Quote:
Originally Posted by PugnaciousIntern
I'm ecstatic to add a D like Hamilton, but we can't let expectations run away on us. We were already treated to one of the stronger defensive corps in the league last year, in particular one of the best top pairings.
So when people say that Hamilton is a "top pairing guy" or a "#1 D" or even "franchise potential", we've got to remember that most top pairings in the league are significantly worse than ours. He should be a great addition, but we can't expect him to be another Gio. Only the Oilers have Giordanos growing on trees.
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I haven't seen anyone suggest Hamilton is another Giordano.
However, it isn't just "adding Dougie Hamilton". The issue is: how does it impact the roster?
Last year, the 3rd pairing was Smid/Engelland. They weren't very good.
That forced Russell/Wideman to take more defensive responsibility. And it forced Giordano/Brodie to play north of 25 minutes per night.
By adding Hamilton, you get a 2nd pairing of ????/Hamilton which, regardless of who it is, will be better than Smid/Engelland.
Its not just that you improve THAT pairing, but it also means you can take some of the defensive responsibilities away from RusselWideman and utilize them in ways they are more suited for. That makes THEM better.
It also means you can reduce Girdano/Brodie's ice-time by 2 or 3 minutes, which will pay huge dividends for them as the season wears on.
Sometimes adding one guy can impact everyone.
And I think in this case it
does, because last year there was such a disparity between the top 2 pairings and the 3rd pairing.