Season 33 Challenges Thread - Due Saturday, March 26

[John - Sharks]

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

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

[BigMac3110]

Cale Makar
Current SP - 78
Requested SP - 83
Current SK - 78
Requested SK - 84
Current DF - 72
Requested DF - 75


Just want to preface this by saying there are a lot of current NHL players (Doughty, Karlsson, Larkin) and former players (Gretzky, Coffey, Bourque, Lidström) who rave about Makar's skating and saying that is better than theirs (Doughty/Karlsson being the best comparable since they are also d-men). Along with that I will showcase why I think Makar is easily the best skating defence-man in the league (by a decent margin) and why he deserves these ratings.

Most of this covers his skating and speed
Makar finished 5th in the recent fastest skater competition, beating out the following players...

Kyle Connor (82SP, 82SK)
Dylan Larkin (85SP, 84SK)
Evgeny Kuznetsov (79SP, 82SK)

and was bet out by only beat by slim margins by the following speedsters

Connor McDavid (90SP, 88SK) - note the fastest skater in the league beat him by only 0.144 seconds
Chris Kreider (87SP, 82SK) - 0.17 seconds


While this is of course just a singular event and far from a perfect test, it shows that Makar can keep up with, and beat some of the fastest players in the league. Along with this being the most recent set of data like this, it is up to date and not a skating competition from 10 years ago.
https://dknation.draftkings.com/nhl/202 ... or-mcdavid


In both SHL and CDNHL Makar is rated at 80SP and 80SK, while both these leagues use different formulas for their ratings than DHL, I think it can be agreed upon that speed and skating are stats that really shouldn't differentiate that much just based on the nature of the stat is really just the eye test and no real formula for it like ST. I do think that after his showing at the fastest skater competition that in both of these leagues his SP/SK could be challenged higher as well in the summer.
http://www.cdnhl.simhockeyfans.com/Page ... am=SanJose
http://www.shl.simhockeyfans.com/Page/L ... am=Buffalo

Is an excellent skater

Swift

https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/26416/Cale_Makar

“He walks the blue line as well as anyone I’ve ever seen,” says Coffey, who himself is generally regarded as one of the best skaters ever.

It all starts with his skating abilities, on display this weekend at the NHL’s fastest skater competition and All-Star Game. Though he didn’t win the fastest skater contest Friday, Makar was the only defenseman to participate, and his stride and smoothness were again on display as he had a pair of assists in the three-on-three game Saturday.

And with Makar, it goes beyond pure speed. Coffey, top skating coaches and other top modern skaters point to Makar’s agility, sturdiness and creativity — his explosiveness off both the outside and inside edges of his skate blades — as what makes him special.

It also makes him difficult to play against. Just ask Dylan Larkin, the fastest skater competition’s all-time record holder.

“You have no idea what he’s going to do: It could be a hip swivel and he’s down the boards and past you, or he can tiptoe across the blue line and hang onto it and then protect it or shoot it,” the Red Wings forward says. “It’s quite the headache.”

“The crossover and that explosiveness was generated from both his inside and outside edge,” explains Derek Popke, a skating coach in Vancouver who works with multiple NHLers, including Bowen Byram and Sam Reinhart. “He generated power to push on his inside edge and then follow that push with his outside edge to cross under and then explode under the turn.

“Makar as a skater is actually sort of a model,” says Barry Karn, a Minnesota-based skating coach who has worked for multiple NHL teams. “There isn’t anything you wouldn’t grade at the A level, let alone all the things you would grade at the A-plus level. He has just perfect balance on his skates.”

Karn keeps the Chicago highlight on his phone to show skaters, and he uses multiple analogies for Makar’s skating. The defenseman’s elite balance and form help him glide across the ice, and Karn says that makes him look like someone running on an airport’s moving walkway rather than running on the more-resistant carpet.

“He can skate in a higher-number gear than other people can, and it’s easy, it’s efficient, for him,” Karn says. “He’s just traveling everywhere on the ice so much faster. Exponentially, really.”

Popke also believes Makar maximizes his skating ability by maintaining good hand positioning and puck placement. Small details like that, he says, are what separate excellent players from exceptional ones.

When it comes to edgework, Makar says much of what he’s able to do comes from opening his hips, allowing him to change directions quickly. Larkin is impressed by how the defenseman is able to gain speed while doing this, saying it reminds him of Sidney Crosby, the first player he remembers watching do it effectively.

“The new generation, Cale is probably the leader of that (with) how he moves his body to protect the puck while also building speed and buying space for himself to make plays,” Larkin says.

His skating benefits him defensively, too. Larkin says Makar has gotten better at moving his feet to defend, and Popke notes that to stop elite skating forwards like Brad Marchand, defensemen have to be able to match their hip mobility and edgework.

“It’s not about being a big burly defenseman back there,” Popke says. “It’s about mobility. And that’s where the game is moving. It’s about who can move.”

--> This quote is in bold as it goes on to say how his skating has also made him a great defender

Barbara Aidelbaum has coached skating for more than 40 years, working with the likes of Pavel Bure and Shea Theodore. She’s never worked with Makar — Popke and Karn haven’t, either — but has paid attention to his skating throughout his young career. She’s impressed by his flexibility and, like Larkin, notes his hip mobility, which she says he showed during his overtime goal against Chicago.

“In order to do that at high speeds, you have to have really exceptional external rotation,” she says. “Your hips have to be very flexible and you have to be able to turn your hips extremely fast. You don’t just do that on the ice. That comes from your off-ice training.”

“Yeah, it’s faster. But nobody’s faster than him.”

--> Quote from Paul Coffey

This article is essentially a hall of fame d-man in Paul Coffey, the great one himself in Gretzky, one of the fastest skaters in the league now in Dylan Larkin, and some of the best skating coaches around gushing about Makars speed and how well he skates, with a lot of the article going on about how he is what these coaches show young players as an example of skating. These individuals are all of the highest quality to be evaluating his skating
https://theathletic.com/3112682/2022/02 ... t-perfect/

has impressed with outstanding skating ability. He is quick in both directions. He has very good speed, and acceleration. However, it is in his agility and edge work where he really shines. Makar has excellent lateral mobility and can cover a ton of ice. His pivots are crisp and clean, allowing him to cover 360 degrees of ice. He can pinch deep, or join the rush, and also get back defensively in the AJHL. While Makar may not be able to take quite as many chances at higher levels of hockey, his skating skill should continue to be a big advantage in his game. Makar also has very good core strength and balance, making him tough to knock off the puck.

https://lastwordonsports.com/2017/04/07 ... l-draft-9/

High-end hockey IQ and understands his own game very well, allowing him to stay coachable and play to his strengths in any situation

--> defense

A fantastic skater… an effortless stride and light feet…loses no speed in transitions and is difficult to lock down

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/199655/cale-makar

Because he’s both shifty and willing to shoot, he can keep defenders guessing. Putting too much attention on Makar can easily burn a player if they overcommit, or don’t keep an eye on who else is on the ice -- that’s one of the toughest parts about playing the Avalanche, especially when their best is deployed.



With his skating ability, he buys himself time and space, and can pivot away from defenders who don’t anticipate his next movements.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/ma ... efenceman/

“There’s no panic in his game at all,” says Nicklas Lidstrom, arguably the greatest defenseman of all time. “His ability to read plays and make plays — and then you add the skating on top of that — makes him so dangerous on offense.”

“His offense is off the charts,” the Los Angeles defenseman said at the time. “He knows how to shoot the puck. He knows how to even skate way better than me. So I automatically can’t do some of that stuff right off the bat.”

--> quote from Drew Doughty who has a 77SP and 80SK

Adds the Sharks’ Karlsson, a two-time Norris winner when he was with the Senators: “He’s very mobile with the puck and without the puck, and he’s good at making reads.

Once again another article where current players who were top d-men (or still are) and retired legendary d-men are giving him nothing but praise.
https://theathletic.com/2583454/2021/05 ... he-has-it/

The way he commands games, skates effortlessly, moves the puck throughout all 200ft of ice

https://twsn.net/2022/01/all-hail-cale

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbIvWYDpvJ4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbIvWYDpvJ4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-4GLjMyKM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-4GLjMyKM

These 2 examples above are just 2 of many examples of Makars skating being on another level compared to his other blueline peers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoAQFSJQrNM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoAQFSJQrNM

This is a contemplation of his edge work, it is insane how well he skates, 83SK on the surface for a d-man is admittedly out of the norm, but this player's skating is also out of the norm so I think the player justifies the rating request

https://streamable.com/l783gm
This above video also showcases Makar's elite (don't even think elite is a great enough of a term to describe it) edgework.

https://twitter.com/NBCSportsHockey/sta ... 18?lang=en
Once again another clip of Makar and his skating

Like Orr and Coffey, Makar is a world-class skater. His hip movement is unique and deceptive. “The thing that impresses me so much is his edgework,” Johnson said. “He gets so deep on his edges and can really score from any way, any angle, and he can get on any edge and shoot. Just the way he skates is special. It’s fun to watch as a player and his teammate.”

Like Orr and Coffey, Makar is a world-class skater. His hip movement is unique and deceptive. “The thing that impresses me so much is his edgework,” Johnson said. “He gets so deep on his edges and can really score from any way, any angle, and he can get on any edge and shoot. Just the way he skates is special. It’s fun to watch as a player and his teammate.”

https://thehockeynews.com/news/the-marvelous-cale-makar

his strong skating ability

https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/player.php?id=5417

swift-skating

https://milehighsports.com/an-already-a ... e-surface/

Makar has quickly become one of the best transition players in hockey. His skating is powerful, dynamic and oftentimes deceptive as you can see in the clip below. Makar has some of the crispest and seamless edgework in the NHL and that allows him to move the puck up the ice with ease

Makar’s ability to get up the ice with speed and power as well as his agile skating makes him a difficult player to stop as he makes his way through the neutral zone

https://dobberprospects.com/2019/11/27/ ... ale-makar/





All of this below will be addressing defense

Makar faces stiff competition for the title of the NHL’s best defensemen, but his impact at both ends of the ice elevates him above the field. Many of his peers are porous defensively

For the many reasons zone entries are valued as barometers of effective transitional play, the prevention of these same entries is a crucial part of stemming the momentum of the opposition’s attack and dismantling their overall strategy. The process of breaking up zone entries usually takes two forms – intercepting passes and dump-ins near the blue line, or swatting the puck away when opponents target your side of the ice. In both cases, stopping a coordinated entrance into the defensive zone is the goal. By reducing the likelihood that a team can calmly set up their scheme, the potential for yielding dangerous chances drops precipitously.

Now, I’m not suggesting Makar represents the summit of defensive play, but his ability to break up play boosts his cumulative impact past that of his peers who may be significantly lacking in either department. It’s important to speak to the limitations of such micro-stats – metrics which gauge a very isolated aspect of a hockey game – as zone entry defense. As the metric is limited to one part of play, it can be easy to extrapolate a player’s proficiency in one metric to his ability in the bigger picture. A player may be adept at restricting zone entries, but they may be terrible at conceding scoring chances near the net. The key is to balance the analysis, and identify where deficiencies may be linked.

Back to Makar, the 2019-20 Calder Trophy winner is far from a liability when it comes to leaking zone entries with possession. He grades out as just about league average on the percentage of entries he prevents (10%), and above-average in the number of zone entries allowed which immediately lead to a chance against (1.63 per-60-minutes), and how frequently he surrenders a carry-in (52% of targets). Remember, a clean entry is differentiated from a dump-in. As far as challengers to the throne go, only Adam Fox compares favourably to Makar, performing slightly worse in each department. Zone entry defence is but one aspect of a player’s defensive duties, but a pattern of success is evident.

Consequently, the Avalanche concede very few shots and scoring chances against when Makar is roaming the ice. His Fenwick against per-60-minutes (FA/60) – measures shot differential but excludes attempts that fail to reach the net – is the 10th best rate over the past two seasons. Similarly, the expected goals against metric (xGA) which indicates the cumulative value of scoring chances conceded paints Makar and his most frequent partner Devon Toews as one of the NHL’s stingiest defensive pairs, ranking third among pairings with at least 300 minutes played at five-on-five according to Moneypuck. By xGA/60 (rate stats account for ice-time discrepancies), Makar individually ranks 11th among defensemen who have played at least 1000 minutes. Teams don’t possess the puck when he’s on, and fail to generate notable scoring chances as a result.

This strategy is unintuitive, but the logic is sound. If the other team does not have the puck, they cannot test the opposing goalie – it’s that simple. Makar and company achieve these goals through means which are in direct opposition to entrenched norms fostered by years of tradition. Physical dominance and dirty stick work were staples of defensive schemes in pre-lockout hockey, but they are useless in the age of increased penalization of obstruction. It’s time to reconsider what defines good defence, because Makar does not subscribe to antiquated philosophies of the past.

With Makar’s offensive brilliance well-established, let’s observe how he compares to perennial Norris contenders in key on-ice metrics depicting his success in play-driving and shot- and chance-surpression. I’ve already shown how far away from the pack Makar is in terms of transition play, production, and passing talent, so missing out on the title of NHL’s best overall defenseman would require that his peers markedly outstrip him in the defensive areas of the game. As you’ll see, they don’t come relatively close.

Screenshot (49).png (68.36 KiB) Viewed 1802 times

The above graph shows that he has better than some of the NHL's elite defenders in key defensive stats

Surprisingly, Boston’s Charlie McAvoy is the only one of the five who approach Makar’s impeccable results, but his offensive game fails to eclipse the Avalanche superstar’s astronomical impact in attack, although he’s not terribly far behind. The table suggests that none of the defensemen are perfect, but that some are able to mitigate their weaknesses in one facet of the game (conceding quality scoring chances for example) by creating just as many – if not more – opportunities going the other way. However, Makar stands alone when combining his cumulative impact on both ends of the ice, a remarkable feat for a player just about to feature in his third regular season campaign.

One of the most useful proxies for individual defensive effectiveness available to the public is the rate at which a player takes penalties. If a players consistently finds themselves out of position and a step behind the play, it follows that they are more likely to take penalties to impede their defensive matchup’s progress. Using their stick compensates for their limited on-ice awareness or physical deficiencies, but leads to detrimental penalties as a result.

Makar’s skating strength clearly translates to rarely being caught cheating defensively, ranking 13th in minor penalties taken per-60 since 2019-20. Even if he overplays his hand, he can quickly regain his composure with his powerfully rapid stride. Until age-related decline diminishes his natural gifts, Makar continues to confidently leverage his physical tools to mask his (rare) missteps.

When it comes to neutering the threat of opposing attacking schemes, no one more succinctly embodies the adage of offence being the best form of defence than Makar and the Avalanche. By constantly controlling the puck and refusing to relinquish possession, they are able to restrict the number of scoring opportunities enjoyed by their opponents, prudently demonstrating effective defence through their straightforward offensive strategy.

Similarly, Makar’s ability to swiftly shift into gear allows him to capitalize on his opponent’s lackadaisical puck control and momentary lapses in concentration. In terms of takeaways – which includes interceptions and stick lifts – he can sharply reverse the flow of play and incite a rapid transition into Colorado’s favoured lightning-quick style. Since his regular season debut in 2019, Makar completes 1.91 takeaways per-60, the sixth best rate in the league. Such a uniquely extensive offensive package merged with intuitive situational awareness is a terrifying proposition for NHL’s defences to have to address.

It’s only fair to note why certain statistics could be misleading. Makar’s stellar results could be chalked up to Colorado’s possessional dominance and micro-stats such as zone entry denials focus on a single, isolated facet of a hockey game, but he is not a defensive liability, in spite of his identity as an offensive dynamo.

https://thehockeywriters.com/avalanches ... efenseman/

Players, including defenders, have to be able to skate. The best defence isn’t always a slow approach that relies on being peppered with shots against and blocking scoring chances. It can be a more proactive approach of looking for stick plays to break up chances or force takeaways, and quickly transition play right back up the ice.

That’s something Makar’s more than able to do. He has seven takeaways this season at 5-on-5 through 26 games, while his primary partner, Devon Toews, has nine. From there, he’s able to bring the puck out of the defensive end with control, whether he makes the outlet pass or carries it out himself, which is what he tends to do. Makar’s 9.84 carry-outs rank 13th in the league among defenders, and are followed by a successful play about 79 per cent of the time.



When their leading defender is on the ice at 5-on-5, the Avalanche concede only 1.84 expected goals against per 60 -- that’s the seventh-best mark among blue liners in the league.

Makar’s game relies on his skating ability; he’s able to weave around his opponents to transition the puck out of danger in the defensive zone, sometimes all the way up to the offensive end. Zone entries are generally jobs for a team’s forwards, and that’s no different in Colorado. But among defenders in the league, few skate the puck in at a higher rate than the Avalanche back at 5-on-5. Makar's 5.83 attempts per 60 ranks fourth in the league only behind Roman Josi, teammate Jacob MacDonald, and Darnell Nurse. About 53 per cent of the time there’s a successful play to follow those carry-ins.



Sometimes, those plays end in a shot attempt -- whether off Makar’s stick, or one of Colorado’s skilled forwards. Despite missing time to injury, he still leads the team in all situation shot attempts and is second at 5-on-5 behind only Nathan MacKinnon. And those shots come both off the rush and cycle. Unlike some defenders, including his partner Toews, Makar’s not going to be seen with his stick in the air waiting to rip a one-timer (he’s more of the setup-guy for those shots). He will, however, be found making his way to the slot at a higher rate than most defenders; his 2.33 slot attempts per 60 rank 21st.

https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/ma ... efenceman/

This guy did all that and more: just taking charge, whether it be rushing with the puck or making things happen offensively and being very responsible defensively.”

--> quote from Ray Bourque
https://theathletic.com/2583454/2021/05 ... he-has-it/

Smart in his own end even though he is anchored by Devin Toews, Makar is crafty and responsible on his own end. A solid defender at 5v5, he shines as a skater

https://twsn.net/2022/01/all-hail-cale

Screenshot (51).png (35.43 KiB) Viewed 1747 times

The above graph shows the rankings of the best top d-pairings in the league, in this case for the Avs it's Makar and Toews, and they are considerably better than the 2nd ranked top pairing

They dominate possession, pile up offensive chances and surrender very little defensively — they’re a terrifying force for opposing teams to deal with

https://theathletic.com/3136620/2022/02 ... GcKuN8vMs0


Makar has finished 9th and 2nd the past 2 seasons (his first 2 seasons) in the NHL, also has a +4 takeaway to giveaway ratio showing that he isn't a liability on the ice at all
https://www.hockey-reference.com/player ... rca01.html

He's emerged as an elite all-around defenseman

https://www.rotowire.com/hockey/player.php?id=5417

There’s no keeping Cale Makar off our penalty kill. He’s going to have to block shots on the flank, he’s going to have to do the job that every other number one D-man does

https://milehighsports.com/an-already-a ... e-surface/

[Ted Riot]

Trying to keep this short..

Damon Severson DF 71 -> 75

https://www.allaboutthejersey.com/2022/ ... ing-dynamo

'To put this in a larger perspective, 44 defensemen in the NHL have played over 80 minutes of shorthanded ice time this season prior to Sunday’s games. This is a list that includes top defenders like Jaccob Slavin, Aaron Ekblad, and Alex Pietrangelo as well as more specialized (read: defensive) defensemen like Jake Muzzin, Justin Braun, and Derek Forbort. Among this group of 44 defenders, Severson has the 3rd lowest (read: best) CA/60, the 5th lowest SA/60, the 4th lowest SCA/60, the 2nd lowest HDCA/60, and 3rd lowest xGA/60 rates. This is not a mistake. Damon Severson is arguably one of the best defensemen in penalty killing situations in the entire league this season who also play a lot of shorthanded minutes. (Aside: So is Jonas Siegenthaler. Ryan Graves is not too shabby on this list too.) Yes, Damon Severson is a top penalty killer this season. That is exceptional.

It is true that Severson is not the sole reason for this. Alain Nasreddine and the coaches agreed to dump the passive diamond that opponents picked on in October in favor of the wedge-plus-one that the team has had so much success with in recent seasons. The team’s penalty success rate has soared with excellent performances in November and December. Likewise, the play with common teammates such as Jimmy Vesey, Michael McLeod (better with Vesey than McLeod), Graves, Siegenthaler (better with Siegenthaler than Graves) points to the unit benefitting as a group as opposed to one player making it all work. However, it cannot be ignored that Severson on-ice rates with certain teammates as well as his overall on-ice rates in shorthanded situations have been quite low for PK situations. At the least we can conclude that Severson is doing something very right on the penalty kill. Again, a situation where one would think someone as randomly contentious and penalty-happy as Severson would not do well in. But he is, especially in 2021-22. Now he just needs to stay out of the box so he can keep helping the Devils succeed on penalty kills.

[Chris-Wild]

J.T. Compher
Current DF: 62

JT averages 2+ mins/gp on the pk. Consistently top 2 among Colorado F in SHTOI and top 20 among F in NHL SHTOI.
https://www.quanthockey.com/nhl/seasons ... stats.html

His strong sense of defensive awareness makes him an underrated pick-pocket, and he uses his speed to capitalize on defensive miscues from his opposition and generate scoring chances even on the penalty kill. Using a threshold of 10 minutes played on the penalty kill, Compher is one of the league’s best at creating offense out of the numerical mismatches inherent to killing penalties. He ranks eighth in points per 60 minutes and 12th in individual expected goals created, meaning other teams must be aware of him when he’s on the ice. If they slip up, he’ll embarrass them, as the Washington Capitals experienced earlier this season. Apart from being a penalty-killing maven, Compher is hitting a new gear as an offensive threat at even-strength and on the power play.

https://thehockeywriters.com/avalanches ... gger-role/

Asking for a DF of 68

[Jamie]

Garnet Hathaway
DF from 59 to 70
SP/SK from 65 to 75

17 to 11 giveaway to takeaway ration so far this year. 35 blocked shots. 162 hits (yet only 0.7 PIM/game)
Currently +15!
1:03 SH TOI/GP.

https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/1838 ... t_Hathaway
he is capable of winning board battles with consistency. Gets under opponents' skin, too.

https://novacapsfans.com/2022/02/18/the ... victories/
They don’t get paid for scoring goals, but get paid for playing defense.
They are tasked night in and night out at stopping the opposing team’s superstars, and yet, somehow they not only find a way to defend against the superstars, but also find a way to score.

https://russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2 ... on-review/
They started shifts with a faceoff 570 times during the regular season, but just 61 of them were in the offensive zone. While it’s fallen out of fashion to use zone starts to understand player context, this line’s defensive usage is noteworthy on a historic scale.
Out of 5,015 player-seasons, the Caps fourth line is in the elite top-30 freakazoid zone, full of sickos who love to play hockey on hard mode, closest to their own net. And yet, despite being mega-disadvantaged, their line saw shot attempt totals like this:

444 for the Caps
446 for the opponents
In every other possession stat, they were slightly above 50 percent, including a plus-one goal differential. For a line effectively sacrificed to protect the value of the subject of Friday, June 18, that’s bananas.

https://novacapsfans.com/2021/11/18/gar ... rtunities/
...his grittiness and defensive capability has made the line a useful one for Head Coach Peter Laviolette.


https://capitalsoutsider.com/2019/10/14 ... -hathaway/
Hathaway has already brought speed and presence to the Capitals line up...


Nolan Patrick
DF from 58 to 64
SP/SK from 75 to 77

His ES GF to GA is 9 to 5 with just over 10 minutes played per game. Great ratio.
52.4 face off %
8 takeaways compared to 4 giveaways.

https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/21942/Nolan_Patrick
Owns great pedigree and hockey sense...
Can play in all game situations and is a very mature player in all three zones.

https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/2 ... an-patrick
...all-round player. Patrick has few, if any, holes in his game...
His hockey sense and competitiveness is top notch.
Patrick is a reliable two-way player and will do an excellent job on the penalty kill.

https://theathletic.com/2718753/2021/07 ... nce-boost/
A talented skater...

https://www.crossingbroad.com/2021/01/b ... hopes.html
...he 22-year-old’s play was faster. It could be a result of him continuing to grow and reach the level of explosiveness you’d expect to see as a guy matures from a teenager to someone in their 20s.

https://puckprose.com/2021/07/17/philad ... n-knights/
...it wouldn’t surprise me if Vegas leaned on the more defensive aspects of Patrick’s game going forward...

[BigMac3110]

Pius Suter
Current SP - 75
Requested SP - 78
Current SK - 75
Requested SK - 78
Current DF - 60
Requested DF - 68

Defense

Suter is the 2nd leading forward in Short Handed Ice time among forwards for the Red Wings with 106:21
https://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?repor ... ageSize=50

Suter finding ways to contribute both offensively and defensively for Red Wings

He's got great hockey sense both offensively and defensively.

I think he's done a good job since we've used him fairly regularly on the PK. Smart defensively. So, he's a good, all-around player

He's smart. He's good defensively, and in a smart way. I would say he definitely has met the expectations

https://www.nhl.com/redwings/news/pius- ... -329254202

Suter certainly looks like a polished player who can provide a strong two-way game. He was responsible defensively, which is impressive

He’s a strong defensive player

https://zonecoverage.com/2021/wild/pius ... ter-depth/

Suter also finished this past season with 27 takeaways versus 19 giveaways; a player with a positive ratio in this regard not only helps create offense, but it helps on the defensive side of things. For a team like the Red Wings that places an emphasis on two-way play, this had to have been a consideration when Yzerman offered him a contract

He had a knack for coming across as very clam and confident, during any part of the game or scenario, so that bodes well for his ability to progress in a more defensive manner.” While he reaffirmed his stance that Suter is more of an offensive player, he also stated, “I also wouldn’t worry about him while he’s out there for a defensive draw, for whatever it’s worth

“Yes,” Filippelli answered when I asked if he would feel comfortable using Suter on the penalty kill

https://thehockeywriters.com/red-wings- ... rsatility/

Suter has taken the puck away 32 times this season versus giving it away 26 times, which once again show's he's a good defensive player and not a liability on the ice
https://www.hockey-reference.com/player ... rpi01.html

Is improving his play away from the puck and can be used on both special teams (he is a trustworthy player)

https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/25832/Pius_Suter

deploy Suter on the penalty kill

As a defender, Suter shows an active stick and a willingness to play with a high motor in his own zone. He does a nice job of taking away space for his opponent. Suter is responsible and understands his responsibilities and can play within a system

Suter will show he is a trusted two-way forward

https://www.the-rink.com/breaking-down- ... ng-season/

He brings a good compete level to the ice and plays an effective two-way game. He back-checks well and is aware of his defensive tasks. Does not lay out big hits or play with a physical edge, but uses an active stick to be in passing lanes and shows determination in puck battles. He is also an effective fore-checker while using that active stick work to create turnovers.

Suter is extremely dangerous when playing shorthanded, where he plays big minutes under ZSC coach Marc Crawford. He uses his strong hockey smarts to read plays and anticipates passes to create turnovers. He has scored on several shorthanded breakaways this season using his instincts, stick work and transition game. Suter is making smart decisions with and without the puck and is not committing a lot of mistakes. I have barely seen him admitting turnovers as he carries the puck carefully

plays a sound all-around game. Never gives up on the play and possesses a versatile set of individual skills. Has a goal scorer’s mindset, but is dependable at both ends of the ice; can contribute in a number of different ways

Suter has the potential to become a smart two-way player who uses his hockey smarts, good decision-making and willingness to battle. His high compete level and determination make his size forgotten and complete his 360-degree profile.

NHL comparison: Frans Nielsen

https://thehockeywriters.com/pius-suter ... t-profile/

Speed

Suter is a very good skater

https://dobberprospects.com/player/pius-suter/

is a good skater

https://sportsforecaster.com/nhl/p/25832/Pius_Suter

Suter’s game is definitely one that leads to plenty of strong rushes up the ice into the offensive zone. His skating is very good and shifty. He can beat his defender to the outside, but shows keen decision-making, allowing him to work into the center of the ice if his defender crosses him. His ability to make plays at top speed makes him difficult to defend for slower opponents

His shiftiness should remind one of Patrick Kane’s ability to miss checks and keep himself out of harm’s way on most nights. With that being said, the 5-foot-11, 176-pound Suter is strong on his skates

His speed and tenacity are something that should play out for him if he is playing bottom-six minutes

a knack to change momentum with his speed and skating ability

https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sport ... ?gnt-cfr=1

[Francis-NJ]

Limit date for this John?? I need to find some time but Matt Roy DF needs a bump :) Thanks to geve me a date so i plan on doing this

[Habs GM]

Robert Thomas
Current DF - 62
Requested DF - 68

As Thomas has started to see a greater role on St. Louis, his responsibilities continue to grow as demonstrated by his usage in short-handed situation - third on the team in short-handed TOI among forwards along with stronger CF% Rel than the primary penalty killers:

https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/STL/

This was expected as he is a product of the London Knights program and came billed as possessing a defense-first approach with the underlying potential to develop a solid offensive repertoire:

https://www.nhl.com/oilers/news/draft-p ... -289855498

https://www.nhl.com/news/nhl-draft-pros ... -289981882

https://www.canescountry.com/2017/6/15/ ... hurricanes

https://www.habseyesontheprize.com/nhl- ... ft-profile

[Nick - Philly]

Mario Ferraro
Current:
DF = 69
SP = 76
SK = 75

Asking
DF = 72
SP = 78
SK = 77

• Guy has increased his role in the last two seasons and should get a stats bump to reflect that growth.
  Currently playing on the top pair (23:23 TOI Per Game) and top PK pairing (2:35 SH TOI per Game) with Burns.
  Leads the Sharks in blocked shots this season and last season with 127 and 96 respectively
  Has better defensive stats and more minutes than Vlasic (72 DF) on the same team

Articles/Quotes

Currently an alternate captain, Mario Ferraro has become a fan-favorite and go-to defensive player for the Sharks.

In an increased role where he played over 22 minutes per-night in 2020-21, Ferraro flourished. He and Burns’ pairing controlled 51.5 percent of expected-goals despite a sizable jump in ice time and quality of competition from the previous season.

Ferraro is a pivotal part of the Sharks’ future and is a certain top-four mainstay for years to come.

https://thehockeywriters.com/sharks-ple ... or-future/

Bob Boughner on his play:

“He’s a new sort of classic NHL defenseman,” Boughner offered. “Not necessarily the biggest guy, but his feet are amazing. Good stick for a young guy, physical, he can exit the zone clean, he makes good heads-up plays in the neutral zone. His feet allow him to keep pucks alive in the offensive zone.”

https://sanjosehockeynow.com/mario-ferr ... r-captain/

Mario Ferraro’s steadying impact on Brent Burns has allowed the Sharks to consistently use that pair against top lines.

https://theathletic.com/3119281/2022/02 ... -32-teams/

Ferraro’s game is full of speed and energy. He’s an excellent skater, with quick-twitch feet that allow him to gain speed quickly. He has excellent footwork, walks the line at a high level and is able to evade pressure very well. He closes gaps quickly and with force, showing the ability to win puck battles versus men, even with his 5-foot-11 frame. The main question on Ferraro’s game is his offensive upside.

https://theathletic.com/1997844/2020/08 ... se-sharks/

Ferraro elevated into a significant part of San Jose’s team this past season, averaging more than 22 minutes a game for the Sharks. He isn’t the flashiest player, but you always appreciate the way he plays, in particular how hard he competes. He is a great skater, which combined with his effort leads to a style where it looks like he’s buzzing around the ice and making a lot of stops despite being 5-foot-11. The offensive parts of Ferraro’s game may never wow you, but he makes a good outlet pass and shows offensive-zone vision to make some plays. I see him as a long time top-four defenseman

https://theathletic.com/2795375/2021/08 ... am-eklund/


Nicolas Roy
Current:
DF = 59

Asking
DF = 64

Is a regular forward on the Vegas PK with 1:30 PK TOI per game

Nicolas Roy at No. 44 is a personal favorite of mine. Roy is a 6-foot-4 center and while I wouldn’t describe him as dynamic he has nimble hands that allow him to make passing plays even in limited space at the offensive blue line. Roy’s been a strong two-way piece over the last couple of seasons and has chipped in 5-on-5 offense at a bona fide middle-six rate.

https://theathletic.com/3162250/2022/03 ... h-offense/

[John - Sharks]

These are due this Saturday

[RichBasterd]

Florida Panthers

Noah Gregor
Current DF = 57, Requested DF = 66
Current SP/SK = 76, Requested SP/SK = 77

That said, Gregor has done plenty to separate himself from the competition, albeit not on the scoresheet. And he's done it in all three zones:

"I love the motor, I love the skating, I love the energy that he gives," the scout offered.

The Sharks block more shots than any other team in the league.

And on the front line of that is Gregor, who's seventh among NHL forwards with 3.71 blocks per 60 (of 386 forwards, 30-plus games). Among Sharks forwards, only Nick Bonino sacrifices himself more -- he's third in the league with 4.67 blocks per 60 and leads all NHL forwards with 68 blocks this season.

He does a really good job of taking up that space and punching out quick at the stick and not the body."

"Just watching him, from where he was earlier the year before, he's playing a more well-rounded game. He's blocking shots. He had a couple of nice backchecks. He was covering for his defenseman," the scout pointed out. "You can tell that he's doing the right things, and turning into a more well-rounded player."

Referencing Bonino's blocked shots numbers and Bonino's DF is 70 for comparison
https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/shark ... production

Noah Gregor is a talented two-way center in the making. He is not the biggest guy, but battles hard in all three zones, doing what it takes to get the puck.

Gregor is an explosive skater who plays a high-tempo game that defensemen often struggle to keep up with. His first few strides are outstanding, and his hands are easily able to keep up with the foot speed. When Gregor accelerates and uses a quick deke or two to move past his opponents, there is little that can be done to prevent a scoring chance.

Last but not least, Gregor knows his responsibilities in his own zone.

https://thecanuckway.com/2016/06/03/van ... ah-gregor/

NHL Central Scouting had this to say about Gregor:

“Solid two way center with skill and smarts – excellent on the penalty kill; never gives up on a play while back checking and is responsible to stay with his check – battles hard in all areas, strong skater that does a lot of the hard work for line mates.”

What we can take from the information we do have is Gregor is a quick player and has good offensive zone instincts. He is billed as a two-way centre who is highly skilled.

https://canucksarmy.com/2016/05/12/nati ... ah-gregor/

Whichever team he was on he was likely their best scoring option on offense and shut-down skater defensively.

His name might not come up immediately when discussing San Jose’s prospect depth but Gregor’s high motor, offensive upside, and resolve during adverse conditions are all qualities that are tough to ignore.

https://bladesofteal.com/2021/10/13/202 ... -the-year/

Also is a +6 in takeaways-to-giveaways ratio and has 87 hits in 45 games. His possession metrics also show him improving from last yr as well as his Corsi For Rel% and Fenwick Rel % are now in the positive numbers.

https://www.hockey-reference.com/player ... ono01.html

Tanner Jeannot (prospect)
Current SP/SK = 72, Requested SP/SK = 74
Current DF = 68, Requested DF = 70

At the same time, Taylor explains that the “layers” Jeannot needed to add to his game were to do with his skating and puck handling. Jeannot works daily on improving his skating, and worked regularly with Taylor and Assistant Coaches Greg Rallo and Scott Ford on his puck handling skills while he was in the AHL. This allowed him to round out his game so when he got the opportunity to play in the NHL, he played a complete enough game to earn more time.

https://www.ontheforecheck.com/2021/4/1 ... dators-nhl

When you think of a power forward, you think back in the history of the game, and power forwards, a lot of them were big, strapping, fast, could hit, could fight, could score," Predators coach John Hynes said in November. "He has that element to him."

https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports ... 940017001/

Yes, the menacing 6-foot-2, 208-pound right winger leads the Predators with 102 hits and five fighting majors, but there’s more to his game than bullying opponents into submission through relentless forechecking and well-placed right hooks.

Perhaps even more noteworthy is the 24-year-old’s offense hasn’t come at the expense of his defense. Jeannot has developed into a nice complementary power forward behind Filip Forsberg, just as dangerous with the puck on his stick as he is skating full force toward a puck carrier.

"The thing that's been impressive with him is that he's able to produce at the level he's producing, but his game hasn't changed,” Hynes said. “Very rarely have we seen a change in his game. He's been fast, he's been physical, he plays really well without the puck, he gets himself in situations where he can score, and he's scored multiple ways.”

https://www.nashvillepost.com/sports/pr ... 25f78.html

Jeannot, who has 32 points in the same amount of games, has been a more prolific producer in a bottom six role. In terms of making an impact in other areas of the ice, he has clearly been the better player of the two.

Switching Jeannot and Kunin in the lineup would be a good idea because it can be done without having to mess with the structures of each line.

Jeannot was able to get opportunities and showcase his speed off the rush, and of course, he got the goals and assists to show for it.

For reference, Kunin has a 66DF versus Jeannot having current 68DF
https://predlines.com/2022/03/02/nashvi ... -consider/

Jeannot’s physical tools are indeed impressive. He’s 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, but on top of that, he’s always been incredibly fit.

Halbgewachs also went undrafted in the NHL – he’s small by league standards – but he was fast, and he had a skating coach in Saskatchewan named Liane Davis. Jeannot began working with Davis as well, setting him on the path to future success. “We’ve always thought my acceleration and straight-line speed was pretty good,” Jeannot said. “But I wanted to get quicker, get out of the corners quicker, get out to the point quicker. I’ve worked with her every summer for a long time now, and it’s a lot of edgework and something I’ll continue to do for sure.”

For Davis, seeing Jeannot’s evolution over the years has been gratifying – not only in terms of his skating but also his leadership. “Tanner’s gift is his work ethic,”

As for the skating itself, Jeannot’s commitment got him the necessary results. “He made a decision three summers ago to really focus on some specifics,” Davis said. “And his little taste of the NHL last year led him to figure out what he needed to do to stay at that level. He spent probably 75 percent of our ice time together this past summer on tight turns, corner work, reverse tight turns, battling and carrying the puck, like ‘This is going to be my game, this is what I have to do.’ And he stuck with it. Tight turns are a skill that can get pretty scary the bigger you get, and I think he stopped using them because they weren’t in his wheelhouse. Then he realized he better get them back in his wheelhouse.”

https://thehockeynews.com/news/tanner-j ... -a-warrior

Physical fitness has always been a priority for Jeannot, who played baseball and volleyball as well as hockey growing up in Oxbow, Sask. He was also a speed swimmer and lifeguard during summers at home, which built his endurance.

“When you look at power forwards, you don’t necessarily see a ton of them anymore that bring all those elements (of) his game but have a scoring touch,” Predators coach John Hynes said Tuesday. “You think about how he scores. He scores multiple ways. He can score on a breakaway. He can shoot it, and he also gets tips and jams and wraps. You don’t see that a ton. You might see a guy like him that does all that, but he’s going to score at the net-front, and that’s it. He’s got a little bit more versatility to him.”

https://archive.ph/CrHFu

[smallz]

Vladislav Gavrikov
Current DF - 71
Requested DF - 74

Gavrikov is averaging 3:05 in SH ice time per game in the NHL this season (2nd among CBJ D-men, top 10 in the NHL among all D-men) and currently has 111 blocked shots and 104 hits in only 63 games played

as he spent time in a shutdown role alongside Gavrikov on the second pair.

https://unionandblue.com/2022/03/22/and ... aking-out/

Defense is Vladislav Gavrikov’s biggest asset

“To me, the offensive side’s a bonus. He's just a guy we use in a lot of key situations and takes a lot of hard assignments.”

https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/2 ... 408886002/

The Jets controlled the puck inside the Jackets’ end for nearly the full two minutes and did everything but score. Vladislav Gavrikov and Andrew Peeke were stuck out there for the entire penalty kill.

https://www.jacketscannon.com/2022/3/25 ... n-overtime

Even as mainly a defensive presence, he does enough across the board to help in deeper fantasy formats.

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/hocke ... f-helpers/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brandon Hagel
Current DF - 59
Requested DF - 65

Among Chicago forwards who appeared in 50+ games, Hagel was 2nd in SH ice time per game

In addition to putting up points and being an effective offensive zone player, he is also a reliable defensive player and penalty killer.

Tampa Bay looks to be rebuilding the line of Blake Coleman, Yanni Gourde and Barclay Goodrow that was so impactful for them during their Cup runs, and it speaks volumes to Hagel’s play that they felt he was capable of filling that role.

https://thehockeywriters.com/sabres-dra ... gel-trade/

A 20-plus goal scorer, a responsible defensive player with a strong forecheck

https://www.dailyfaceoff.com/gears-grad ... gel-trade/

BriseBois has found his Coleman/Goodrow of this year's deadline in Hagel — a middle-six forward who can contribute on offense and defense

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/new ... vzfb9eebqs