The Top 31 Defensemen in the National Hockey League - #21

[Sojourn]

Even if that's the case, Fowler usually allows a lot of chances in his own zone before that happens.

Ah yes. That argument. Because Fowler is the only player on the ice, right?

I have no issue with someone voting Slavin. I think his defensive game is good enough that an argument can be made. But suggesting that all those players are better in terms of mobility and transition? You're simply wrong. Fowler is one of the best players at breaking the puck out in the entire league.

 

[Machinehead]

Fowler is very good at zone exits but that doesn't necessarily imply what's happening in the zone before the exit

 

[Sojourn]

Fowler is very good at zone exits but that doesn't necessarily imply what's happening in the zone before the exit

That's why we watch and see what happens.

 

[Moon Knight]

That's why we watch and see what happens.

Fowler is just a slightly better version of Michael Del Zotto. He's nothing special.

I would take every defensemen left on this list over him except for maybe Spurgeon.

 

[Machinehead]

I'm sure. But at this spot, there's still several guys up there with better metrics who are just as good at the eye test.

 

[Sojourn]

Fowler is just a slightly better version of Michael Del Zotto. He's nothing special.

I would take every defensemen left on this list over him except for maybe Spurgeon.

You must be a Rangers fan.

 

[lakai17]

Klefbom

 

[VoluntaryDom]

the only remaining guys IMO with a case over Fowler are Slavin (my vote), Faulk, Hammer, Stralman, Rielly, Klefbom.

 

[Machinehead]

You must be a Rangers fan.

Actually there's a lot of people now who realize that having awful analytics is an issue.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

the only remaining guys IMO with a case over Fowler are Slavin (my vote), Faulk, Hammer, Stralman, Rielly, Klefbom.

And Klingberg. Klingberg is getting underrated here, he's not a top 5 Dman like a lot of FB people proclaimed back in 2015-2016, but man he's still a very low end #1D at worst.

 

[Sojourn]

Actually there's a lot of people now who realize that having awful analytics is an issue.

Only a Rangers fan would say Fowler is a slightly better version of MDZ. That alone told me everything I needed to know about that poster's opinion, which is to say he wouldn't know his head from his ass when it came to Fowler.

I'm not going to talk about analytics again. I still think they are hugely questionable when it comes to individual players, especially defensemen. Nothing I've seen recently changes that, including the fact that Fowler was just a 25-minute defenseman for one of the best teams in the NHL. One of the best defensive teams too.

Yes, even with his seemingly awful analytics, he was a huge part of that team's success.

 

[Machinehead]

Only a Rangers fan would say Fowler is a slightly better version of MDZ. That alone told me everything I needed to know about that poster's opinion, which is to say he wouldn't know his head from his ass when it came to Fowler.

I'm not going to talk about analytics again. I still think they are hugely questionable when it comes to individual players, especially defensemen. Nothing I've seen recently changes that, including the fact that Fowler was just a 25-minute defenseman for one of the best teams in the NHL. One of the best defensive teams too.

Yes, even with his seemingly awful analytics, he was a huge part of that team's success.

You don't have to talk about analytics again but there's no need to attack fanbases.

I've never seen that poster on our board and I know everyone over there.

 

[Hivemind]

Add Orlov.

 

[Hivemind]

Yes, even with his seemingly awful analytics, he was a huge part of that team's success.

If that's the evaluation method you're going after, why would you vote Fowler over Carlson or Niskanen? Greater level of team success and they were a huge part of it.


Also, Niskanen's lack of votes is alarming. Dude is a stud.

 

[Dr John Carlson]

Putting forth a motion to administrators to censor the name 'Fowler'. Just completely eliminate all discussion regarding him.

 

[Sojourn]

You don't have to talk about analytics again but there's no need to attack fanbases.

I've never seen that poster on our board and I know everyone over there.

I made an observation. It wasn't an attack.

 

[Alluckks]

I made an observation. It wasn't an attack.

No. You made an opinionated guess. You were also wrong. Nice.

 

[Sojourn]

No. You made an opinionated guess. You were also wrong. Nice.

Really?

I'm a Rangers fan and I agree. Skinner is better.

I still wouldn't trade Zucc for Skinner straight up just and I'm sure neither would Canes' fans.

That took all of 10 seconds.

 

[Machinehead]

Well let him know he should come visit us sometime

 

[crowi]

Well let him know he should come visit us sometime

Add McIlrath. He is better than Fowler according to you so why is he not on the list?

Voted for Slavin.

 

[VoluntaryDom]

Btw Machinehead add Girardi

My serious add vote is Jake Gardiner.

 

[Machinehead]

Add Orlov.

Btw Machinehead add Girardi

My serious add vote is Jake Gardiner.

Add McIlrath. He is better than Fowler according to you so why is he not on the list?

Voted for Slavin.

You know what? I'm counting that and it's your fault.

 

[BlueDream]

I'll say this, this list is WAYYYY better than NHL Network's. It at least makes sense.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Add Chara

 

[Devil Dancer]

Yeah, add Chara.