I assume you mean a #1 defenseman? No, in my opinion, he's not, and won't be a #1 defenseman. He is one of the better offensive defenseman in the NHL though.
- MJL

I'm really curious how Ghost is going to play this year, his 2nd season in the NHL, where he won't catch opposing teams by surprise with his speed, moves, and shot. This upcoming season will be more important than last for knowing how good he really is at the NHL level, imo.

Is Radko Gudas an offensive defenseman?
- SuperSchennBros

Every defenseman in the NHL, no matter how 'one-way' is capable of performing tasks at either end of the ice to varying degrees. Trying to shoehorn them into either the OD or DD tag is kinda pointless, IMO.

Gudas is what he is, and that's neither DD nor OD.

I'm really curious how Ghost is going to play this year, his 2nd season in the NHL, where he won't catch opposing teams by surprise with his speed, moves, and shot. This upcoming season will be more important than last for knowing how good he really is at the NHL level, imo.
- wolfhounds

I agree, and he'll have to make adjustments. I think the puck skills are special, as well as his natural aggressiveness and ability to make plays, that will push through.

Every defenseman in the NHL, no matter how 'one-way' is capable of performing tasks at either end of the ice to varying degrees. Trying to shoehorn them into either the OD or DD tag is kinda pointless, IMO.

Gudas is what he is, and that's neither DD nor OD.
- Tomahawk

Not really pointless imo. When you look at a player skills, and how he is deployed, and what he's best at, for most defenseman, it becomes obvious what they are. For example, Nick Schultz is obviously a defensive defenseman, who is in the league, and on the team, for his defensive ability. His varying degree of puck skills and offensive ability is basically nil.

I'm really curious how Ghost is going to play this year, his 2nd season in the NHL, where he won't catch opposing teams by surprise with his speed, moves, and shot. This upcoming season will be more important than last for knowing how good he really is at the NHL level, imo.
- wolfhounds

Don't think much of what he did last season was a product of catching opponents off guard... that slapper was a purely dominant weapon. He was picking corners and beating goalies clean.

Don't think much of what he did last season was a product of catching opponents off guard... that slapper was a purely dominant weapon. He was picking corners and beating goalies clean.
- Tomahawk

We saw down the stretch and into the playoffs, that Gostisbehere struggled somewhat. Most of that was teams paying more attention, and taking away his time and space, and forcing him away from what he wanted to do. He'll have to adjust.

Don't think much of what he did last season was a product of catching opponents off guard... that slapper was a purely dominant weapon. He was picking corners and beating goalies clean.
- Tomahawk

When Ghost is playing at his active best, there's one thing that holds true: he is smarter than the opponent. I trust him to keep making plays. He's not just skilled; he has the mind to utilize that skill.

We saw down the stretch and into the playoffs, that Gostisbehere struggled somewhat. Part of that was teams paying more attention, and taking away his time and space, and forcing him away from what he wanted to do. He'll have to adjust.
- MJL

Or two other reasons that come immediately to mind

Or two other reasons that come immediately to mind
- Mononoke

One of them being bias obviously.

We saw down the stretch and into the playoffs, that Gostisbehere struggled somewhat. Most of that was teams paying more attention, and taking away his time and space, and forcing him away from what he wanted to do. He'll have to adjust.
- MJL

Or have two good hips.

Or have two good hips.
- bodiva88

Also certainly a factor.

When Ghost is playing at his active best, there's one thing that holds true: he is smarter than the opponent. I trust him to keep making plays. He's not just skilled; he has the mind to utilize that skill.
- Mononoke

he's not going to suddenly stop making plays. it may be harder for him to do that from time to time, though. the play where he reached back, knocked the puck down then flipped it to G for the OT winner vs. winnipeg is an example. that ability is just part of his game, which stems from the effort to actually make the play to begin with. he's just a dynamic player. i think where he may have to become quicker is when he adjusts his body at the offensive line, trying to create shooting and passing lanes. that's an area where i think his game there is not a secret, so he'll get pressured more and more quickly. i still expect he'll make poop happen.

i for one, can't wait. my only real worry isn't the proverbial young player wall, but his capacity to take punishment. i fear he's going to get hurt on practically every shift.

One of them being bias obviously.
- MJL

You'd know, buddy

We saw down the stretch and into the playoffs, that Gostisbehere struggled somewhat. Most of that was teams paying more attention, and taking away his time and space, and forcing him away from what he wanted to do. He'll have to adjust.
- MJL

Any first year defenceman is going to face adversity....teams started to game plan for him. I'm sure that's also the most hockey he's ever played in for one season...perhaps he got a little worn down...I'm betting he's smart enough to make adjustments and grow...at 60 odd games under his belt there's every reason to think he is just scratching the surface.
I think he has the talent to be a # 1 in the same mold as Eric Karlsson.

When Ghost is playing at his active best, there's one thing that holds true: he is smarter than the opponent. I trust him to keep making plays. He's not just skilled; he has the mind to utilize that skill.
- Mononoke

Bill,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful explanation. This blog should be quoted on every Flyers internet forum and posted in every WFC section.
- missingmike

Are you sure you want those people to find our safe haven away from their outlandish and ridiculous comments?

Any first year defenceman is going to face adversity....teams started to game plan for him. I'm sure that's also the most hockey he's ever played in for one season...perhaps he got a little worn down...I'm betting he's smart enough to make adjustments and grow...at 60 odd games under his belt there's every reason to think he is just scratching the surface.
I think he has the talent to be a # 1 in the same mold as Eric Karlsson.
- landros 2

I agree for the most part. While I think he's already a top level offensive defenseman in the league, I don't know that he'll reach the level of Karlsson offensively. His offensive production as a defenseman is historic. My view of what a #1 defenseman is, is a player that will log big minutes and will be a top player in all situations, against any level of competition. I don't see Gostisbehere as a player that you want out in key defensive situations, in your own zone, in certain game situations, such as protecting a lead late. Nor do I see him as a defenseman who should log team leading minutes on the PK. That's why I don't think he is, or will be a true #1 defenseman in the league. Still a very good player, who is going to get better. I think his puck skills, his level of anticipation, and his moxie, so to speak, are very real, and will continue.

Every defenseman in the NHL, no matter how 'one-way' is capable of performing tasks at either end of the ice to varying degrees. Trying to shoehorn them into either the OD or DD tag is kinda pointless, IMO.

Gudas is what he is, and that's neither DD nor OD.
- Tomahawk

So he's a second line center? Not quit a first line skilled offensive threat nor a third line checking grinder.

I agree for the most part. While I think he's already a top level offensive defenseman in the league, I don't know that he'll reach the level of Karlsson offensively. His offensive production as a defenseman is historic. My view of what a #1 defenseman is, is a player that will log big minutes and will be a top player in all situations, against any level of competition. I don't see Gostisbehere as a player that you want out in key defensive situations, in your own zone, in certain game situations, such as protecting a lead late. Nor do I see him as a defenseman who should log team leading minutes on the PK. That's why I don't think he is, or will be a true #1 defenseman in the league. Still a very good player, who is going to get better. I think his puck skills, his level of anticipation, and his moxie, so to speak, are very real, and will continue.
- MJL

For the majority of Mark Streit's career or even a player like Sandis Ozolinch can play on any team's number one PP but neither were ever a legitimate number one, all situations defenseman. With this said I expect ghost to better defensively than both.

For the majority of Mark Streit's career or even a player like Sandis Ozolinch can play on any team's number one PP but neither were ever a legitimate number one, all situations defenseman. With this said I expect ghost to better defensively than both.
- SuperSchennBros

We'll see how Gostisbehere tops out defensively, but otherwise agreed.

until it doesn't.
- hammarby31

i was kind of joking

And Wentz sets us up the tree. Good to have a ginger that doesn't start out slow

Wentz's ginger powers caused that

Kelce get your head out of your ass.

- Just5

brick