[GreenLantern2814]

If you were to rank our top 3 D, how would it look?

Gio - For about three or four years now, whoever plays with Gio is a part of one of the most statistically dominant pairings in the game. He's the top dog, and to borrow a phrase from HF, "AINEC".

Brodie - Through 10 games this season, Brodie has played 25+ minutes in seven of them. Mark Giordano has done it three times, Dougie hasn't played more than 22, and Hamonic hasn't played more than 23. Brodie can play against anyone in any situation, and he doesn't need a Gio to carry him. Gulutzan could not deploy Hamilton the way he does Brodie if he ever decided to split up the top pair - ergo, Brodie > Hamilton.

Dougie - Getting better every day, but he's not as good as Giordano and Brodie. He also bobbles the puck a lot (to my eyes) - someone tell me if I'm imagining that.

Hamonic - fits really well on the 2nd pair. I have no complaints with what he's brought so far.

This is a long way of saying I wouldn't trade TJ Brodie + Bennett for a small winger who we'll need to pay Johnny money in 18 months, and a Russian defenseman with seven years left.