caniacho, is that assuming Rutherford trades up to the top 5 to get Gormley?
I think the first two pairings make the most sense. Pitkanen and Babchuk worked well in 08-09, and I like the combination of skills in Gleason and McBain. The bottom pairing will be scary, especially if it's some combination of Carson, Harrison, Picard, Rodney, and Borer.
I'd agree with b for a rating of what we expect right now. I still think we could see an acquisition by trading a forward and/or a pick to improve the current D corps.
caniacho, is that assuming Rutherford trades up to the top 5 to get Gormley?
I think the first two pairings make the most sense. Pitkanen and Babchuk worked well in 08-09, and I like the combination of skills in Gleason and McBain. The bottom pairing will be scary, especially if it's some combination of Carson, Harrison, Picard, Rodney, and Borer.
I'd agree with b for a rating of what we expect right now. I still think we could see an acquisition by trading a forward and/or a pick to improve the current D corps.
Actually there's a decent chance that Gormley falls to #7, especially if Florida picks Connolly and either the Isles or Bolts are really high on Campbell or Nino.
Either way I say "B". Not the worst in the league but definitely below average. And frankly not acceptable for a playoff team either.
Pitkanen - McBain
Gleason - Babchuk
Carson - Picard
Harrison
that's pretty rough, and it's still rough even if we repalce Picard with Gormley or Fowler. I want nothing to do with Gudbransson being in the NHL if that's who we end up with. At this point in his career he's MUCH better served by spending another season in the OHL. He may have Pronger type upside but that doesn't mean we have to rush him like we do so many other prospects.
I don't think we are much of a playoff team next year anyway, and as I said in another thread I have seen worse defense pairs in Carolina before. I have confidence in Gleason and Joni leading this defense to be atleast average.
If they play a good team game and McBain comes through, it's C. NJ's Defense this year was awful, especially with Martin missing most of the season, and they finished 2nd in the East.
Just pay attention to the top 4. Also, Joni is going to lead the NHL in ice time. It's nothing amazing, but its certainly a decent D-corps.
Could McBain be a top story of the NHL next season?? you never know...here's to hoping
If McBain can play all season at the level he played in his 14 games last year, then Below Average. If not, then Horrible. Last year we were 26th in goals against. I would consider that to be a Horrible season for the defense, and I don't see more than marginal improvement for this year.
If McBain can play all season at the level he played in his 14 games last year, then Below Average. If not, then Horrible. Last year we were 26th in goals against. I would consider that to be a Horrible season for the defense, and I don't see more than marginal improvement for this year.
Oh yes, I'm rating last seasons's defense as Horrible.
if we packaged babchuck and our 1st round pick would that be enough to move up and grab one of the big 3 dmen?
depends on the team on the other end, but i wouldn't mind doing that, if it meant for sure getting Fowler or Gormley, Gudbranson I would be fine waiting and seeing if he was available at 7
A month before the FA signing period begins is a great time to take stock on how good the defense will be in the upcoming season. Don't let the fact that they don't have 6 defensemen signed at this point stop you...fire away.
