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1qqaaz · 07-12-2021, 09:44 AM

If Gio is claimed, I think it would be borderline crazy to prioritize a 2nd line RW over an offensive defenseman.

Other than Gio, the highest point total that any defenseman has had is 33 points (Noah Hanafin in 2018). None of the other defensemen were on pace for more than 32 points last year (Andersson was on pace for 31). Now sure, you can argue that the D-core would be young. But hoping for an elite PP specialist defenseman would be a huge gamble.

Without an quarterback on the PP, I think the team could really struggle to score without an offensive defenseman.

Guys like Lindholm, Tkachuk, Mangiapane, and others, can play RW decently well.
The need there just isn't even comparable to the potential need for offense on the back end. And even if Gio isn't claimed, that need will still be there, because you can only rely on him for so long.

07-12-2021, 09:44 AM	#50
1qqaaz Franchise Player Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Indiana Exp:	If Gio is claimed, I think it would be borderline crazy to prioritize a 2nd line RW over an offensive defenseman. Other than Gio, the highest point total that any defenseman has had is 33 points (Noah Hanafin in 2018). None of the other defensemen were on pace for more than 32 points last year (Andersson was on pace for 31). Now sure, you can argue that the D-core would be young. But hoping for an elite PP specialist defenseman would be a huge gamble. Without an quarterback on the PP, I think the team could really struggle to score without an offensive defenseman. Guys like Lindholm, Tkachuk, Mangiapane, and others, can play RW decently well. The need there just isn't even comparable to the potential need for offense on the back end. And even if Gio isn't claimed, that need will still be there, because you can only rely on him for so long. Last edited by 1qqaaz; 07-12-2021 at 09:50 AM.