I might be way off base but I see Gio - Andersson defending a lot because they don't win races to retrieve pucks. Opponents get possession, they defend and get tired, they don't make great passes when fatigued.
The best one on one defenders:
1. Tanev : gaps up great even on fastest guys in league.
2. Hanifin : is way better with gaps because of Tanev but hope Noah confident
3. Gio
4. Andersson
Balance it out:
Gio - Tanev : they already kill together so familiarity and chemistry
Hanifin - Andersson: played well together last year
Hanifin had issues when playing with Hamonic of backing in too much. If his partner retreats so did he so this hinges on increased confidence of Hanifin.
I think this gets better play as d corps. Speed, retrievals, transition.
I think this also makes Andersson better on PP because his confidence goes up as he's feeling better with his play 5v5.
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