Bouwmeester was basically a franchise D in Florida. I argue that when he came here and played under Sutter, it was in a system that wasn't conducive to many of his strengths. I came to detest Bouwmeester, and wanted him gone.
When Hartley took over, it was like getting a completely different Bouwmeester. If Hanifin turns into that, I will thank the hockey Gods by making many sacrifices. That Bouwmeester was a complete stud.
Hanifin right now is a legitimate 2nd pairing defencemen who is reliable and who is getting better. I didn't think Hanifin was very trustworthy in his own zone, but he has dramatically improved and has become a very reliable defencemen. I do want him to start taking a few more risks with the puck and start generating offence, but even if he completely stagnates and 'this is what he is', I am still happy with him. If he lands anywhere on the spectrum between Bouwmeester and Hedman, we should all be praying at the altar at the hockey God of Luck, or the Hockey God of development.
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