I like our resident Canucks “trolls”
But it seems this year, they have all turned into experts on young defenseman. Funny how that happens when your franchise best defenseman goes from Jyrki Lumme to Quinn Hughes.
There is a bit of recency bias here with development of young defensemen. Because Heiskenan, Makar and Hughes have stepped in and dominated, its formed the opinion that if you don’t, then you are what you are.
The majority of young defensemen need time to fully develop. Even Niedrrmayer and Pronger (Chris not Sean for our Canuck friends) struggled a bit in their first 5 seasons.
And let’s not think that just because young defensemen expode onto the scene and dominate quickly does not mean their development can’t reverse.
After his first 3 seasons in the NHL, Phaneuf looked like he was going to be a Hall if Famer, we know how that turned out.
I don’t think the Flames should trade Hanifin yet unless it’s an offer you can’t refuse. He’s had a few games over the past two seasons where he has dominated so the potential is there.