Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
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.
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This is a really good analysis, I like your take on it. The Hamilton impact is going to be really big because it gives Hartley much flexibility on D to even out the pairings, and the ice time.
Last year may have been a blessing in disguise though when Gio went down. Engo (and the rest of us) saw that he has the ability to step up. I hope he's hungry to prove himself and doesn't just settle for being the #6 guy (although he will be).
I envision our D-corps to consist of a clear cut top pairing which will likely be Gio/Brodie. The next two pairings being equal enough in offense and defensive responsibility that there is no clear cut 2nd pair 3rd pair.
I'd be ecstatic if Schlemko was OK with signing on as a #7. I don't see a future for Smiddy here, although I like him as a player and locker room guy. Always seems to have a positive attitude.