Quote:
Originally Posted by Enoch Root
One of the most baffling things to me is how fans think guys like Hanifin 'are what they are' at 24, simply because they were good enough at a young age to play in the NHL, but guys like Mackey at 24, are perceived to have nothing but upside.
It is one of the most bizarre fan quirks there is.
Giordano became a full time NHLer as a 25 year old. Brodie hit his stride as a 24 year old. Andersson continues to improve every year (he is 24).
But Hanifin is what he is. Okay then.
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Well Hanafin just had his least productive season since 2015-2016.
His point totals haven't really changed since 2017.
With no offensive profession over the past 3 years, it's fair to think Hanafin has hit a ceiling there.
But if you actually watch the team, you'll know that Hanafin doesn't get much powerplay time. So 30 points is actually pretty decent production for how he has been used.
I wouldn't be surprised to see him break the 40 point plateau at some point. But then again, I don't think there's a single defenseman in the NHL who was a first round pick and had their first 40+ point season after the age of 24. Trouba and McDonough were a tad younger.