Basu- Godin.
They discussed that Barron was recalled over Reinbacher and Mailloux because Barron would hurt Laval the least.
Or maybe management felt that Barron was further along the development path than Mailloux and Reinbacher and didn't want to destroy their confidence and market value if they got exposed at the NHL level.
Barron in the two games against Toronto and the Rangers showed, that after Matheson, he's clearly our most mobile defencemen. He has the ability to transport the puck out of our defensive zone, through the neutral zone and gain possession in the offensive zone. Barron and Matheson are our only two defenceman who have the skating ability to beat defenders wide and circle behind the opposing net creating a breakdown of opposing teams defensive systems that leads to scoring chances like the excellent goal that Matheson set up Caufield for against the Leafs. Barron against the Rangers made several forays in the offensive zone including two where he circled the net creating chaos that led to scoring chances.
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I'm not as high on our defensive prospects as many here are.
Despite being one of Mailloux’s biggest boosters since he was surprisingly drafted by Bergevin, his skating has not progressed as I had hoped for. Mailloux, who’s offensive vision is unquestioned, has failed to display his ability to consistently transport the puck with control from our zone into the offensive zone. He may never have that ability.
Reinbacher, while projecting as a solid top four NHL defenceman, in my opinion lacks the dynamic skill set that will make him a difference maker. I think drafting him over Leonard will be a decision that plagues us over the coming years.
I remain unconvinced whether Hutson, who is clearly our most offensively gifted defensive prospect, has the skating ability to over come his size limitations that will allow him to have the same success at the NHL level that he has enjoyed in college.
Two of our brightest defensive prospects, Guhle and Xhekaj have proven to be injury prone. I am particularly worried about Xhekaj. Should his shoulder injury becomes a chronic one that regrettable outcome will certainly markedly limit his level of contribution going forward.
Struble has started to evidence some of the worrisome traits he displayed when he played for Laval earlier this year: improvident pinching and getting beaten wide . But he’s young and has time to improve. Harris has played surprisingly well this year showing mobility and a high compete level. But he is a smallish defender who, when playing against heavier teams, can be out muscled along the boards and, more importantly, in front of our net.
Kovacevic is a journeyman and Savard is 33. Is there any question as to why MSL needs Matheson to play 25+ minutes each game?
I have repeatedly posted that one of the reasons our talent starved team is competitive in most games is the overall level of the mobility of our defence. But there is a huge gap between competing and winning. Maybe that gap can be closed internally as our young defencemen improve with age. Maybe Mailloux and Hutson will be able to replicate their successes in the NHL. Maybe Reinbacher, despite my doubts, becomes the player they projected him to be when they drafted him 5 OA. Maybe Guhle and Xhejaj will manage to stay healthy.
But maybe not.
For those uncertainties, if a stud defenceman falls to us at the upcoming draft, I’m taking him regardless of our needs at the forward position.
