OTownApologist
Registered User
We did Defensive Forwards a few threads ago, and Offensive Defensemen, so this time we'll talk about the defensemen in their own end.
This isn't limited to exclusively guys in a shutdown role, every defenseman in the organization is eligible to be ranked by their pure defensive ability.
Some criteria to look at:
-shot blocking
-physical play
-positioning
-steals/turnovers
(I also think the ability to carry a puck away from your net and out of the zone is a defensive play in it's own right)
With that, here's my personal list:
1. Marc Methot
2. Erik Karlsson
3. Mark Borowiecki
4. Cody Ceci
5. Jared Cowen
6. Patrick Wiercioch
7. Chris Wideman
8. Chris Phillips
9. Frederick Claesson
10. Andreas Englund
HM: Chabot, Harpur
Kind of a sad list to look at, really hoping Cowen can finally make that leap. If that happens, and Ceci, Borowiecki, and Wiercioch continue on this development arc, it should be good for at least this season. Would still like to see another established top 4 NHL guy there, and a few more blue chip prospects in the system.
This isn't limited to exclusively guys in a shutdown role, every defenseman in the organization is eligible to be ranked by their pure defensive ability.
Some criteria to look at:
-shot blocking
-physical play
-positioning
-steals/turnovers
(I also think the ability to carry a puck away from your net and out of the zone is a defensive play in it's own right)
With that, here's my personal list:
1. Marc Methot
2. Erik Karlsson
3. Mark Borowiecki
4. Cody Ceci
5. Jared Cowen
6. Patrick Wiercioch
7. Chris Wideman
8. Chris Phillips
9. Frederick Claesson
10. Andreas Englund
HM: Chabot, Harpur
Kind of a sad list to look at, really hoping Cowen can finally make that leap. If that happens, and Ceci, Borowiecki, and Wiercioch continue on this development arc, it should be good for at least this season. Would still like to see another established top 4 NHL guy there, and a few more blue chip prospects in the system.
