For my Penguins, it'd still have to be Hedman. They've proven they can get it done without a top notch winger, they're set up for now with 3 great centers that complement each other well and make it extremely difficult on other teams, and Hedman is going to be quite the player, anyway.
Tavares could be plugged on one of the wing spots aside Malkin or Crosby and they're production levels will very likely increase, but when you're team is basically set up at forward because of the centers, having that defenseman just adds more to solidify the lineup than does a winger, as evidenced by the Pens' playoff run last season.
Hedman is big and tall but he's soft as butter. I knew he was overrated when 17 y/o 180lb children were physically dominating him in the WJC. He's got a long way to go before he is a truly elite NHL dman.
Hedman is big and tall but he's soft as butter. I knew he was overrated when 17 y/o 180lb children were physically dominating him in the WJC. He's got a long way to go before he is a truly elite NHL dman.
I think I would pick them in the same order as they went in the draft. They've performed the way I thought they would (well, the top 4 anyways).
Hedman is big and tall but he's soft as butter. I knew he was overrated when 17 y/o 180lb children were physically dominating him in the WJC. He's got a long way to go before he is a truly elite NHL dman.
that's when you know that he's going to be extremely dominant when he fills out. even if he doesn't physically dominate his opponents yet, if he can play at a high level while being tall and lanky it shows that his hockey sense is sky high.
Franchise defenseman like him are what Stanley Cup Championship teams should be built around.
Tavares has been much better than I thought he would though, I woudn't be disappointed if I had to take him thats for sure. Duchene has played very well overall and is starting to produce offensively lately.
Kane may be the most underrated of the bunch, although hes played his heart out every night in Atlanta. He could prove to be the best out of all of them...we'll find out someday in the future.
