I like both players and think they are fine examples of young defenseman learning to play defense in the NHL
Hamonic and MacDonald became the mainstays on the blueline for an islander team in need of something resembling a top pairing. They can skate, have enough grit and can make the offensive play too. Lets hope the team keeps them together because I think they have a nice synergy. (I also have both in my sim league
) I wonder if its really best for Hamonic to be simply "given" the top pairing position instead of earning it. Then again the islanders aren't at the stage where that kind of talent and competition are occurring. I think Hamonic and MacDonald's clearly have the talent to play top 4 minutes in the NHL but my concern is them being thrown into the fire that has been NYI hockey this past decade. I suppose what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
McDonaugh was given an entirely different set of circumstances. Down the stretch NY had to play mistake free hockey on most nights just to sniff the 8 spot. Staal also missed a few games and McDonaugh carried the water without seeming out of place on a limited basis in his rookie year. He is a great position because he can see 2nd pairing minutes and continue to refine his game. His skating is enough for him to get back into the play if he is out of position which is something that Marc Staal and Dan Girardi do not have. Given time I think he can play on the top pairing once he develops his shot blocking and sense of when to join the rush and when to hold back. His team is built on defense first so he doesn't have to deliver the mail like Hamonic must.
So I think the pressure is on Hamonic to develop into a really special player on the Island which is something they have lacked for years. He has no safety net and its a long way down if he falls. Lets hope for islander fans he doesn't.
McDonaugh has the luck of the draw to just play his game, not be out of position and contribute when the right opportunity presents itself. He can play on the 2nd pairing in NY for the next decade and be a very solid player in the rangers current system. Perhaps he can be more ? I certainly think so because I think that Girardi is better suited as a #3 than a #2.
If I had to choose I would take Hamonic because I think he has more "upside" due to his teams needs, but McDonaugh will be a core player for seasons to come because of his teams situation.
I am looking forward to the next few seasons when we can see these guys really turn into something special.