Um, on what planet are Sherwood and O'Brien considered "defensive" players?
Sherwood is far and away the worst defensive player the Avs have had on their roster this year. It's not even close.
Yes, I'm sure Bednar wants defensive players but he also wants effective forecheckers and, well, players who don't suck. That 4th line at the moment is the epitome of mediocrity. They don't do anything particularly well, and the lack of actual play-drivers and/or high-energy guys is readily apparent. Ranta is precisely what they need, a big, fast guy with skill, but more importantly a guy with a real motor on him who'll get in there and really shake things up on the forecheck. Might even create some scoring chances, which hasn't happened AT ALL with Soderberg shuffling around doing nothing of note.