Quote:
Originally Posted by Vinny01
Really hard to call a 21/22 year old Dman 3rd pair at best considering that position takes longer to develop
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Quoted as I agree, and I see Gudbranson as a guy who has the upside to be part of a solid top 4, a 2-3 guy. Not the #1 guy back there, but topping out either complimentary on the top pairing or leading the second pairing.
Defenceman, especially those who are a bit bigger, need time to adapt their game to the NHL and fully mature. Also, playing on a bad team can make the job of a defenceman trying to learn the trade more difficult. I think it is easier for the smaller, puckmoving defencemen to blossom earlier, as they have never been able to rely on their size to win battles on the ice.