Top 20 Defencemen - EP Rinkside

[Dx54]

https://eprinkside.com/2022/09/09/ep...2022-23-season

Weegar ranked #8

There is no testament to how much one or two playoff turnovers can distort the perception of a player than how Panthers fans reacted to Weegar getting traded this summer. For the past few seasons, Weegar has been one of the most valuable defencemen in the league, and not in the subtle ways that a guy like Devon Toews tilts the ice. He ranks first in defensive zone pass blocks, first in zone entry denials; he's in the top-five in zone exits, passing exits, retrieval success, rush offence, scoring chance contributions, etc. He – not Aaron Ekblad – was the engine behind the Panthers’ transition game and there’s a reason that his usual partner’s injury in 2021 didn’t slow him down.

TLDR, lets get this guy signed asap!!

[VilleN]

I can't wait to see this guy play... what an absolute haul we got for Tkachuk, still hard to believe.

[Enoch Root]

There is no testament to how much one or two playoff turnovers can distort the perception of a player than how Panthers fans reacted to Weegar getting traded this summer

This applies equally to Hanifin.

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

This applies equally to Hanifin.

First thing I thought of

[FanIn80]

Any other Flames crack that list?

I'm thinking no... I think the strength of our D isn't in the top end, it's in the fact that the worst of our starters (Zadorov) is still a 4/5 on almost every team in the league.

[Dx54]

Originally Posted by FanIn80

Any other Flames crack that list?

I'm thinking no... I think the strength of our D isn't in the top end, it's in the fact that the worst of our starters (Zadorov) is still a 4/5 on almost every team in the league.

None.

[djsFlames]

It's ok. We have the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 40th and 50th best defenders.

[FanIn80]

Originally Posted by djsFlames

It's ok. We have the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 40th and 50th best defenders.

Andersson 21st?

[MrMike]

So without signing up, my guess of 6 of the 7 ahead of him would be
Makar
Fox
Hedman
Heiskenen
Mcavoy
Josi

[Hot_Flatus]

Originally Posted by VilleN

I can't wait to see this guy play... what an absolute haul we got for Tkachuk, still hard to believe.

Well he was worth a haul as he is a really good player. I hope Weegar is every bit as good as he's billed.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by MrMike

So without signing up, my guess of 6 of the 7 ahead of him would be
Makar
Fox
Hedman
Heiskenen
Mcavoy
Josi

He ranks them in Tiers.

Tier 1+: Makar
Tier 1: Fox, McAvoy, Hedman
Tier 2 : Josi, Slavin, Heiskanen, Weegar, Toews

[Macho0978]

So if Weegar is number 8 and Hanifin is not on the list. If we trade Hanifin for a top forward you can make a case that the Flames d is still much better?

Also, if you can sign Weegar now for 8 years around $7 mil vs sign Hanifin in 2 years for 8 years around $9 mil IMO this help with the cap wall the Flames will be hitting in a few years.

Hanifin doesn't have to move this year but I think it's the right move over then next year.

[MrMike]

For Weegar to be ranked with Josi and Heiskinen, wow. I can’t wait to see what this guy is all about.

[Leeman4Gilmour]

Originally Posted by MrMike

For Weegar to be ranked with Josi and Heiskinen, wow. I can’t wait to see what this guy is all about.

Yah, I'm severely lacking awareness when it comes to Weegar. I had no idea some had him in that tier. Quite excited to see for myself now as well.

[old-fart]

No Nurse in the top 20? Top 50?

[MrMike]

If he’s honestly this good, how did Tkachuk not just simply bring back Weegar and a first/prospect? Just throw in one Huberdeau to even out the cap right? Just crazy.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Geez, I dunno. I've watched Weegar a lot the last two years, and I don't think I could put him that tier of player, but then again, I also don't think Toews is in that tier either.

I guess I would say to temper expectations for him. He's very effective, but he's understated, and you'll really have to look carefully to see his contributions. What you'll notice for sure is his zone exits and transition game. He's very good at this, no doubt. You'll also notice him breaking up plays in the defensive zone with his stick, but he's not a physical guy, so he'll only hit someone every now and then to break up a play. He has good instincts in the offensive zone, but his puck skills are above average, not elite. He can shoot, but he won't overwhelm you with power or accuracy. He's a good passer and has good vision, but it won't be anything highlight reel worthy.

I can see the argument they are making, but it might be a little too much praise for what he really is. That being said, he's been underrated for a while, so maybe this rebalances things in the opposite direction. I just have a hard time thinking of him as a top 10 defenseman in the league.

[VilleN]

I think these rankings are intended to be controversial. Honestly, the quality of journalism has plummeted in the age of social media. Create controversy. Get clicks. I’m under no illusions that we got a Heiskanen level defender. Just as with the centre ranking, I don’t think many Detroit fans think they have a Lindholm tier centre in Larkin. They want to get fans riled up.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

I think it's because he ranks so highly with the fancy stats in all the areas you mentioned, Cali. Especially breaking up plays and zone exits.

I agree with you, from what I've seen he won't blow you away in any one area, but he'll be a very solid 2-way defender.

[KootenayFlamesFan]

Originally Posted by old-fart

No Nurse in the top 20? Top 50?

Not in their top 20. Or anyone outside of Edmonton's, either.

He'd be hard pressed to be in the top 50. He's just so bad defensively with really poor hockey IQ.