eco's bones
Registered User
I’ve never said that Tony doesn’t need to improve defensively and I’ve even said in this thread that his defense is meh. He’s elite offensively, but will probably never be the same in his own end. If he can even be slightly above average, he’d be a top-end defender.
Staal grades out as a replacement level defender and the eye test confirms this. Just as you claim that people don’t want to properly criticize DeAngelo, I think you’re the same with Staal.
Staal is a declining player and his cap hit is among the worst in the league. He is still fairly capable in his half of the ice and almost useless in the other half. He should be bottom pairing defensive situations only. He's also a Red Wing and their problem now but a very good teammate and probably someone who can help their younger D to grow into good pros. The Red Wings IMO could use someone like that and I don't think Yzerman is an idiot. He knows what he's getting and he knows how to build a team. The 2nd round pick certainly helps though too.
I like Marc Staal like I like Dan Girardi. They were both heart and soul players who eventually declined like all players eventually will decline. The two major injuries that Staal went through were horrific--especially the second one. That he came back from that one is a real testament to his perseverance.