HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Most underrated defenseman in the Western Conference?

Vlasic and Fowler

Colin Miller is the leagues biggest enigma. Great skater, big shot, battles for his teammates, great possession numbers... but at the end of the day he always is on the ice for more goals against than for. I wasn’t happy he went unprotected but I haven’t missed him. The B’s chose to protect Kevan Miller instead and he’s making Boston look smart for that. Kevans been great this year.

Vlasic and Fowler
- Discourse_

If anything, Fowler is overrated. Vlasic is perfectly rated, he made team Canada and everyone knows he's great.

I also don't see how Colton Parayanko can be underrated. But then again, most of the people I talk hockey with are hockey nerds. But everyone knows he's a star.

Colin Miller is the leagues biggest enigma. Great skater, big shot, battles for his teammates, great possession numbers... but at the end of the day he always is on the ice for more goals against than for. I wasn’t happy he went unprotected but I haven’t missed him. The B’s chose to protect Kevan Miller instead and he’s making Boston look smart for that. Kevans been great this year.
- Shaundre93

I almost went with him as well for most underrated. I've only seen him a few times though in the last couple of years so didn't trust a small sample size.

I will say though, the last time Vegas played (see: owned) the Hawks he looked really dynamic to me. Great skater and plays tough.

Josh Morrissey. He's not on PP unit so his numbers are lower than most dmen but he still gets a decent amount of points anyways. More importantly is he is a solid as they come defensively. I rank him slightly ahead of Trouba for what its worth.

I almost went with him as well for most underrated. I've only seen him a few times though in the last couple of years so didn't trust a small sample size.

I will say though, the last time Vegas played (see: owned) the Hawks he looked really dynamic to me. Great skater and plays tough.
- Justin Lowe

He might have taken that next step finally, so much talent but always left me wanting more in Boston

If anything, Fowler is overrated. Vlasic is perfectly rated, he made team Canada and everyone knows he's great.

I also don't see how Colton Parayanko can be underrated. But then again, most of the people I talk hockey with are hockey nerds. But everyone knows he's a star.
- james_tanner1

James, I know you're in Ontario as well, but I don't feel Parayko gets much love around here.

First, it's the lovefest for Pietrangelo and then the household Olympic name in Bouwmeester, but feel like Parayko is just as important as those guys.

Bobby Tanev

“Jake Gardiner. He’s that underrated.”


- Tanner

Why does Dougie make Chiarelli look bad? Chiarelli drafted him and Sweeney traded him because he wanted out.....

I understand Tanner doesn't like Chiarelli but that doesnt make any sense.

Anaheim was in WCF last year and still in playoff race despite a ton of injuries. Not sure how this makes them “a bad team”. Unless a predetermined bias is the basis for analysis. Which, if so, makes one a hack.

James, I know you're in Ontario as well, but I don't feel Parayko gets much love around here.

First, it's the lovefest for Pietrangelo and then the household Olympic name in Bouwmeester, but feel like Parayko is just as important as those guys.
- Justin Lowe

Yeah, I can see that. It's hard to guess what other people think - I just have loved Parayko since the World Cup, so it's hard to consider him underrated, but I definitely see your point.

Why does Dougie make Chiarelli look bad? Chiarelli drafted him and Sweeney traded him because he wanted out.....

I understand Tanner doesn't like Chiarelli but that doesnt make any sense.
- Mahewman

My bad. I thought Chiarelli traded him.

Anaheim was in WCF last year and still in playoff race despite a ton of injuries. Not sure how this makes them “a bad team”. Unless a predetermined bias is the basis for analysis. Which, if so, makes one a hack.
- Newgod77

This is pretty much it. Admitted in the past that he never watches Ducks games. Says they are a lousy team and yet last night was the first time all season they've played with what should have been their opening day roster. What's even funnier is the two players picked by the panelists were responsible for 2 of Vegas' 3 goals. Hampus got beaten like a drum by Cody Eakin and Josh Manson made a nice drop pass to Marchessault who fed Wild Bill for a goal. Anaheim hasn't been very good defensively this year.

Anaheim's defense has been turbulent at times this year. Nevertheless, it is good to see a couple of their players get recognized here. Manson does so many things right, and it's crazy that he's 18th in points for defensemen in the western conference, yet never sees PP time. What I like about Manson's offensive game, is he'll take initiative to make something happen, while simultaneously creating havoc for the opponent's defense. Even better, I still think he's yet to reach his ceiling. Once he hits that 300 GP mark and starts finding the back of the net consistently ... Watch out!

As for Lindholm, I was worried with his offseason shoulder surgery that he would continue to struggle with getting pucks through from the point. An area he regressed in, in 2016-2017. Despite the rehabilitation, it's apparent that, that's a focus of his game now. However - with that being said - there is another gear to Lindholm's game. Everyone knows it, but we need to start seeing it every game.

HockeyBuzz Hotstove: Most underrated defenseman in the Western Conference?
- ToddCordellVAN

any d man that plays for vegas