Future NHL stars are developing in the Canadian Hockey League this season. Every other

week, NHL.com will highlight a few of the top NHL-affiliated prospects in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. This week, a look at some of the top defensemen so far.

As the CHL season enters its third month, a few defensemen have stepped up to become leaders on their team. Here are several of the top performers so far (listed in alphabetical order; all stats are entering Friday).

Kashawn Aitcheson , Barrie, OHL (New York Islanders)

Aitcheson has goals in four straight games, including game-winners on back-to-back days. He scored from the slot 30 seconds into overtime for a 5-4 win against Brantford on Oct. 29; one day later the 19-year-

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