Quote:
Originally Posted by Love
No, Giordano is definitely too low. He consistently performs to the standard of a top 5 d in the league regardless of partner season in and season out and yet never really gets that kind of recognition. He's been as consistently good as anyone since the 2013 season, and is somehow the only reason why Hamilton is a good defenseman according to other teams fans around the league, yet he is never ranked as so. We probably have to go on a long playoff run for media to really take notice of how great he is since he isn't a younger sexier name like josi, letang or subban
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I disagree, albeit not that strongly. Gio had a couple top 5 seasons, but last season and the season before weren't "top 5" seasons. I think a ranking around 10-13 is probably more accurate for how he's been playing lately.
It's a similar situation to Brodie. Many (including me) were all talking about how he was one of the best defenceman in the league two years ago. Now? He's dropped off quite a bit. Can he bring it back up? Sure, but we'll eat and see. With Gio, he has to prove he's a top 5 guy night in and night out. Making his partner look better (Brodie, Hamilton) is amazing, but you've also got to so out there and be a clear step above everyone else.
The NHL is a "what have you done for me lately" league, and two top-5 seasons two years ago doesn't make him a top 5 player today.