVR
    • Strength - 83 OVR
    • Durability - 83 OVR
    • Shot Blocking - 90 OVR
  • Tactics:
    • Deking - 75 OVR
    • Faceoffs - 85 OVR
    • Discipline - 88 OVR
    • Fighting Skill - 82 OVR

Test out a few of these NHL 23 builds before upgrading one in particular. It might take a little while but these builds can help you get started.

For more articles like this, take a look at our NHL page.