The NHL Defensive Player of the Year is an annual award given to the best defensive player in the National Hockey League. This award recognizes players who excel in defensive skills, such as blocking shots, stealing the puck, and preventing scoring opportunities. It highlights the importance of defense in a sport often focused on offense. The award has been presented since the 1982-1983 NHL season and is voted on by members of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association. Players are evaluated based on their overall defensive performance during the regular season, making it a prestigious honor for those who excel in this critical aspect of the game.