WJC: Best defenseman in the WJC

[190Octane]

So, who is the best defenseman in the WJC?

Being in So Cal I don't get to see many players but my homer vote would go to Vatanen just because of his stats and many people saying he's been the best d-man in the FEL this season.

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[HockeyH3aven]

I'd say Gubrandson, Larsson, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Cowen are the top 4.

 

[LeafsFan18]

Ryan Ellis, not even close. Just ask Pierre Mcguire....

 

[Princeton]

It's Adam Larsson. He is the best overall defense-man.

For pure offense, Ryan Ellis or Ryan Murphy on Canada should get the nod.

For pure defense, Derek Forbert (US), Erik Gudbranson and perhaps Cowan come to mind.

 

[BusQuets]

vatanen

 

[joe89]

It's Adam Larsson. He is the best overall defense-man.

For pure offense, Ryan Ellis or Ryan Murphy on Canada should get the nod.

For pure defense, Derek Forbert (US), Erik Gudbranson and perhaps Cowan come to mind.

I'd probably rank Larsson higher on pure defense than overall, not saying he couldn't be both though. He's solid as a rock in his own end.

 

[bruinsfan46]

A healthy Jared Cowen gets my vote.

Edit: It's probably OEL, I didn't realize he was playing.

 

[lakai17]

Larsson for sure, next thread.

 

[Dread Clawz]

Larsson. Ellis close second.

 

[Benttheknee]

I like OEL's chances. He is a highly rated prospect that provides that offensive edge that people covet.

 

[Minister of Offence]

Gudbranson might not even make Team Canada.

I'll throw Tim Erixon a mention.

 

[Pyke*]

If OEL plays, OEL.

If he doesn't, Cowen.

If we're talking about highest offensive skill only, Ellis or Larsson are both pretty sick.

 

[FiLe]

One more vote for Vatanen. Maybe not the best overall, but might have a thing or two to say for being one offensively. At the moment he's 2nd in points and 1st in +/- in FEL. He plays in the top pair on the team that leads the league, thanks no small part to him.

 

[Nordic*]

A healthy Jared Cowen gets my vote.

Edit: It's probably OEL, I didn't realize he was playing.

He not.....right?

One more vote for Vatanen. Maybe not the best overall, but might have a thing or two to say for being one offensively. At the moment he's 2nd in points and 1st in +/- in FEL. He plays in the top pair on the team that leads the league, thanks no small part to him.

Then why add him? This is about the best?

 

[nanzenkills]

If he plays, OEL. If not, Larsson or Cowen.

 

[Jesus Christ Horburn]

Ryan Ellis.

 

[s7ark]

Marincin has had a very strong season so far. I'm interested to see what he does at the WJC

 

[Fiddie]

Marincin has had a very strong season so far. I'm interested to see what he does at the WJC

Came for shameless Oilers plug, see I've already been beaten to it.

 

[s7ark]

Came for shameless Oilers plug, see I've already been beaten to it.

Hahaha you got me.

 

[FiLe]

Then why add him? This is about the best?

Because coming in and going out are two different things.

 

[BusQuets]

He not.....right?




Then why add him? This is about the best?

there are no clear best and he said _maybe_ not best... get it?

 

[HSF]

Cowen

 

[FolignoQuantumLeap]

Larsson, OEL, Cowen, Erixon are all the best players on D right now.

 

[nafsregnar27]

Damn, Sweden's got some D. How is Ellis's footspeed? Last year it was atrocious, so I'm wondering if it will be a problem this year.

 

[Minister of Offence]

One more vote for Vatanen. Maybe not the best overall, but might have a thing or two to say for being one offensively. At the moment he's 2nd in points and 1st in +/- in FEL. He plays in the top pair on the team that leads the league, thanks no small part to him.

He should be pretty dominant offensively...but some of these top teams may be a little overwhelming for him down low, the intensity/physicality at this tournament is unmatched compared to the Liiga.

For me, it's certainly feasible that he could end up a tournament all-star.