Better AHL Playoffs: Foote vs Liljegren vs Vaakanainen

[GoldenKnight]

Who will be better in the 2019 AHL playoffs (as measured by points/game) between these three mid-1st round pick defencemen from the 2017 draft?

I find it hard to compare AHL regular seasons between the three, as Vaakainen had a small sample size due to world juniors/NHL/injuries, Liljegren recovered from and played through a bad injury, and only Foote played a full season. I expect these guys to be at their best after a week of rest heading into the playoffs on Friday.

Update after 4 AHL playoff games:

Player Name	GP	G	A	Pts	Pts/GP	+/-
Timothy Liljegren	4	0	1	1	0.25	+1
Urho Vaakanainen	4	0	0	0	0.00	+1
Cal Foote	4	0	0	0	0.00	-4

[TBODY] [/TBODY]

Since Foote and Vaakanainen have been eliminated after going scoreless in 4 games, Liljegren ends up ahead.

By most accounts all 3 of these guys have been given increased responsibilities and done well on the defensive side of the puck.

Click to read more...

 

[Wings4Life]

Smart money's probably with Foote. He's got the easiest opponent on paper and is the only one here with home ice advantage. That said, tempted to go with Liljegren due to his talent.

 

[TheGoldenJet]

I’ll pick Liljegren to win this, though I’m still not convinced he’s fully recovered from his two ankle sprains this year. If he gets his speed back up to 100% it’ll likely be him. Super close though.

 

[Fugazy]

I’ll go with Liljegren.

 

[Just Linda]

I think you have them listed in the order id pick them in.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Sandin.

 

[IceBoxHockey]

Sandin.

Was he part of the 2017 draft? Strange attempt at a flex.

Going with Foote slightly over Lily.

 

[tony d]

Liljegren

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Was he part of the 2017 draft? Strange attempt at a flex.

Going with Foote slightly over Lily.

No, he wasn't.

No flex, just facts.

 

[IceBoxHockey]

No, he wasn't.

No flex, just facts.

But, what does he have to do with this poll?

 

[Haatley]

Vaakanainen.
Liljegren has not showed much offensive ability at all in his 2 years as a Marlie. Don't know why people think that's about to change now.... remember he got benched a lot during the playoffs last season.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

But, what does he have to do with this poll?

Nothing, clearly.

 

[GoldenKnight]

Updated stats in the OP. Liljegren ends up ahead production wise after 4 GP. Urho and Foote eliminated from AHL playoffs.

 

[Wings4Life]

From what I've seen...

Liljegren has been the best two-way D of the three in these playoffs. Vaakanainen has neither wowed me, nor made me regret my faith in him this year. A solid player who needs a little more confidence with the puck and quicker reactions when games tighten up for the playoffs. Foote, who I thought had a good regular season, could have had a better playoffs.

 

[ESH]

Sandin.

No, he wasn't.

No flex, just facts.

Nothing, clearly.

Oh yeah sure that makes sense

 

[Fugazy]

Liljegren.

 

[Isaac Nootin]

Oh yeah sure that makes sense

Regardless, looks like I was correct, once again.

 

[Nizdizzle]

The most anticlimactic poll that 1pt was all it took.

 

[TeddyBare]

Oh yeah sure that makes sense

Dont bother responding
He does this on threads. Spouts off with some topic that isnt relevant then says stuff like "I was correct, once again"