Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
I think it's a bit crazy that Erik Gudbranson has "solidifed a spot".
On paper, Gudbranson should be our #7D. He's been better, but that's moreso a knock on Zadorov and Valimaki not playing to their potential.
Getting to that point by mid-season should be the goal.
It requires Zadorov and Valimaki to play better and steal that role from him.
But it requires flexibility and meritocracy in the roster.
I want Gudbranson to be strong depth, not our #5 defenseman.
That should 100% be Valimaki, because he is the guy closest to the skillset of a top four defenseman.
It's on him to to steal Gudbranson's spot as #5 by really playing like this:
That anticipation, timing, and recognition... it's gamechanging.
It shouldn't be a matter of "who plays with Gudbranson"
It should be a matter of "who gets to play with Valimaki".
Even now, Valimaki's impact on Gudbranson is highly evident - and Valimaki hasn't been at his best. I expect Valimaki to have a similar impact on Zadodov.
But Zadorov has to play better and steal Gudbranson's spot too.
Roster competition is a great thing to have when it's actual conpetition.
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Most of this post is just you projecting your bias, and assuming players should be ranked based on the type of player you like.
Gudbranson has not only earned his spot, he has been better than Valimaki, if you want to compare them.
There is no conspiracy here, nor any 'big gets the spot' bias. Gudbranson has been gud.