Quote:
Originally Posted by sureLoss
Duchene for me. Offensive catalyst, dynamic player, highlight reel most nights.
Hedman while solid doesn't seem to have gamebreaker quality that Duchene has. Hedman's TOI/G is relatively low for an elite dman when compared to others around the league and especially when you consider Tampa's d core looks pretty average on paper.
Imagine a line of Duchene- Stamkos-St.Louis that Tampa could have had.
Again its still early for Hedman, but Duchene has done more for the Avs in his first 4 years than Hedman has done for the Lightning.
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There are only 3 teams (Boston, St. Louis & Los Angeles) who have surrendered fewer goals this season than Tampa. On 'paper' their D may
look average but they are in elite company in the league. I suspect Hedman might have something to do with that, because at 23 years old he is head-and-shoulders their best defenceman & he's having his best season to date. Hedman has already nearly doubled his season-best tally for goals & he's 4 points off his season-best points total with more than half the season to go. Scary considering he's still a few years from his prime. He's the kind of player that doesn't make the highlight reel but wins you games.
I personally think you're undervaluing the impact of a rock-solid #1 D-man in favour of the flashier & more exciting forward prospects. It ain't a crime, but don't forget that defence wins championships. :cliche:
Having a Hedman-esque stud D prospect in our stable would be just as valuable as having a Duchesne-level offensive dynamo. I'm in the camp that hopes we snag Ekblad this year & McTank for McDavid next season.