I’m curious what your definition of number one is? Because I think you’ll struggle to find 20 guys league wide that are better than him. .
What someone calls a "#1" is obviously important, but i don't like the "find so many players better than him argument". I think that's way too literal.
20 may be difficult, but i'm not sure I'd say there are 20 "#1" guys, at least how what i consider a "#1". Off the top of my head of guys who are what I'd call a "#1": Burns, PK, EK, Doughty, Seth Jones, Pietrangelo, McDonagh, Carlson, Hedman, Suter, Weber, Josi, OEL.
I'm sure I'm forgetting some, but the point is that I don't think there are that many #1's, and if someone can't name 20 guys better than Hampus, I don't think that definitely means he's a #1 guy. Thinking about it, that's 13 players right there. I bet i could think of 7 more who are currently better than Hampus right now without that much difficulty.
Defensively he’s elite and offensively he’s shown he’s capable enough and with a bit of work and opportunity should be able to take a step forward in that area.
I think he’s a low end no 1 guy.
I do wish we had an elite guy like Hedman or Doughty but unless we trade for Karlsson in the offseason Lindholm is as close as we will get.
I agree with everything here except calling him a #1 already.. He's amazing defensively, our best defenseman, and our best shot at having a "#1".
It's not consistency that Hampus lacks, it's high end offensive skill.
Him and Fowler are both just pretty good offensively but not great
I think it depends on what you're trying to describe when you're talking about his consistency. Defensively? No, his defensive game and positioning are consistent. However, the consistency issues that I'm referring to in the topic of what he's defined as (1/2/3) is games where he takes control of the game, which IMO, is what makes a #1. Recent playoffs are a great example. Watch games 1 and 2 compared to game 3 with Hampus. Was a completely different player.
I think the system holds him back a bit... and the fact that he hasn't really gotten a lot of powerplay time throughout his career. Would be nice to see what hed do on a team like Toronto/Tampa etc.
I hate Carlyle and our system as much, if not more, than anyone here, but i think this is wrong. I actually think our system is better designed for players like Hampus and Manson. The only guy who is held back by our system IMO is Montour. His skill set would be a much better fit for teams like you mentioned.
He has had his opportunities with Fowler out often. He hasn`t delivered. Plain and simple
This. Carlyle's obsession with Fowler is frustrating, but let's not pretend he hasn't had opportunity to grab that spot on top unit. It's not like Fowler is very good at it. The reality is neither guy is ideal for your top PP unit.