Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
That would kind of indicate that there will be no more defense first d-men in the top-4 ever. Haljmarson is the last of the top-4 20pts d-men?
Actually in the last season there were 23 d-men with more than 60 games more than 20 minutes a game who had 20 or less points.
No room for one of these guys on the Flames? Or only Hickey?
Is Hickey that far ahead of him playing in the NCCA? They were were similar in similar roles at the WJC. What moves Hickey into to-4 prospect and keeps Mattsson out?
How do you identify the top end of someone like Mattsson? His is playing in the SHL (against men) 22 games 4 pts +3 and does not seem to be overmatched. He has been added to all the age appropriate national teams.
|
I don't rate prospects based on project-able space for them on the Flames. Couldn't care less. They are assets that can be moved, or assets to replace older assets that can be moved.
I wouldn't say that you have to be a point producer to be in the top 4, but I do think you have to be able to move the puck quickly (see the ice) and be able to skate your way past the first guy.
The big lumbering stay at home defensemen are the guys that are out of the top 4.
I don't know if OM is lumbering, but I certainly don't see him as a puck transitioner though some in camp said he's better at that than I thought.