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Originally Posted by Colonel Klinkhammer
How come everyone wants Gudas instead of Barberio up?
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It's not a knock against Barberio, who looks to be Bergeron's heir apparent but the addition of Carle before this season and Hedman seeing now seeing regular PP time means he's got to bring more than his offensive game, which is very strong, to the next level.
Gudas, who is far less polished offensively but, like Barberio, possesses a cannon, was one of the few invites to the condensed training camp, where he drew rave reviews. Also, some might see that he's sound enough in his positioning and decision-making and skates well enough to, with stocky build, provide a very physical, two-way presence from the back-end in a way that Barberio simply can't. He's become excellent in his own third of the ice in puck retrieval and board battles, making reads and moving the puck with efficiency.
In short, people see him a more natural fit for the third-pairing or in a depth role at first.
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Barbs is the one who won the awards last year. Best Defenseman.
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Last year. He's having a solid season now but has struggled with consistency.