The whole defense needs an overhaul
I can only really agree with this part. What you say about the guys individually isn't really true, but as a defensive whole they don't fit well at all. I've thought something needed to be done even at the start of last year. The thing I've continued to harp on is that we simply have a defense
FULL of offensive defensemen. I believe the reason for this is the "myth" that started (that's now been practically proven wrong) from a couple/few years ago that our forward core was so "weak". The plan I'm assuming was to attempt to get a lot of offensive help from the backend while getting strong defensive play from the forwards and the overall defensive system the team would use. The injuries have just highlighted the problems this team has. Dubi's
TRUE worth is beginning to show. Leaving his recent ineffectiveness on offense out, I think the truth about Johansen's defensive game is really starting to show. Dubi
IS on a completely different level when it comes down to shutting other teams down defensively. The AA and Letestu injuries are also big factors in this as well. Our "other" centers just aren't able to come close to the impact these 3 guys make in our defensive zone. Mackenzie would help that, but
NOT if he had to play "2nd line" minutes.
Not sold on Erixon. Never been. Again, its not that he's a bad player. I just don't see him as a good fit with the group of defensemen we have. Our best defensive defensemen are Tyutin and Savard. Both guys are 2 way defensively solid 2nd pairing guys that can fill up on a top pairing very easily. Also
BOTH guys IMO are 2 of our 4 best PP options. While both have been "forced" to change their games a bit they are still offensive defensemen. They would excel if they each had a more defensively responsible partner. Unfortunately their partners can only be Erixon, Wiz and Johnson whose defensive games are average at best. Or Murray, who like Tyutin and Savard
CAN play the game both ways. But he also is an offensive defensemen that would excel with a defensive partner. That leaves us with another guy I've been recently disappointed with in Prout. He's our only true defensive guy back there. And unfortunately for us, he(not Savard at all) is probably the worst(vets Wiz n JJ close behind) when it comes to terrible missed assignments and just overall "what the ****" moments in our own zone.
So a trade I believe is needed. When looking at who should be here in the future(Savard, Murray). Who would be counterproductive in trading. (Tyutin) Whose value is probably too low to bring worthwhile help.(Prout) That leaves us with Erixon, Wiz and Johnson. Erixon alone isn't gonna bring much help, unless maybe a swap for a lower pairing defensive guy.
So now we're left with out 2 highest paid d men with clauses as our 2 defensemen that should be looked to move. Or should I just say Johnson? Don't think that 50 point season is gonna happen from the back end this year boys. Unless we get somebody good paired up with Savard.
