Quote:
Originally Posted by bigrangy
Anyone that thinks Gio isn’t still the team’s best all around defenseman (and by a mile) is way too caught up in the old and expensive = bad mindset that plagues so many hockey fans these days. The guy’s a year removed from being unanimously voted the best defenseman in the league and even with a bad year last year still led the team in d scoring and led the team in every relevant fancy stat.
Andersson is a decent guy, but he’ll be at or just slightly above expectations if he can ever even contribute at the same level that Gio just did in a down year.
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This stance is no less stupid than the idea that Gio is completely over the hill.
The reality is we did see Gio regress last season, and it has all the hallmarks of real age regression. His upper body injuries have compounded to completely rob him of his heavy shot, and he is losing speed and quick turning ability. His useful playing life can be extended by not trying to over play him, not really by sheltering him but by helpfully limiting his minutes so he can choose his spots better.
Not recognizing that age affects all players by being blinded by past success is a sure way to make a heinous mistake asset management wise.