Season 31 Challenges Thread - Due Tuesday, June 22 @ 8pm

[John - Sharks]

You may challenge any 2 skaters for SP, SK, DF.

Also, you may challenge any newly created prospect without a limit.

[BigMac3110]

Bryan Rust
Current SP:75
Requested SP:84
Current SK:75
Requested SK:84
Current DF: 62
Requested DF:69

The speedy, hard-working winger projects as a bottom-six defensive specialist

Rust kills penalties well and can be trusted not to mess up when a game is on the line

The speedster

The hard-working speedster

Rust is sound defensively and a tenacious forechecker

The speedy Rust

Although the swift-skating Rust has some skill

https://dobberprospects.com/2017/03/25/bryan-rust/

Is an industrious winger with great speed

Is also a sound defensive player who can be trusted in key situations. Is tenacious on the forecheck. Can kill penalties.

Fast, hard-working two-way winger

http://www.sportsforecaster.com/nhl/player/8372

It’s always been plain to see that Rust is fast, tenacious

https://theathletic.com/2387960/2021/02 ... -capitals/

He’s a power-play regular, a penalty killer, a clutch playoff performer with two Stanley Cup rings

Bryan had forced himself to adapt — to be a detail-oriented, defensive-minded forward — and play a structured game before focusing on scoring goals.

He won back his spot on the power play and excelled in killing penalties.

Bryan said he tried highlighting a specific strength — his skating, for one — and finding ways for it to strengthen the line. Regardless of how he fared offensively, he was determined to be a dependable two-way player.

https://theathletic.com/2317327/2021/01 ... me-hockey/

Asked to identify what first comes to mind when you hear the name Bryan Rust, chances are you would spit out is “speed.”

“His skating ability and his speed and his puck pursuit, that’s the foundation of his individual game,” Sullivan said. “That’s what he brings to any line that he’s on and that’s what helps him create the opportunities that either his linemates get or he gets. “And I think right now he’s using his foot speed as good as I’ve seen him in all of the years I’ve coached him here in Pittsburgh.”

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 1901080160

Ask any national NHL voice, and they’re likely to list Carl Hagelin among the five fastest skaters in the league. Phil Kessel and Bryan Rust are probably on the periphery of that conversation, but Hagelin is a known speedster

Their calling card is speed (Hagelin and Rust). And they’re keenly aware of that. It’s almost a pride thing

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/pen ... 1610310137

Rust’s speed has created many scoring chances and caused havoc around the net

https://thehockeywriters.com/bryan-rust ... r-2020-21/

He remains a trusted defensive player and a good penalty killer, to say nothing of being a big-game legend.

https://theathletic.com/2577140/2021/05 ... port-card/

Rust established himself as a solid two-way NHL forward with the speed to put pressure on opponents

consistent on both ends of the ice, doing all the little jobs necessary to help his team win

Speed is the foundation of his game

a solid NHL penalty killer

https://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/bryan_rust/

the speedster has shown he can play all three forward positions on any line, as well as the power play and penalty kill, and he does all of it well

https://thehockeywriters.com/bryan-rust ... -penguins/

Bryan Rust brings speed and tenacity to the Pittsburgh Penguins lineup

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/bryan-r ... ng-points/

Rust now has 22 goals in 52 games while also being a valuable defensive player, a good penalty killer

https://theathletic.com/2560732/2021/05 ... rst-place/

The Pittsburgh Penguins rookie was pure speed and only speed

It was Rust’s job to be defensively responsible

His shot block, which turned into a breakaway goal, was vintage Rust: defensive responsibility and speed, which turned into offense.

https://pittsburghhockeynow.com/bryan-r ... formation/

His speed and desire to control the puck really sets him apart from other players but is comparable to Carl Hagelin’s or Brandon Tanev’s.

Both of these players posess similar stats as I am asking for Rust, Hagelin (88SP, 87SK, 68DF), Tanev (79SP, 77SK, 68DF). With Rust's speed also being compared to Kessel earlier on in this challenge I think it's safe to say that Rust's SP/SK should be above an 80

His speed is so evident and he’s hard to play against because he can tracks pucks down. He can strip defensemen from behind and that’s what he brings to this team.

https://thehockeywriters.com/penguins-b ... evolution/

“His on-ice game has really matured. He’s really turned himself into a real good 200-foot player.

“One of the things that we really like about (Rust) is that he has a conscientious 200-foot game on both sides of the puck,” Sullivan said.

His foot speed, I think, is a tremendous asset for (Malkin). (Rust) helps that line create turnovers. He puts pressure on our opponent’s defensemen to have to make plays under duress. That usually results in loose pucks and turnover when opportunity presents itself. He has the ability to catch the rush if we turn the puck over or if we get caught in the offensive zone, and he’s conscious defensively.

https://triblive.com/sports/as-usual-br ... -penguins/




John Carslon
Current SP:70
Requested SP:77
Current SK:72
Requested SK:77
Current DF:73
Requested DF:75

Can be effective in a shutdown role, due to his mobility and instincts

Has the ability to be an explosive offensive player from the back end

Excellent all-around defenseman.

http://www.sportsforecaster.com/nhl/player/6635

Carlson is blessed with size, strength and skating ability

very responsible in his own end

He works the opposition hard, plays in tight situations and is one of the team’s top penalty-killers. Carlson has great instincts and times the game effectively.

eager to participate in the play and use his skating ability all over the ice. Carlson has the speed and skill level to keep up with some of the Capitals' high fliers while at the same time being sound and dependable in his own end of the ice.

https://www.hockeysfuture.com/prospects/john_carlson/

John Carlson is a big burly defensemen, he is a real good skater and a strong skater.

He's good on his feet and agile for a big kid.

https://www.nhl.com/capitals/news/the-s ... y/c-463229

The Caps drafted Carlson with the 27th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, with many scouts complimenting the rearguard’s size, skating, and offensive abilities as his biggest strengths.

https://novacapsfans.com/2019/12/13/fro ... nt-runner/

There just isn't much this kid doesn't do. He mans the power play, kills penalties, and plays in key situations near the end of a game.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/527 ... defensemen

But Carlson’s defensive work also merits praise.

Washington Capitals head coach Todd Reirden was eager to speak on this: “His ability to defend, especially this year, is going a little bit unnoticed just because of the crazy offensive numbers.”

He and defensive partner Michal Kempny are often charged with the toughest defensive match-ups.

Per Sportlogiq data, Carlson leads NHL defensemen in blocked passes with 224. This is for all situations. He’s second in blocked passes in the defensive zone with 126.

Blocking a pass isn’t just a physical thing. It’s not just about putting your stick or body out there — it’s often about anticipating the pass before it’s made.

Teammate Nic Dowd said of Carlson, “He does a great job positionally, it always seems like he’s in the right spot at the right time.”

This is no accident.

“His hockey sense is really at a high level,” Reirden indicated. “His knowledge of where the puck is going to go sometimes before it goes there helps him a lot.”

“He has a really good stick,” Kempny said.

Carlson ranks 20th among all blueliners with 59 stick checks.

Carlson’s 6-foot-3 frame accentuates the impact of his defensive stick.

Reirden agreed: “He’s able to take away a lot of time and space with the size he’s at.”

he’s also an impact player defensively, an impact player in all three zones.

https://www.thepointhockey.com/the-side ... now-about/
While these stats are from last season (wasn't able to access the stats explained above for this season) it shows that Carlson really is a pretty damn good defensive player

Played the 4th most amount of minutes total on the pk unit amongst Caps d-men and was 3rd on the team(among players who played in the lineup regularly) in average short handed ice time played per game, the Caps pk unit ranked 6th in the NHL this season so he obviously had a positive impact.
https://www.oddsshark.com/nhl/defensive-stats
http://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?report ... ageSize=50

On top of the shimmering offensive numbers, Carlson maintains a secondary role as a penalty-killer, remains one of the league’s higher-volume shot blockers and will be counted upon in the post-season, if there is one, to play almost half of every game as a true do-it-all defenseman.

Everyone talks about the points he has, which are pretty amazing and pretty special, but with his play all around, playing PK, playing big minutes defensively, playing against other teams’ top units and top lines, in my eyes, he’s the best defenseman in the league.”

https://www.si.com/hockey/news/john-car ... ris-trophy

John Carlson has size, speed, skill, and a high hockey IQ. Praised for his physical assets, he isn't afraid to use them. A great two-way defenseman, has both the offensive skills and defensive shutdown abilities, logs a lot of PK minutes

http://www.mynhldraft.com/2008/NHL-Draf ... hn-Carlson

[Juliet-Bruins]

Adam Fox

SP 73->77
SK 73->77
DF 71->75

https://media.nhl.com/public/news/15060

Adam Fox voted as Norris finalist

http://www.sportsforecaster.com/nhl/player/16228

he skates well

https://thehockeywriters.com/rangers-ad ... ar-status/

https://thehockeywriters.com/rangers-ad ... ar-status/

Defensive Intelligence Way Beyond His Years

Fox rarely makes a glaring mistake – in fact, that I cannot recall one off the top of my head – an indication of just how good he is. What continuously plagues the NHL’s young players seems not to faze him, a prime example of the intellect and mental fortitude that will propel Fox to stardom at hockey’s highest level.

His defensive prowess has forced the Rangers’ coaching staff to utilize him seemingly every other shift, accumulating in a whopping 809:19 total TOI through 33 games played.

the ability to read plays and disrupt them before they formulate into a chance. Fox can interrupt passing lanes so efficiently that he victimizes point-hungry forwards time and time again. It is noticeable, especially on the penalty kill, as you can watch seemingly open passing lanes filled in the blink of an eye by Fox’s lightning-quick stick.

https://nhl.nbcsports.com/2021/04/06/nh ... is-season/

His defensive impact is also already as good as you will find anywhere in the league. He is one of the most durable defenders in the league, averaging close to 25 minutes per game and playing true shut down minutes. He gets the defensive zone starts for the Rangers, draws the top opposition, and is one of the league’s best defenders in terms of suppressing opposing shots, scoring chances, and goals. That is not an easy role to take on.

Adam Fox is already the top-pairing, bonafide No.1 defender that every contending team needs. He is going to compete for Norris Trophies throughout his career, and he is already good enough to do so this season.

https://lastwordonsports.com/2016/06/02 ... -draft-63/

He has elite skating ability, moving around the ice with very good speed and acceleration. He can lead or join the rush; or pinch at the blue line and still get back to defend his own zone as well. Fox has very good agility, and edge work. He can weave in and out of traffic while rushing the puck up the ice, and use quick cuts to avoid opponents, be they fore checkers trying to pin him in his own end, or defenders against the rush.

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2016 ... defenceman

his edge work and four-way mobility are tremendous.

https://thehockeywriters.com/adam-fox-t ... t-profile/

Good skating and mobility.

https://www.thedraftanalyst.com/prospects/adam-fox/

His lateral movement and edge work are excellent — his twirls and pirouettes are strikingly similar to the way Ottawa star defender Erik Karlsson controlled his puck movement while playing for Team Sweden in his pre-draft years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eggVqydgfI <- excellent end to end rush showcasing his quality skating.

https://www.foreverblueshirts.com/adam- ... is-season/

Defensively Fox shines as well. He currently ranks second on the PK with a 3.90 PPG against per 60 minutes. He’s third for takeaways among blue-liners with 33 and ranks sixth in plus/minus with a +23. These are excellent numbers and his play on the ice has been turning heads around the league.

but his underlying numbers further demonstrate just how valuable he’s been this season. With Fox on the ice, the Rangers’ GF% and xGF% sit at 61.3 and 56.2, respectively. Without him, they each fall by over 10 percent. Those aren’t inflated by his usage, either, as he draws tough assignments, and his offensive zone start percentage is just 46. He’s also carried his partner Ryan Lindgren – who has struggled mightily without Fox.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/pla ... fox/920374

Advanced stats paint Fox as the league's best defenseman

[Alex]

Toronto's Place Holders:

Mitch Marner:
Challenging DF:

Selke Considerations:
EG.1
EG.2
EG.3

Stats:

[Ted Riot]

Jeff Petry SP and SK

SP 72 -> 75
SK 75 -> 77

https://thehockeywriters.com/canadiens- ... e-2020-21/


This also means that teams may start seeing him as the Canadiens top defenseman instead of Weber. One of the main reasons for this is that Petry is a triple threat on the power play as he can skate, pass and shoot very well, whereas Weber is just a big defenseman with a strong shot, which makes him easier to stop. Not only that, but Petry’s speed allows him to get the puck out of the defensive zone faster if need be.

https://www.saltwire.com/halifax/sports ... on-408939/

Domi the fastest skater
Max Domi won the fastest-skater title, blazing around the rink in 13.472 seconds.

“He flies around the ice,” Evans said. “All those guys put up really good times, though.”

Domi beat out Petry (13.550), Jonathan Drouin (13.702), Brett Kulak (13.777), Victor Mete (13.872) and Dale Weise (13.902).

Paul Byron, who won the fastest-skater event last year with a time of 13.68 seconds, didn’t take part Sunday because he hasn’t played a game since having knee surgery on Nov. 19.

[Carolina Gm-Andrew]

Alex Debrincat

Asking for modest 1 point bumps in skating and speed to represent the progression he has made. Additionally, I am asking for his DF to go from 54 to 64. I went with 64 because I believe the Tyler Toffoli comparison is apt when representing Debrincat. A smart, two way goal scorer, who is part of the penalty kill and plays in crucial situations.

https://theathletic.com/2493639/2021/04 ... =debrincat

If you were building a team right now, one that needed to take on and beat the best the world has to offer, would you take T.J. Oshie over Alex DeBrincat? How about J.T. Miller over DeBrincat? Blake Wheeler? Max Pacioretty? Johnny Gaudreau?

The correct answer to all of those questions is pretty simple: No.

And now he’s got a full bag of tricks — slick setups, backchecks, stick-lifts, wall work, even a little veteran leadership — to go along with the goals.

There’s been a lot of talk about the development of DeBrincat’s 200-foot game, and for good reason. The kid who was passed over by every team in the league because he was too small plays a big-time game, at both ends of the rink.

“Obviously he’s scoring goals and producing offensively, but I just think his whole 200-foot game has really been effective for us this year,” Kane said. “If you watch him, the way he plays, he’s hard on pucks, he’s good on the forecheck, he’s got the best plus-minus on our team — and I don’t think that’s a fluke. There’s a reason for that in the way that he’s playing. He’s been great for us on both ends of the ice.”

https://theathletic.com/2579380/2021/05 ... =debrincat

DeBrincat finished the season with 32 goals in 52 games, which projects to 51 goals over an 82-game season. Not only that, he became an all-around standout, lifting sticks and picking pockets and retrieving pucks and even killing penalties. He also stepped into a significant leadership role in Toews’ absence, donning the “A” on his sweater and influencing his young teammates to buy in to Colliton’s “relentless” approach. DeBrincat isn’t some one-trick pony, a guy who stands at the left circle and fires one-timers. He’s an all-around star and is developing into a truly elite player.

Barclay Goodrow
I am asking for 72DF. He is the first Lightning player over the boards in crucial defensive situations and therefore should jump from 68 to 72. Palat 73DF, Cirelli 71 DF and Coleman 70DF are all players Goodrow beats out or plays with be out in critical defensive situations. Goodrow also led all forwards and all players minus Ryan Mcdonagh 75 DF in short handed time on the ice this year for Tampa.

https://theathletic.com/2623155/2021/05 ... ry=Goodrow (might be stuck behind a paywall but ive highlighted relevant points).

That Goodrow scored the game winner with seven minutes to go in a 2-1 victory was fitting, but so was the fact he was on the ice for the final 79 seconds in a six-on-five situation to close it out. The goal was important, but so was Goodrow having the presence of mind to hand Ryan McDonagh his stick when the defenseman broke his.

Victor Hedman won the Conn Smythe last fall, with Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point racking up scoring records. But it was Goodrow who was on the ice for the final moments of the Cup-clinching win. You know how much a coach values a player when he’s on the ice for high-leverage minutes, and Goodrow played three of the final six minutes in a one-goal game.

“You can tell he’s a big-game kind of player,” Hedman said.

“You can trust him in any situation,” McDonagh said. “In a tight game, he’s out there and he makes a goal happen. We’ve got the lead, he’s out there defending. He sacrifices his body, he’s willing to block shots, we all feed off that. Secondly, he’s got some undercover skill around the net front there, and that chemistry with that line to be offensive has come up in situations time and time again. So, I think he’s just such a versatile player.”

But it’s players such as Goodrow and his line with Blake Coleman and Yanni Gourde who embody why the Lightning won the Cup last year and could very well complete a historic repeat this summer.

They’re tough. They’re smart. They are annoying as hell to play against. And they can make the big plays at key times.

“Not all players are like that,” Cooper said. “And when you find them, you’ve got to utilize them. (Goodrow) doesn’t usually get his accolades from getting game-winning goals, he’s usually the guy stopping game-tying goals from happening. But you’re really happy for the guys that are team-first players that earn the opportunity to bask in the limelight, which he deserves.”

“I take a lot of pride in being defensively sound and being counted on to do a good job on the penalty kill and defend a lead when we’re up late in a game,” he said.

When told of Cooper comparing Goodrow to a four-wheel-drive Jeep, Sommer laughed. “It’s a fair comparison.”

“I think I’ll take it,” Goodrow said with a smile. “Those are pretty reliable cars. I know the resale value is pretty good, they hold up in all kinds of conditions. I’ll take it.”

“With Barclay, he’s exactly what we needed. We needed that scrappy, energy, gamer. He epitomizes ‘team,’” Lightning coach Jon Cooper told the Tampa Bay Times earlier this week. “He will step up and block that shot that you needed. He will take that (important) faceoff needed. He will step up and fight a guy if he has to defend a teammate. He’s a player that drags teams through the fight, and you can’t have enough of those guys.”

One NHL scout has been impressed by what he’s seen in the playoffs from Goodrow, who has five points (1g, 4a) and a +6 rating in 19 playoff games since the league re-start. Goodrow has been the left wing on the Lightning’s third line with Yanni Gourde and Blake Coleman, and is a key penalty killer, like he was for the Sharks’ top-ranked unit.

“I thought he’s been effective — bottom-six role player that provides some size, grit, can handle tough matchups and is hard to play against. Think he’s played as advertised for (Tampa Bay),” said the scout.

Jake Evans

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/2021 ... -spinorama

The change in his skating over the past couple of years has been staggering.

he looks like one of the better skaters in Montreal’s lineup.

More than his speed, however, it’s the centre’s motor that has undergone the most development.

Evans received shutdown duties

Evans was especially noticeable on the penalty kill.

Evans’s formula for success in the NHL is the same as it was in the AHL: high energy and positionally sound play to create counter-attacks and rush opportunities. That leads to confidence and offensive creativity.

https://www.nhl.com/canadiens/news/jake ... -320171246

Evans' skating, meanwhile, has drawn significant attention on the South Shore for all the right reasons.

Montreal Penalty Killers

Danault 73DF
Lekhonen 68DF
Evans ?
Byron 68DF
Armia 65 DF
Toffoli 64 DF

I would like his DF increased from 60 to 68. His skating and speed looked fine to me!

[John - Sharks]

These are due on Monday, June 21.

[Chris-Wild]

Alexander Wennberg
Current DF: 60
Asking DF: 68

3rd among F in SHTOI in NHL this past season.
https://www.hockey-reference.com/league ... n-ice.html

Fourth on Panthers in takeaways (right behind Barkov and Huberdeau
https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/FLA/

Wennberg ranked third in penalty kill time on ice this season among forwards. The Panthers center was on the ice for 14 goals in 142 minutes, equating to a goal every 10 minutes. Despite the Panthers ranking 18th in penalty kill around the league, Wennberg was a bright spot. He managed seven shots on net while shorthanded and was on the ice for 31 chances for and even scored a goal.

https://thehockeywriters.com/kraken-202 ... ecialists/


Derek Forbort
Current DF: 72
Asking DF: 74

Forbort is a defenseman who is big, strong and can shut down the opposition powerplay. His 151 minutes of penalty kill time ranked 15th in the league and helped Winnipeg finish with the 13th ranked penalty kill. He was on the ice for 15 goals against which equates to a goal every 10 minutes. In Winnipeg’s first-round sweep of Edmonton, Forbort helped contain the best powerplay in the regular season and kept them to two goals on 11 opportunities.

He played over 20 minutes a game and has developed a great partnership with Neal Pionk playing against the other team’s top lines. This season he did have a Corsi of 48% at even strength, but that was related to playing harder matchups throughout the season. Forbort is a lot like Chris Tanev. A player who can block a lot of shots, play physical and be strong in their defensive end.

https://thehockeywriters.com/kraken-202 ... ecialists/

[Habs GM]

Teuvo Teravainen

SP 77 to 80
SK 78 to 81
DF 62 to 68

Given his nickname is Turbo due to his elite skating and speed:

"Scouts praise his hands, which are among the quickest and shiftiest in the draft. Though he’s small in stature, he uses his speed and puckhandling to weave in and around big defenders. He’s a creative playmaker and has a blistering release on his shot, making him particularly dangerous from inside the top of the faceoff circles."

https://www.nhl.com/hurricanes/news/dra ... n/c-635111

“Across the board for their line they’re so skilled and they’re so fast,” Slavin said. “That makes it even harder. They’re not the biggest, not the most physical line, but their hockey sense is through the roof and obviously their skill is with the best of them.

“You’ve got to try your best to take away their time and space and not let them come at you with speed. With their hockey sense it’s a tough task.”

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/nhl ... 78699.html

"Teuvo Teravainen is one of the most talented forwards on the Hurricanes roster and ranks tied for second on the team in scoring with nine points through 13 postseason games. He also leads the Hurricanes with six goals in the 2019 playoffs. Teravainen is no stranger to this stage of the postseason -- he was on Chicago Blackhawks team that won the 2015 Stanley Cup Final. Bruins defensemen must be aware of Teravainen's speed and skill whenever he's on the ice."

https://www.nbcsports.com/boston/bruins ... ence-final

"A speedy goal scorer with good vision and creativity ... has the talent to score plenty of goals in the NHL if he can handle the grind ... he’s a good skater with an explosive first step and good agility ... good speed ... quick shot release ... brings quickness and skill to the offensive zone ... distributes the puck well on the attack ... good in tight spaces and can be very dangerous when he has time and space ... magnetic puck skills ... on-ice elusiveness ... outstanding playmaking ability ... skill-set makes him a very valuable player on the powerplay ... puck-handling prowess ... has great hockey sense ... creative and calm with the puck ... elite vision ... a very smart player"

https://www.hockeywilderness.com/2012/5 ... teravainen

"Teravainen’s speed allows him to get to where he needs to be without missing a step and is rarely caught flat-footed."

https://awinninghabit.com/2018/05/31/mo ... s-trade/2/

"What a lot of fans overlook with Teravainen, Caniacs or others, is his ability to play the defensive side of the game."

"Teravainen is not only a phenomenal playmaker, but he’s also the defensive mind on his line, which allows Carolina’s star talent finishers to dictate games. He’s the grease that makes the cogs run with Aho and Andrei Svechnikov. It’s just fun to watch them work together."


Michael Smith
@MSmithCanes
·
Mar 11, 2020
Jake Gardiner on Teuvo Teravainen filling in on defense at practice: "I think he might be better at defense than he is at forward, if that's even possible."

https://cardiaccane.com/2020/05/14/caro ... urbo-time/

"When you dive deeper than just the statistics, you realize how Teravainen’s presence extends far beyond the score sheet. In his Three seasons with the team, his Corsi for % has been 54.9, 57.0 and 55.6, which shows how much Carolina controls the play in the game when Teravainen is on the ice. Last season, the Hurricanes outscored their opponents 65-36 at 5-on-5 with Teuvo on the ice."

"The deeper you go, the more impressive it gets. He had his 55.6 CF% and 65-36 5-on-5 ratio while starting 48.3 of his shifts in the defensive zone, which is almost half of his shifts. To dominate offensively the way he does while also being trusted defensively is a testament to how committed Teravainen is to his 200-foot game, all while facing the opponents top lines."

"Not to mention that Teravainen was also a frequent contributor on the penalty kill. He averaged 0:53 of PK ice time per game. The Hurricanes only surrendered 8 powerplay goals with Teravainen on the ice; meanwhile he was directly involved in 5 shorthanded goals for, which is pretty remarkable."

https://cardiaccane.com/2019/10/10/caro ... e-acclaim/

[Habs GM]

Teddy Blueger

DF 62 to 70

"It is not the offense or the goal-scoring that makes Blueger such an impactful player.

It is his defense.

For now, let us dig into some numbers for Blueger and his performance. We start with his 5-on-5 impact and his league-wide rankings among the 240 forwards that have played at least 500 minutes this season."

Total shot attempts against/60 Minutes: 47.7 (7th)
Goals against/60 minutes: 1.66 (11th)
Expected goals against/60 minutes: 1.75 (4th)
Scoring chances against/60 minutes: 19.9 (4th)
High-danger scoring chances against/60 minutes: 7.46 (4th)

https://www.pensburgh.com/2020/1/22/210 ... ger-impact

Further enhanced by his performance in 2020/21

https://www.pensburgh.com/2021/6/9/2252 ... dy-blueger

"Blueger’s 200-foot game and consistency in any role has provided a steady presence in the lineup. From centering one of the best shut down lines in recent Pens history, to being one of the league’s best penalty killers, he is one of the team’s best all-around players."

https://thehockeywriters.com/teddy-blue ... t-players/

[bluesgm]

Kevin Fiala
SP 77 Ask 82-83
sk: 76 ask 80
DF: 55 ask: a bump (58-60 whatever league avg is)

Fiala is one of the fastest players in the league. He is the fastest Wild player since Gaborik
https://www.startribune.com/kevin-fiala ... 567117632/

https://theathletic.com/1598073/2020/02 ... ust-begun/
"The former Wild general manager told us about Kevin Fiala’s “electric stick,” his “unique” vision and that exceptional skill that allows him to score off the rush or in tight areas, often after catching defenders off guard with his lightning speed "


https://gonepuckwild.com/2019/08/26/10- ... vin-fiala/
"When you watch him play, you see a fast skater with great edges, high-end skill and excellent vision.”

Fiala has also improved defensively as isn't a liability anymore. He should have whatever average is in the league as a defender. Certainly not a plus defender but not below average anymore either. He finished 13th in the NHL in takeaways and even earned some :20/gm PK time this yr from Dean Evason, which isn't a ton but when you consider the Wild have JEE, Bonino, Foligno,Zuccarrello and others...it just show he is progressing defensively

https://www.statmuse.com/nhl/ask?q=2020 ... ay+leaders

Matthew BArzal
SP: 83...asking 90 (top speed rating)
SK 83 ask 85
https://www.nhl.com/news/islanders-barz ... -314272918

truthfully don't think I need any other proof....
https://nypost.com/2020/01/25/islanders ... ater-ever/

But he had the fastest time ever and plays like it as well. BArzal has proven to be the fastest guy and his ratings should reflect that.

[Dallas Chris]

Anthony Duclair

DF = 56, asking for 62


He has slowly started to become much more responsible defensively. He actually played on the PK this season this year in FLA. He lead FLA in +/- and was 7th in the league. He averaged 0.35 mins per game on the PK.

http://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?report ... ageSize=50


Pavel Buchnevich

DF = 55, asking for 68

Averaged 2.19 min/game on the PK.

http://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?report ... ageSize=50

[adam - sabres]

Sean Walker

SP: 76requesting 78
SK: 76requesting 78
DF: 69requesting 71-73

In Walker, the Kings are retaining a sound, NHL regular defenseman, who by some metrics ranked amongst the top defensemen in the NHL. Walker was a Top-15 rearguard leaguewide in both shot attempts for and shot attempt differential, finishing at +219 in the latter category. Analytically speaking, Walker was also a bright spot as he led the Kings in Corsi For (1080) and posted positive numbers in both Corsi (54.8) and Fenwick (53.8), while starting the second highest percentage of his shifts in the defensive zone amongst regular Kings blueliners.

As he progressed from an up-and-down player to a regular, the confidence that Walker showed at the NHL level began to grow. In the AHL, Walker was known as an elite skater who used that skating ability to join the rush and create odd-man opportunities, and as a player who could help contribute offense from the blueline. In Year 2 at the NHL level, those qualities began to shine through more so with the Kings as well.
http://lakingsinsider.com/2020/09/14/ex ... ith-kings/

Career wise 100+ games has a 2.6CF% and 2.3FF% with 51.6% D-Zone starts
https://www.hockey-reference.com/player ... ese01.html

The undrafted free agent out of Bowling Green now plays for a couple of legendary Falcons in Los Angeles. And if you want to know how the blueliner made it to the NHL, just check out his wheels.
“He’s a tremendous skater,” said coach Todd McLellan. “He’s got great anticipation skills, he’s given us a fifth of a season of real good hockey so far and I didn’t anticipate that going in. It just goes to show that you don’t always know players from the outside until you get in as a coach, or you’re in the room and you begin to understand what makes players tick. You begin to appreciate them a lot more and ‘Walks’ is one of those guys.”
“I tell him all the time, he’s got some of the quickest first two, three, four strides, so he can skate himself out of trouble a lot,” Martinez said. “He’s a smart player and his feet are a big asset for him. His transition game is pretty strong and he’s good at holding a line or picking off a pass and going the other way pretty quickly.”
https://www.si.com/hockey/news/who-is-s ... -thats-who

If you’ve watched all or any of the first 15 games the Kings have played this season, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed Sean Walker. He’s not Drew Doughty, but he’s been the Kings’ best, and most effective, defenseman on most nights.

A big factor in McLellan’s comfort with starting Walker in the defensive zone is Walker’s ability to break the puck out. Walker exhibits poise with the puck wherever he is on the ice, and the defensive zone is no exception. Outside of Doughty, Walker demonstrates the most poise with the puck on his stick among Kings defensemen, though I’d argue he’s been better in that area than Doughty this season.

Walker skating with his eyes up is enough to temporarily freeze the opposition.

Walker shows tremendous control in these situations by utilizing his stick blade angle to persuade the skating angles of oncoming defenders, and the use of sudden changes of speed and direction aid in creating space for him in the open ice.
https://theathletic.com/1359739/2019/11 ... er-is-yes/

“It’s early, but it’s nice when it’s that early and the kid is making that kind of impact, showing that he has speed, is willing to move pucks and take chances,” Futa noted. “He shoots the puck well, too. Everything about him looks like it’s going to be a great fit.”
https://frozenroyalty.net/2019/01/28/sean-walker/

Though the team has appeared enamored with his more intangible attributes – his name surfaced throughout much of 2017-18 as a player having a positive impact on several levels in Ontario – he also possesses the type of attributes that work in concert with the team’s push for additional skill and speed. He’s athletic, competitive and very mobile, with “skating off the charts.”
http://lakingsinsider.com/2018/07/03/mo ... ed-to-elc/

“Walks has legs, and I think today’s defensemen, moving forward, it used to be, ‘boy, that guy makes a good first pass and he’s able to get out of trouble that way,” Todd McLellan said. “Today’s defencemen are built with that in mind. The first pass is important, the ability to break it out, but can you escape danger or forecheck or conflict using your legs? And Walks can do that, and he’s got a very good hockey engine. He can stay on the ice a long time without a lot of fatigue. At least physically, mentally, he’s still learning how to deal with situations, but he played good minutes, he played a lot of minutes and he was capable of it.”
https://lastwordonsports.com/hockey/201 ... an-walker/

Walker is a former undrafted free agent who has played his way into an important role with the Kings in just three years. He has eight goals and 26 assists in 109 games over the past two seasons in Los Angeles, emerging as a productive two-way defenseman and an impressive, speedy skater.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/n ... /113934612

[adam - sabres]

Ivan Provorov:

SP: 76Requested 78
SK: 76Requested 78
DF: 72Requested 75-77

Philly was a bit of a dumpster fire in general, but Provorov was by far the best of the bunch last year.

Has excellent skating ability and a penchant for displaying tremendous mobility on the ice. Is also extremely conscious of the defensive zone. Has all-round ability.
https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/player-bio/ivan-provorov/bio

It’s rare to come across a gifted offensive defenseman who excels equally as well in his own end but Provorov is exactly that. His impressive skating allows him to recover after offensive chances and his smart stick breaks up plays with ease.
https://dobberprospects.com/ivan-provorov/

He's a really good defender, good skater. You have to make almost an unreal play to beat him. If you go 1-on-1, if you make a play when he's on you, it's good for you. Just super-hard to play against him.
https://www.nhl.com/news/ivan-provorov- ... -281153414

Provorov is an outstanding two-way defenseman known more for his ability to nip scoring chances in the bud at an elite level. He’s a very good skater who can change the pace of a game; smooth, deceptively quick and very good at changing gears to catch opponents flat footed. He’s listed at 6’0, but at 200 pounds, he maintains a low center of gravity which makes him very difficult to establish position on. Provorov also uses a very long stick which helps him execute timely poke checks. Couple his reach with his elite positioning, and you have one of the best amateur defensemen at limiting opposing puck handlers with time and space. He is able to play his man close enough to allow him to blanket the puck carrier, even if they stop on a dime and reverse the direction of the puck. He’s the blueline equivalent of Guy Carbonneau; a modern-day permanent shadow.
https://www.thedraftanalyst.com/nhl-dra ... -provorov/

Corey Sznajder of The Energy Line was able to track 68 Philadelphia games this season, recording individual zone entries, zone exits, and passing sequences for every player. This allows us to evaluate multiple aspects of a player’s skillset, and determine if the eye test is supported by the time-consuming process of counting each event in a game. When it comes to Ivan Provorov, they reveal very few holes in his game. Let’s start with his play in the defensive zone. We already know from our evaluation of MacDonald back on May 26th that Provorov performed admirably in suppressing shot quality by opponents in the defensive zone, ranking second among Flyers defensemen in On-Ice xG Allowed Per Shot Attempt since 2014-15. But that only gives us a look at his play without the puck. Zone exit tracking, on the other hand, tells us how well Provorov performed in the defensive zone with the puck on his stick. In the 68 games tracked, no Flyers blueliner was more effective while handling the puck in his own end than Ivan Provorov. His Controlled Exit rate of 51.89% led the defense, meaning that over half of the times that he controlled the puck with the goal of leaving the zone, he was able to move it into the neutral zone either by carrying it out himself, or by cleanly passing to a teammate. Just as important, Provorov avoided turnovers, posting a 20.10% Failed Exit rate that ranked second among Philadelphia blueliners. Basically, Provorov was regularly making high-difficulty plays in the defensive zone with the puck while still limiting mistakes. That’s the ideal combination.
https://www.broadstreethockey.com/phila ... hia-flyers

…but he’s no slouch in the defensive end. “I don’t know why guys keep trying to go down his side. Waste of time. His gap-control is exceptional,”
https://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/nhl/pro ... -provorov/