Quote:
Originally Posted by Resolute 14
I hate to steal your thunder and bring stats first but...
http://www.pensionplanpuppets.com/20...vs-roman-polak
The general conclusion from PPP can be described thus:
Or, perhaps this:
Now, Gunnarson's hip is a concern - and PPP notes this - but the fact remains that the Maple Leafs traded one of their top pair defencemen from last year for a guy the team itself figured topped out as a 4-5. St. Louis acquired Gunnarson for depth. |
But what does what they played in terms of depth matter? Polak played behind the best top 3 in the entire NHL.
Polak is bigger, strong, healthier and better defensively.
Polak 4 on 5 Defensmen with 1:30+ PKmins/g (NHL Rank)
GAon/60: 4.43 (14th)
Corsi On: -64.94 (6th)
Off Zone Finish: 50.0% (5th)
Gunnarsson's hip is a much bigger issue than is mentioned. that article is from June 30th. He's still not healthy.