Quote:
Originally Posted by Jiri Hrdina
Again I think it's pre-mature to say he has no offense. Look at Chara's production in his pre-draft and post-draft years. Not saying he's Chara, but he does have the size and skating that is really unique.
Plus NJD have a LOT of offensive minded dmen already, both on their team and in the pipeline.
And I don't agree that you can teach high end offensive guys enough defense. Typically you are, at best, getting them to an adequate level. But NHL teams need shutdown D as well. And as they say - you can't teach size.
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Yes, I'm more questioning if it's the best idea to take a shutdown D with a top 10 pick where the best available talent typically lies.
I'm not very invested in "toolsy" type picks early when the more easily projectable talent is there to be taken.
It's my own opinion, but I'd rather have an elite guy like Hughes playing passable defense, than a shutdown guy who doesn't seem at this point to be able to move the puck particularly well.
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