Without quoting everyone...
Let's just start by saying that my ranking was MY OPINION on who I think are our best D-men, based on overall ability and intangibles. Thought it was clear. No idea why so many people jump on that list so badly
Anyone who doesn't think Methot is #2 needs to get their head checked....
Ok I'm calling Bryan Murray because his coach needs to get his head checked.
1 Erik Karlsson OTT D 14 6 4 10 +6 8 2 1 2 0 63 9.5
27:03 28.5 0.0
2 Sergei Gonchar OTT D 27 2 18 20 +6 14 1 0 2 0 53 3.8
24:40 29.9 0.0
3 Marc Methot OTT D 30 1 3 4 -4 20 0 0 0 0 31 3.2
22:39 28.2 0.0
4 Eric Gryba OTT D 16 0 3 3 -5 16 0 0 0 0 30 0.0
21:37 27.9 0.0
5 Chris Phillips OTT D 30 4 5 9 +5 33 1 0 0 0 51 7.8
21:01 28.0 0.0
6 Andre Benoit OTT D 25 1 7 8 +0 4 0 0 1 0 40 2.5
16:02 23.0 0.0
7 Patrick Wiercioch OTT D 26 4 10 14 +5 29 2 0 0 0 50 8.0
15:18 20.9 0.0
8 Mike Lundin OTT D 7 0 0 0 -1 0 0 0 0 0 10 0.0
14:43 19.4 0.0
9 Mark Borowiecki OTT D 6 0 0 0 +1 18 0 0 0 0 1 0.0
12:59 20.7 0.0
And who knows if everyone was healthy? Maybe Cowen would have more ice-time (or close) than Methot? Unlikely because Methot plays at ES with Karlsson but IMO, first PK pairing would have been Methot-Cowen. However, Cowen would have played PP too
PP units (to spread the strength) :
Cowen-Karlsson
Wiercioch-Gonchar
Methot is an excellent D-man but mainly in his zone. Cowen is still developing, this guy will be a monster.
Nothing wrong having Methot as our 4th best D-man, it just means our defense is awesome.
NOTE (before everyone jumps on it) : Regarding Gryba... He had an opportunity to play a lot this year because of injuries, hence why I don't consider him our #4 or #5. Basically, he's been asked to replace Cowen while Wiercioch is somewhat being asked to replace Karlsson (although with sheltered minutes).
Gonna really miss Methot on the PK but maybe Lundin will be able to help there.
Hopefully Lundin will be "unrusty" ala Latendresse despite missing time... Hard to do when you get a streak of injuries.
If Cowen can become Methot, I'd be satisfied.
Given his draft position though, I'd only really call it a success if he can develop a better offensive game than Methot - ie. a consistent 25+ point scorer.
Theing is Cowen is already better offensively and Cowen's defensive upside is unlimited (well exaggerating)
That being said, it's so funny to see everyone rank Methot as our undisputable #2... that's funny because of the comments regarding the Foligno trade. That's one heck of a turnover hehehe
And I still have no idea why people see Methot as the #2 and not Gonchar... Offense is as important defense and Gonchar plays both sides of the ice. Gonchar has been our MVP so far with Turris
Anderson would have the nod easily but we have a 3 goalies split.