Quote:
Originally Posted by Bingo
I'm with Enoch ... I don't think you move Stone yet.
a) I've never been as down on him as others, he's a pretty good containment defenseman. He has little transition, but he keeps guys wide and seals them well. Some numbers ... Stone's high danger chances against per 60 minutes last year was 3rd on the team behind Giordano and Hamilton, and ahead of Brodie, Hamonic and Kulak. He just doesn't get in much trouble.
b) Stone has had the ability to move up the roster and play top four minutes for short to medium terms. That's hugely valueable on a hockey team if one of Brodie or Hamonic get hurt. This might be alleviated if Andersson can do the same thing.
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What may be interesting to some fans as we don't tend to follow CBJ very closely is that before Prout's injury troubles he was actually relied on quite a bit by CBJ.
In 2015-2016 Prout averaged 16:10 over 64 games
In 2014-2015 Prout averaged 18:25 over 63 games
In 2013-2014 Prout averaged 17:12 over 49 games
Now Stone averaged more over the same timeframe although arguably on a weaker team
In 2015-2016 Stone averaged 22:58 in 75 games
In 2014-2015 Stone averaged 20:52 in 81 games
In 2013-2014 Stone averaged 18:12 over 70 games
So yeah I think your point holds that Stone can play top 4 minutes. As you say though perhaps a guy like Andersson can step up and do that instead of Stone.
Stone can be a great 5/6 guy as he can play top 4 as you note.
Prout may be ideal as a 6/7.
Problem is that they play exactly the same role. Right shot physical defensive defenseman. And Hamonic plays that role at a higher level as well. And then you have Andersson pushing as a puck moving right shot and PP dman. Suddenly we're swimming in good right shot dmen options even after dealing Hamilton.
Gonna be interesting to see how it all shakes out. I really don't like Andersson or Stone playing their off side though. Bill Peters has talked about guys playing their off side needing to be excellent skaters and neither of them are. So I think that gives Kulak a bit of an edge in keeping his spot on the team.
IMO it's Kulak vs Kylington vs Valimaki. And I think Valimaki needs some AHL seasoning.
And then it's Stone vs Prout vs Andersson. And they all look good to me.
Something's gotta give or you just go with Kulak, Stone and Prout for now until injuries hit and then Andersson/Kylington/Valimaki get the recall.