Wiercioch or Cowen

[The Fuhr*]

It was 200 games before Pronger started being a good player. A few more than that for Chara. We have to AT LEAST give him another season before we even start to write Cowen off. Growing pains suck, but it's pretty common for young d to develop slowly.

Erik Johnson another big D written off who has came back showing everyone that franchise ability

 

[OgieO]

Erik Johnson another big D written off who has came back showing everyone that franchise ability

Yes, and Hedman.

 

[nater97]

I'd keep both. Cowen above Weir in a pinch, but ideally both.

This year they were victims of playing too high on the depth chart before they were ready. We had them together as a second pairing, and they clearly were not/are not at that stage yet. However, in 2 years, I have every expectation they will get there.

This organization has great potential on D. Karlsson is a perrenial norris candidate at 23, and we have 3 other potential top 4 dmen (Cowen, Weir, and Ceci) who are younger than him. Plus there's other young guys in Bingo who can fight for the bottom spots.

While our defense is inexperienced now, imagine in 2 years having a defense of:

Methot (age 30) - Karlsson (25)
Cowen (25) - Ceci (22)
Claesson (23) - Weir (25)
+Gryba (28) and Boro (26) unless we trade them for upgrades


The future is bright for the Senators blueline.