Hamilton is a #3-4? You have to be kidding me. He was by far the best Bruins defenseman last year. And there's no way Burns is better than him.
Last season:
Hamilton
----------
+/- = -3
Burns
----------
+- = -9
Stats say something different. If you are looking for a stay at home, pure defenseman, Hamilton is probably better. But, if you are considering a defenseman with offensive bite, then Hamilton cannot compare to Burns.
Last season:
Hamilton
----------
GP= 72
G= 10
A= 32
P= 42
+/- = -3
PIM= 95
PPG= 9
SHG= 0
GWG= 2
S= 188
S%= 5.3
Burns
----------
GP= 82
G= 17
A= 43
PTS= 60
+- = -9
PIM= 65
PPG= 7
SHG= 0
GWG= 2
S= 245
S% = 6.9
There is a clear upswing in Hamilton's offensive stats but it comes at the expense of his defense. This was his first season with a negative +/-.
And I agree burns isn't a number 1 DMy question is, do you consider Burns a #1D? If not, why? I don't, and that's because of his defense. I think he's a high-end #2, almost entirely due to his elite offense.
My second question would be, how bad defensively does a 30 year old 6'6", elite-skating RHD who can put up 60 points in a season on a non-playoff team have to be to not be considered a #1D? I think you'd have to be pretty damn bad.
Hamilton was not good defensively last year. I'm not saying that he CANT be. He can be but currently Burns>>Hamilton.Burns scored 18 more points in 10 more games. If you pro-rate Hamilton's numbers, it gives him 48 points in 82 games.
My question is, do you consider Burns a #1D? If not, why? I don't, and that's because of his defense. I think he's a high-end #2, almost entirely due to his elite offense.
My second question would be, how bad defensively does a 22 year old 6'5", elite-skating RHD who can put up 48 points in a season on a non-playoff team have to be to not be considered a #1D? I think you'd have to be pretty damn bad. And Hamilton isn't.
Bruins fans have done a wonderful smear job on Hamilton's reputation to make themselves feel better about giving him away, just like they did Seguin... And look how Seguin turned out?
Burns scored 18 more points in 10 more games. If you pro-rate Hamilton's numbers, it gives him 48 points in 82 games.
Yes, but as I pointed out all but one goal from Hamilton came from the power play. So in regular, 5 on 5 play, he's not much of a scoring threat from the blue line. Hard to call any defenseman a #1 today without some offensive prowess.
My question is, do you consider Burns a #1D? If not, why?
I do, yes, but not a top #1 but more like a bottom #1 in this league. He's uncontested a top #1 defenseman for offensive capability, but I consider him a high top #2 on defense, thus averaging to a bottom #1. Burns never had a top goalie to back him up on the Sharks though.
don't, and that's because of his defense. I think he's a high-end #2, almost entirely due to his elite offense.
Our differences come down to where we average out Burns. You're high #2 and I'm low #1. I can respect that, but its not much of a difference, imo.
second question would be, how bad defensively does a 22 year old 6'5", elite-skating RHD who can put up 48 points in a season on a non-playoff team have to be to not be considered a #1D? I think you'd have to be pretty damn bad. And Hamilton isn't.
Hamilton has never put up 48 points in his short NHL career. He had 25 points in the previous season. Sure Hamilton has upside and which could be a better career overall than Burns, but he's not had an NHL career yet.
Simply stated, his stats don't support elite defensemen numbers but his offensive numbers fall way short compared to Burns. If Hamilton can put up better offensive numbers while 5 on 5, then I will say he's an elite #1, but not yet.
Bruins fans have done a wonderful smear job on Hamilton's reputation to make themselves feel better about giving him away, just like they did Seguin... And look how Seguin turned out?
Let them smear away and hopefully some of those good, developing players will make their way to the Sharks in the future. I'm guess you're right there with me on this one.
No one is worse than Burns
Hamilton is a #3-4? You have to be kidding me. He was by far the best Bruins defenseman last year. And there's no way Burns is better than him.
I really disagree with the bolded. It's close, and Hamilton is trending upwards fast, but I don't think it's crazy to assert that Burns is currently better.
I watch a lot of Bruins games and I agree with this, though I think Hamilton will end up being much much better in a year or two.