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How is Semin an upgrade on Hudler defensively?
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He was always a pretty strong defensive player other than taking bad penalties. And if you look at him, for the last four seasons his penalties are significantly lower than earlier in his career.
Of course, he has this mythical rep that he doesn't backcheck, but I'd take Semin's defense many times over guys who actually don't backcheck, like Kessel or Yakupov.
Hudler's a bit of a liability in the defensive zone IMO. Semin's never been a liability in that same sense, but because he half-asses it so much you never seem to get what he's "truly" capable of. And I wouldn't expect to get it here, either, but even the Semin of two years ago would be fine. It's just two years here. Again, like I said, #5OA is why you do it.
The nice thing about Semin, is that, especially on a line with Backlund and Bennett, is that he wouldn't actually have to defend as often, because he's such a strong possession guy. But even though, you look back historically at the guy's career, statistically he's been a measurably stronger defender than other guys on his own line. Can he establish the discipline needed to play for Hartley? I don't know.
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Originally Posted by JiriHrdina
But even if the Flames owners are willing to swallow that amount, I can't see the Canes moving the fifth overall pick in this draft to rid themselves of a contract. Their fans would revolt.
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They have fans? Their attendance was worse than Arizona's.