I see many posters are coming around in their understanding of what the Canucks really have on D, and it's not great. Collectively, it's a good D, but it's not a Cup winning D.
This season, there has been no dynamic aspect to their game, not a single defenceman has shown the ability to take over a game defensively or offensively, but Hamhuis on the defensive side and Edler on the offensive side have shown in the past that they can for extended periods. I think the powerplay being so stagnant and predictable has hurt Edler's game, and Hamhuis either really declined over the summer and lockout or he is hurt and playing through injury.
I agree it's good, not great, as in it is solid but not flashy, but I don't agree it's not good enough to win a cup. Considering the forward depth of guys who will IMO lay the body on the line come playoff time in terms of blocked shots and backcheck, and goalies behind them, they will be fine come crunch time when compared to most of the other playoff teams.
As for rankings, rating play this year for me
Garrison - 8 - Started off slow, defensively is a rock, skating is good for a guy his size, his size is handy infront and in the corners, makes good pinches to keep the puck in, if he ever starts getting his shot on his net this contract will be a steal. (not all his fault, hopefully Roy on the point can give him some one timer passes that aren't in his feet)
Hamhuis - 7 - Just isn't the same fluid dman I have come to expect, been better the last 10 games or so, but somethings definitely up, hopefully just a confidence issue now. When he's on i think he can be a solid 8.5-9 and I fully expect him to turn it on come playoffs.
Edler - 7 - Once again a revolving door of partners, and stuck on the leagues worst powerplay as a last gasp option which makes him look even worse. But also I think his back is still messed up, doesn't seem to have the power and strength of years past when it comes to his shot, hitting, and even skating. I don't think we can expect much more from Edler this year, he is what he is, until I think he gets another off season to strengthen his back and core, still has the best offensive instincts of any of our dman.
Tanev - 7 - Defensively solid, usually good for a mistake free game, but when he tries offensively it takes away from his solid game, was playing above his head for awhile there, but I think he's dropped back down to his level, this could change to a 6.5-6 if he doesn't have another good stretch.
Bieksa - 6 - Just abysmal at times defensively, constantly switching sides with his partner when it isn't needed, gets caught behind the goaline when he should be on the post, much of this is also from having a revolving door of partners. Would be much better with Hamhuis and if he wasn't fighting the groin injury. Think he really steps it up come playoff time, just that kind of guy.
Ballard - 5 - Misused as always, but he has not made it better for himself, still good for a few mistakes a game that make you wonder, usually on the breakout, still a much better option for the 6 slot than anything else we have.
Alberts - 3.5 - A couple steps below Ballard, his physical play is good considering the rest of the defense isn't much for hitting these days, but once he starts getting minutes, he tries to do much offensively, when he doesn't have the skillset. Don't mind him as the #8 guy, but atm he seems to be a regular.
Barker - 3 - No physical play to speak of, and no defensive game either, gets walked by marginal offensive players, but on a good shift uses his stick well, gets the first pass on the forwards stick, and gets his shot on net, if he was younger I would say he just needs developing but he is what he is, not an NHL top 6 dman.