I see your point. I was just pointing out the logjam of small and smallish offensive defensemen on the left side. Yes, you are right. Of course Perunovich has more value than Mikkola. My idea was not so much to substitute Perunovich to save Mikkola, but rather as Perunovich has more value, offering him in a trade for Hall might save us a 1st, or perhaps get Buffalo to retain more on Hall, or even get us a small add. As we have a number of LD's in the same age bracket who possess a similar skill set to Perunovich, his loss may be more easily absorbed. I should have been more clear, my bad.
I see what you mean, no worries. I just misunderstood you and was really confused at the seeming suggestion of trading Perunovich to keep Mikkola. As you say, Perunovich definitely has more value than Mikkola in a trade...it could make sense to offer a more valuable prospect to avoid giving up a 1st. Personally tho, I'd like to hold on to him and see how he develops. This is probably all not going to happen anyway, I kind of doubt we are trading either Mikkola or Perunovich.
Watching Parayko play with Walman has been interesting. Obviously it's a small sample, but they have looked really good together IMO. It's made me think more about what type of partner Parayko can excel with. Not saying Perunovich is the guy (or Walman for that matter), but I don't think Parayko necessarily needs to play with a big defensive d partner in order for this team to be successful.
I think Mikkola is going to surprise people once he gets a full time opportunity. Probably next year after Seattle takes Dunn.
Ehhh maybe I am being too hard on Mikkola, but he has not looked very good this year IMO. He's only played 20 games this season (25 total for his career), so it would be foolish to write off his NHL potential completely...but nothing I've seen this year has inspired a ton of confidence. Hope you're right tho, it would be huge for the team if he can put it together. He's got the size and physical tools, no doubt.
