Quote:
Originally Posted by Erick Estrada
That's going to happen at times especially on the road but the Athletic recently published an article showing what defense pairings faced the best competition and both Zadorov and Gudbranson were on the top 25 list of sheltered defensemen in the NHL. Credit Sutter for knowing what they can and can't do and putting them in situations where they can succeed more than not. I think they have exceeded expectations this season but both will be inline for raises and I just don't think this team can afford to do that nor are they players that make sense to keep long term.
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We have the 3rd ranked PK in the league and I'd argue that Gudbranson is a large part of that. He might be sheltered at 5v5, but he's definitely proving his worth on the PK. As you stated, all credit to the coaching staff in identifying where players can excel and putting them in positions to succeed.
In terms of resigning, I see Zadorov as good as gone, we can't afford him anyways. Gudbranson I can see staying. He's found a nice spot under Sutter, is playing a lot and doing quite well to boot. He's a bit older, so there's a possibility he'd take term over money.