The Hurricanes have 5 defenseman that are better then our 2nd best d-man. It feeds their transition game and they defend extremely well. Pretty crazy to think about.

The Hurricanes have 5 defenseman that are better then our 2nd best d-man. It feeds their transition game and they defend extremely well. Pretty crazy to think about.
- Pegullaville

I’d say most good teams have 3 or so better than our 2nd.

Although Montour was impressive in a small sample here

As of right now, next year’s Defense imo should be:

Dahlin-Risto/Bogo
McCabe-Montour
Pilut-Bogo/Risto
Hunwick-Nelson

?
- jdfitz77

still IMO need to upgrade 2 of the top 6

bogo, mccabe would be my 2 to upgrade

Although Montour was impressive in a small sample here
- sbroads24

yet as a whole the group was a train wreck, worse when we got him

Maybe. If there's a better solution. I'm for it. Just don't want to put the youngins in a situation they're not ready for. See Mitts
- Michael Pachla

dahlin-montour
someone-risto
pilut-someone

I would just pair Dahlin with a player who can play a simple game and let him be great.

Perfect scenario is finding a Hjalmarsson/Vlasic type.

A less perfect scenario is Nelson/Borgen.
- sbroads24

Fair enough
If Risto is still here, i think it makes sense to give it a try

Risto to Tampa could net ya a good return though
Especially if we are willing to take salary from them

dahlin-montour
someone-risto
pilut-someone
- homiedclown

Anecdotally, Risto and McCabe together seems to be pretty reasonable

I’m July 17th, Bogo should not be extended. Let him chase his real dream of being a DJ
- washedup20

I’m July 17 too. We are birthday buddies.

Anecdotally, Risto and McCabe together seems to be pretty reasonable
- jcragcrumple

Yea I like them together as well. Risto played his best hockey this season with Pilut too so that option works. If Risto is here next year that is.

If we could get Cirelli + Gourde and Callahan/Miller for Risto and a guy + a pick, I would consider a Trouba for Reinhart type deal

It would make over the team

There's a lot there I know haha

Trouba and Dahlin would be great
- jcragcrumple

That is a lot of moving parts
But yeah... i think something along those lines could work out great for us

BUT....
while Trouba with Dahlin would be exciting,
i don’t think Dahlin will need a partner like that
I see where Sbroads is coming from with just getting him a partner that can play a simple good defensive game
I’ve been liking Manson from the Ducks for a while
He also brings toughness, which we need
And he’s signed for like half of what Trouba is gonna want on his next deal

I’d say most good teams have 3 or so better than our 2nd.

Although Montour was impressive in a small sample here
- sbroads24

Agreed with Montour, it was a small sample and that is why I am worry with trading Ristolainen. I would try and use Ristolainen + to get Trouba from Winnipeg.

Dahlin named as a Calder Finalist.

Dahlin-Bogo
McCabe-Montour
Pilut-Risto

Makes the most sense but with Bogo’s surgery and Risto possibly being moved there can be a lot of moving parts.

Borgen will most likely be ready at some point during the 19-20 season if not forsure by 2020-2021. Bryson, Samuelsson, Laaksonnen should be ready by 2021-2022
- Pegullaville

Yeah, i think all of this makes sense
Good post

Would you guys rather have Skinner or Karlsson? Since the Sabres D is very suspect.

IMO Dahlin is the caliber that you can put an average puck mover with him and that would make an elite pairing.

Then put Montour+ someone like Trouba to make an excellent second pairing
- sbroads24

I’m with ya
Our 2 best defensemen don’t need to be paired together
It’s more important to have the right fit with def partners

I would just pair Dahlin with a player who can play a simple game and let him be great.

Perfect scenario is finding a Hjalmarsson/Vlasic type.

A less perfect scenario is Nelson/Borgen.
- sbroads24

Agreed. Risto is the exact opposite of what you want with Dahlin, in every way.

Would you guys rather have Skinner or Karlsson? Since the Sabres D is very suspect.
- c1067

Dahlin-Montour
McCabe-Karlsson
Pilut-Borgen

Play them each over 22-23minutes a night and have a third pair that plays 14-16 minutes.

yet as a whole the group was a train wreck, worse when we got him
- homiedclown

It shouldn't have been that way. Tells me there were other factors contributing to their poor play as a d-corps

Anecdotally, Risto and McCabe together seems to be pretty reasonable
- jcragcrumple

based on the last 4 years, I disagree

It shouldn't have been that way. Tells me there were other factors contributing to their poor play as a d-corps
- Michael Pachla

maybe housley was clueless and lucked out in nashville based on their talent

or they just flat out quit

IMO Dahlin is the caliber that you can put an average puck mover with him and that would make an elite pairing.

Then put Montour+ someone like Trouba to make an excellent second pairing
- sbroads24

Yeah, just a warm body who doesn't (frank) up is fine. Put the money to better use elsewhere.

Dahlin-Montour
McCabe-Karlsson
Pilut-Borgen

Play them each over 22-23minutes a night and have a third pair that plays 14-16 minutes.
- Pegullaville

Solid d squad

Totally off subject, but the Red Sox won the World Series, the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the Celtics are up in their series and the Bruins are up in their series. All 4 major sports championships could come from the same city in a 1 year period. Has that ever happened before?

Totally off subject, but the Red Sox won the World Series, the Patriots won the Super Bowl, the Celtics are up in their series and the Bruins are up in their series. All 4 major sports championships could come from the same city in a 1 year period. Has that ever happened before?
- c1067

Boston has no chance vs GS so nope 🤔

The Ruby Red Kolsch is the best beer I've ever had by Genesee