I'm implying there wasn't the big gap that people imagined, both big, physical defensemen who struggled handling the puck and had limited offensive skills.
If Morin could have played RHD there's a good chance he beats out Hagg.
And if Morin stayed healthy, he would have had at least ten games to show he belonged over Hagg.
Hagg wasn't ranked above Sanheim or Myers, different roles.
Sanheim was his own worst enemy and still is, focus, boy, focus.
Myers wasn't ready for the NHL in October, there's more to playing in the NHL than pure talent.
Hextall/Hakstoll would love for Sanheim/Myers to establish themselves as a reliable defensive pair that can move it up ice and make plays, like hopefully Provorov and Ghost are becoming. What GM wouldn't want four skilled, mobile defensemen? But you want guys who don't mind fart on a regular basis.
Hagg and Morin are generic 3rd pair defensemen, if they develop they can be paired with a mobile defenseman and anchor the PK.
But unless either of them makes great strides as a skater (not just straight line Sam, backwards and sideways) and puck handler, that's their upside.
Teams still need a couple big defensemen who can bring the wood, but these guys often take years to develop because they're not fluid players.
