- Aug 15, 2010
- 631
- 662
To me and many others Erik Karlsson is the most gifted offensive d-man since Leetch and maybe even back to Coffey, but will he be remembered that way in history? EKs peak is sandwiched by higher scoring eras and he himself inspired more defenders to play offense so his stats don't stand out at all anymore. His best ppg in a season is only the 8th best since the lockout (tied with Lidstrom) and he was never close to the numbers that Josi and Makar produces this season. Josi has 42 points in his last 27 games! When covid interrupted the season a player like John Carlson had 75 points in 69 games. I don't mean to disrespect John Carlson but come on? that's a higher PPG than EK ever had in a season. Even during EKs peak Brent Burns matched his points production. Hedman this season is on pace to match EKs peak point total as well. It would be one thing if it were only younger players like Makar, but EK's point totals are going to be overshadowed by his direct competitors and Josi and John Carlson were even in the same draft class as him. Those who followed EK know about his injuries and the changing scoring environment, but will people really remember that with hindsight? With EK still in the league and being dominated and his peak point totals looking less and less impressive will people underrate him in the future? I think it's interesting because after the 16-17 playoffs I thought EK was going to challenge Coffey as peoples clear cut 2nd best offensive d-man ever, but now I think he might end up underrated. What do you think?
