Player Discussion Kevin Bahl is Very Tahl

[Yepthatsme]

I don't think Hamilton's offensive game was overrated, it was just different. A lot of offensive D have an amazing wrister, or a hell of a slapper. Hamilton has neither, and despite that, consistently puts up 10+ goals, 40+ points (his last 5 seasons were: 14g 40 points in 47 games, 10g 42 points in 55 games, 9g 30 points in 62 games, 22g 74 points in 82 games, 5g 16 points in 20 games. And this season is currently at 8g 34 points in 52 games).

That said, I've been very impressed with Bahl this season. I was expecting a guy who was more of a shut down 4/5, instead we're getting a shutdown 3, who could probably step up as a 2 for periods (basically like a Tanev, but younger, and more offensively gifted). Though I do agree he seems to struggle on putting all his tools to use at the same time.

To be fair to Hamilton he does have a high end wrister. What he was the best defenseman in the league at was getting shots through defenders and on net, with a crazy volume while doing it. I swear the rest of his game is just a good not great top 4 guy who almost won a Norris on that one calling card. I’d love to see a stat on percentage of assists being rebounds or deflections, because I swear only late career Ovi would compare.

I’m admittedly biased because I don’t like the player or his play style, but I swear if he was a shin pad assassin he would’ve been an underwhelming second pair guy.