Franson - Gunnar is a great defender, but with Franson finally getting the opportunity to play top PP he shows his value to this team. The guy is just money. Also brings size to the lineup and his skating has vastly improved under the tutelage of Underhill.
Fraser - This was an easy one. Fraser is the perfect #6 defenseman: he plays a simple game, throws his body, clears the front of his net, and sticks up for his teammates. While Kostka is great, he suffers from the depth we have on defense. We have guys that are better offensively (Franson, Gardiner, Phaneuf, Liles) and he isn't really known for his defensive acumen. Fraser has more value to us relative to what both he and Kostka bring to the game.
Komarov - This was the hardest decision of all. Kulemin is an excellent player but the physical presence Komarov brings to the game is the deciding factor. Kulemin has the size advantage but he mostly uses his size for protecting the pick rather than pulverizing opposing defensemen on the forecheck. I feel Kulemin will be dealt at the deadline for futures and Komarov will be on this team for years to come.
McClement - Like one poster said, the $5.5M price tag that comes along with Grabo made this decision for me. I remember I was a little upset over the summer when McClement was the only FA acquisition by Burke, but boy has Jay made a strong case for himself. The guy is an absolute stud on the PK and barely ever loses a puck battle. He is CONSISTENT. Grabo has had trouble with being consistent his entire career, which is a big problem. Don't get me wrong, I love Grabo and the way he gets concussed every game by opposing defensemen, but this one goes to McClement.
Orr, McLaren - With Orr, we have one of the top heavyweights in the game. You know when he's out on the ice the opposition knows it, and they adjust their play accordingly. With McLaren, we get a top light heavyweight that can actually skate and play hockey. Very impressed with his play, as I was a little puzzled when Nonis picked him up on the waiver wire. Yes, Brown is a sparkplug on the fourth line but I find he has a big issue with staying in control and playing within the confines of the rules of the games. He takes too many crippling penalties.
