The emergence of Devon Toews?

[Critical13]

On HF your either garbage or a hall of famer. Also absolutely no kudos for anybody or your “over rating” them.

I keep seeing people saying "it's too soon to talk about that" or "sample size is too small", it's like should we all just not talk about hockey for 3 months?

I know the sample size is small on, let's say, the Habs but I'd still like to talk about how good they've looked. Doesn't mean I am calling them inevitable cup champs (please God no lol).

 

[Jumptheshark]

Not sure anyone who paid attention would think he would need to emerge. He was one of the Islanders best D’s last year.

yep---was going to post that statement

There is a reason why the Avs gave up 2nd for him

 

[tucker3434]

He was definitely a great out-of-the-blue pickup for us. I wanted them to be proactive about improving the defense, but so many times that meant picking up a guy like Cole out of UFA. It’s refreshing to go get someone like Toews who isn’t just a guy that is living off of reputation. He plugs into a top 4 and looks right at home. Once Byram and EJ are up to speed, it’ll be interesting to see how the pairings end up, but you can put Toews about anywhere and he’ll be fine.

 

[Azrael89]

I keep seeing people saying "it's too soon to talk about that" or "sample size is too small", it's like should we all just not talk about hockey for 3 months?

I know the sample size is small on, let's say, the Habs but I'd still like to talk about how good they've looked. Doesn't mean I am calling them inevitable cup champs (please God no lol).

I’m with you. For a site meant for discussion a large portion of the boards like to kill any debate or nuance to any given topic.
On the topic of Toews, I knew he would be the stable defensive partner the Avs young guns need as support. I was thrilled with that trade as an Avs fan.

 

[Ceremony]

finally caught up and passed his twin jonathan

Jonathan is actually his dad

 

[GrandmaSlices51631]

I actually think the Av's system gives Toews the opportunity to showcase his skill more so than the Isles system. Naturally, a player with Toews instincts and style will be a better fit with the attack the Av's employ

 

[robertocarlos]

You could see it easily last year on the Isles.

 

[13th Floor]

I actually think the Av's system gives Toews the opportunity to showcase his skill more so than the Isles system. Naturally, a player with Toews instincts and style will be a better fit with the attack the Av's employ

This. We Isles fans will keep mentioning this. He was such a great addition to the Isles, but he fits the Avs like a glove and will do very well there. Excited for them.

I don't think I would call him a top pairing defenseman because I think he will vary how he looks based on the system, which to me isn't a number one dman. If you dropped him on just any team, his impact will vary. But this guy is a totally rock solid asset who has a bright future.

 

[Sidney the Kidney]

Sakic: "We got the better Toews"

 

[Crossfire Hurricane]

Jared Bednar deserves some credit. Part of Sakic looking like a genius is having the players he acquires being put in a position to succeed.

 

[BlueOil]

good defenseman tend to play well on good teams. avs are better than the isles so i expect toews will have a good season. i guess most of the west won't know who he is right away, but i believe he's already emerged...

 

[Islay1989]

Jared Bednar deserves some credit. Part of Sakic looking like a genius is having the players he acquires being put in a position to succeed.

No doubt. But credit to Sakic for sticking with Jared. Most would fire him halfway through that first season.

 

[Intangir]

Not sure anyone who paid attention would think he would need to emerge. He was one of the Islanders best D’s last year.

Agreed. He was the #1 target for me as far as defensemen I wanted us (Montreal, if my avatar wasn't obvious enough) to realistically acquire.

Instead we got Edmunson. And hey, he fits with team mentality and coaching scheme, so his signing doesn't hurt us, nor dis we have to pony up two second-round picks in a potential trade with NYI.

But Toews as a two-way guy with PMD ability would have been better.

As far as Toews' coming-out party, once can argue that it was two years ago, a season he split in-between the AHL and NHL. He not only posted 19 points in 24 games for Bridgeport, playing amazing hockey, but he also was pretty freaking solid with the Isles in the 48 games he played there in 2018-2019.

Many people who actually watch NYI games knew Toews was gonna be pretty good in the NHL then. Before that it was kinda up in the air, so I'd say his breakout came in '18-'19 and then he just continued to improve and got progressively more ice-time to showcase his talent to the world.

With the more offensively-focused Avalanche, Toews' playmaking ability from the backend and his sweet hockey IQ are simply more apparent than they were with the ultra-defensive Islanders is all, hence why people notice him more.

 

[PAZ]

Sakic has done an incredible job of identifying players that fit the Avs system and mold. I'm not completely sold on Toews being a traditional top pairing defenseman, but he will play that role on the Avs and look good doing it.

 

[ScaredStreit]

Not one Islander fan is surprised by this. He was a victim of cap hell...great player and I wish him well.

 

[AD1066]

I'm not familiar with the Isles' cap situation, but he was always noticeable in the games I watched, and it was obvious before the ink was dry that this was a great move for a team as talented as Colorado.

 

[GirardSpinorama]

Surprised at how well he fit next to makar so far and also playing PK.

 

[jetsforever]

It's the "Conservation of Toews" Law - as one wanes, the other strengthens.

 

[Strait2thecup]

It's crazy though you know, if Isles didnt spend so much on Komarov, Martin, and others they definitely could've hung onto him. It's a solid loss for them but they have some good defensemen in system already so maybe they'll be alright.

Just sucks to lose a talent like that to overpaid grinders.

if only dubas was our GM

Not surprised toews is thriving. Only issue with his game was some poorly timed pinches. Great skater that knows how to get pucks on net

 

[AvsFan29]

if only dubas was our GM

Not surprised toews is thriving. Only issue with his game was some poorly timed pinches. Great skater that knows how to get pucks on net

He’s got Cale Makar covering his pinches

 

[Chardo]

yep---was going to post that statement

There is a reason why the Avs gave up 2nd for him

Two 2nd's. And signed him for $16 million.

 

[Chardo]

if only dubas was our GM

Not surprised toews is thriving. Only issue with his game was some poorly timed pinches. Great skater that knows how to get pucks on net

And a maddening tendency to flip the puck over the glass for a penalty.

 

[Chardo]

He is playing as well as should be expected by anyone who knew him. He's a good young player, acquired at considerable and appropriate cost.

 

[SI90]

No body wanted to take our word lol. He’s got a lot of talent. Excellent skater as well. Was inconstant a bit but he’s really good when he’s going.

 

[Zeeker]

No body wanted to take our word lol. He’s got a lot of talent. Excellent skater as well. Was inconstant a bit but he’s really good when he’s going.

The Islanders don’t have any talented players. The entire team is clearly a product of Trotz.

I guess you could say... Devon Toews has finally been unleashed and it’s quite something.