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If I can clear my schedule, I hope to get down there for a day or two.

Blob Mckenzie wrote: ↑Mon Sep 16, 2024 4:53 pm I'd like to ask other posters how they would judge who is or isn't a top 4 d man.

A top 4 d-man is capable of 19+ minutes a night and sustain a quality level of play throughout games and over a long stretch. A top 4 dman needs to be able to take a role on one or both special teams units. A top 4 d-man needs to be capable against an opposition's top line -- they don't necessarily have to be part of the match up pair, but you shouldn't cringe when they are out there.

The difference between a top 4 and a 4-5 (in my mind) is the consistency of play over long stretches of time, as well as the consistency of play in game when facing tough opponents. They are the guys that you feel all right about on a second pair when there's an injury -- guys that can step up from 15 mins to 20, but you are less confident with as a "plan." 4-5 guys can also make it playing top 4 minutes when their role is simplified by playing with a notably superior partner.

A top 4 d-man has some versatility in their play -- not just a one trick pony, and is ideally steady (but very strong other attributes can make up for some stupidity).

Guys that get top 4 minutes on their team simply because their team is thin at D are not top 4 defensemen (in my "soft," nonquant analysis). Sometimes guys who are on third pairing have the qualities of a top 4 player. (Back in the day, a healthy Sami Salo (I know, oxymoron...) was often given bottom pairing minutes, but met my definition of a top 4 defenseman).

I don't study every team in the league, but I'd roughly speculate there are about 100 defensemen in the league that meet these definitions (or are better). As with everything else, there are probably valid arguments for 40-50 players to be on one side of the line than the other, and probably about 75-80 players for whom there is little question.

Exactly what I said UW…

BoS wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 8:42 am If I can clear my schedule, I hope to get down there for a day or two.

Nice! Hope it works out, and keep us informed!

Good posts. Just like there aren't 192 top 6 forwards. Mind you I gravitate towards a top 9 as far as forwards go.

Blob Mckenzie wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 11:49 am Good posts. Just like there aren't 192 top 6 forwards. Mind you I gravitate towards a top 9 as far as forwards go.

Sure, but if your going to gravitate towards top 9, your looking for depth, no? And if looking at depth, then would you not be more inclined to separate them out into 2 groups, Top 3 and middle 6?

I just heard a rumor Joshua will not be ready for season start.. something with his balls

[edit] got a lump removed.. it’s confirmed on a statement from Canucks.

Hope they got it all.

Madcombinepilot wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 1:50 pm I just heard a rumor Joshua will not be ready for season start.. something with his balls

Damn. Hope he caught it early and can put this scary mess behind him.

was it blue?

.
^Edler can piss off, the bastard ditched us...

Cornuck wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 2:22 pm

Madcombinepilot wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 1:50 pm I just heard a rumor Joshua will not be ready for season start.. something with his balls

"I felt a lump on one of my testicles."

Should've said: "One of my girlfriends felt a lump on one of my testicles."

Cornuck wrote: ↑Tue Sep 17, 2024 4:19 pm

Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Alex Edler is getting his proper send-off.
Before the Canucks’ home game against the Philadelphia Flyers on October 11th, Edler will sign a one-day contract with the Canucks and officially retire from the NHL, the club announced Tuesday afternoon.

Edler was a beaut for Van for many years. Hopefully we’ll see Ohlund, Salo and Bieksa show up for his night.

Sounds like SportsNet will be televising all but 78 games this season. The other 4 games will be broadcast on Amazon Prime, with Jody Shelley and John Forslund calling the games. Games are free to Amazon prime subscribers.

Shorty is calling all the SPac games, along with one of Ferraro and Thomlinson.

A shame Sean Avery retired.