Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
You might argue that Hamilton is a more talented D-man and should be top 3 BUT the TOI numbers don't say that that was the case last year:
Brodie 25:16
Gio 24:48
Russell 22:52
Wideman 20:37
Hamilton 19:46
Hamilton had his minutes inflated after Russell and Wideman were out of the lineup:
In the 34 games after the all star game (Russell played 6 games and Wideman only 3)
Gio 25:16
Brodie 25:01
Hamilton 20:46
Engelland 19:29
Hartley trusted Wideman in defense situations and PK more than he did Hamilton .... when Wideman was obviously struggling.
Hamilton has to show a big improvement in play reading in the defensive zone for him to be successful as a top 4 d-man.
PS the only time that Hamilton was above Russell on the depth chart was when started the season paired with Gio and they blew through the confidence of all three goalies. Although at the time Wideman and Russell also looked like they had never played hockey at the NHL level before either.
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TOI isn't the only factor used to determine who your best 3 d-men are. Nor is it a good indicator. Different coaches will utilize players in different ways, and not necessarily in the correct manner.
Quote:
Originally Posted by puffnstuff
Hartley trusting Wideman defensively over Hamilton is probably a big contributing factor to his being let go.
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Exactly.