Would elite defensive centers make good Dman?

[DatSnipeMatthews]

Do you think perennial Selke-level nominees, who could also skate backward, be molded into decent Dmen?

So guys like Bergeron, Kesler, Datsyuk?

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[Ducks in a row]

Things are very different between a center and a defenseman. Unless someone plays as a defenseman you have no idea how good or bad they will be.

 

[Frank Drebin]

I just read that Matthews is better defensively than Karlsson, so yeah obviously.

 

[Bjornar Moxnes]

Things are very different between a center and a defenseman. Unless someone plays as a defenseman you have no idea how good or bad they will be.

I mean generally speaking, but some centers are so good defensively they can be used as defenseman, not Kesler though. I find him overrated defensively. The only merit he has defensively is he takes tough competition and is trusted defensively, but Bergeron, Datsyuk, Toews, Kopitar etc are tasked with similar tough competition and defensive zone starts and produce far better results.

 

[ijuka]

The tools they require are much different. So the answer is no. Just like Erik Karlsson won't make a good winger.

 

[sansabri]

Most likely, yes. Sergei Federov has done it. Them being top dmen would be another issue, though.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I don't see why they couldn't be good defensemen. Whether they would be elite in that role too really remains to be seen

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

I just read that Matthews is better defensively than Karlsson, so yeah obviously.

don't you think players like Bergeron are better defensively than someone like Burns?

 

[Machinehead]

Bergeron might because he's just hockey personified, but it's a completely different position.

 

[Laineux]

I doubt they have a very good grasp of how the position is even supposed to be played...

 

[Frank Drebin]

don't you think players like Bergeron are better defensively than someone like Burns?

He's a better defensive centre than burns is a defensive dman.

But to think he could just pick up and play? No.

 

[CantLoseWithMatthews]

He's a better defensive centre than burns is a defensive dman.

But to think he could just pick up and play? No.

i don't think this is whether or not they could pick it up immediately, since he said "molded" in the OP. I think with good direction and practice in the offseason Bergeron could come out and play very respectably as a defenseman next year. His mind for the defensive side of the game is incredible

 

[TheAngryHank]

Most likely, yes. Sergei Federov has done it. Them being top dmen would be another issue, though.

Fedorov was probably the best skater the NHL has ever seen.He was pretty unique and difficult to compair his skills to other forwards.

 

[Frank Drebin]

i don't think this is whether or not they could pick it up immediately, since he said "molded" in the OP. I think with good direction and practice in the offseason Bergeron could come out and play very respectably as a defenseman next year. His mind for the defensive side of the game is incredible

I guess...

It would probably take 5-7 years to learn the position though

 

[snipes]

Bergeron, Kopitar, Getzlaf, Toews

 

[Bruinaura]

i don't think this is whether or not they could pick it up immediately, since he said "molded" in the OP. I think with good direction and practice in the offseason Bergeron could come out and play very respectably as a defenseman next year. His mind for the defensive side of the game is incredible

With all the injuries the Bruins have this year, it may happen this season.

 

[Raccoon Jesus]

Kopitar can't backwards skate for shit, looks like bambi. no thanks.

 

[hirawl]

Good dmen? As in NHL level good? Absolutely not. Some of them might survive a period or even a game but in general they'd be abysmal. Don't kid yourself.

 

[MR4]

Brian Boyle can play good bottom pair minutes

 

[Slap]

As a kid I played tons of defense due to being the only LHS on the team. I was a center most of the time and liked it better but the coach would always put me on D in PP and if there was a D missing.
I could see guys like Barkov and Couturier being excellent defensemen. Basically anyone with solid positioning and hockey sense can spot as a D.

 

[LeafFever]

Matthews, Barkov, Bergeron.

 

[Pukboy5kroner]

I don’t think Barkov would be a good d-man.

 

[b in vancouver]

Bergeron might because he's just hockey personified, but it's a completely different position.

That's a good way to describe him.
A lot of these guys wouldn't have that much trouble transitioning.
Then there's the centres that have played a lot of years on the point on the power play. David Krejci for one actually looks really comfortable when he's defending against a short-handed chance.

Personally I think it's more difficult for wingers to play d and vice versa than centres.

 

[Slap]

I don’t think Barkov would be a good d-man.

Why? Elite positioning, strong as a bull, filthy hands and elite IQ. He'd be great in every position.

 

[skillhockey]

If they're great skating backwards, maybe. Most of them aren't.