This is a big time misconception that’s going to go away very soon once people can more easily watch Makar. Makar’s defensive game has been very impressive this year, he’s a two way d through and through. Much more Keith than the Karlsson he usually gets compared to by uninformed posters.
LD Bowen Byram - Vancouver Giants, WHL (2019, 4th, COL)
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Neither is offensive d? They will both put up big numbers for sure. They aren’t stay at home dmen that’s for sure.
Pavel Buchnevich
"Pavel Buchnevich The Fake"
Its not a slight to be considered an offensive defensemen. Offensive defensemen can still be good defensively. EK is an offensive defenseman, OEL is an offensive defensemen, Werenski is an offensive defenseman, Chabot is an offensive defenseman, Letang is an offensive defenseman, Yandle is an offensive defenseman. It doesn't mean they are bad defensive players.
They are offensive dmen. Read what Pavel Buchnevich wrote above me.
Read what I wrote.
I forgot this is the place where logic comes to die. Makar and Byram are very gifted offensively, but they are also great defensively, hence they are not offensive defensemen (implies lacking defensive acumen), but rather two-way forces who can put up quite a bit of points.
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Brando
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I've only watched a bit of Byram but I'm really impressed. Elite offensive awareness, elite defensive ability, great stick.
The one thing I worry about is his puck moving/distributing ability in his own end. Maybe someone who watches him a lot can speak on that but that concern is keeping him out of the top 5 for me.
The one thing I worry about is his puck moving/distributing ability in his own end. Maybe someone who watches him a lot can speak on that but that concern is keeping him out of the top 5 for me.
While Makar definitely isn’t bad defensively, in the limited games I’ve seen he tends to use his speed to make up for defensive mistakes. While this works great at his current level, that will be harder to do at the NHL level.
avsfan09
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He doesn't really make a whole lot of defensive mistakes. He may get caught on offense at times but his defensivr IQ is solid and he's very good at picking his pinches.
Like I said I haven’t seen many games so I’m not going on much (maybe 5 or 6). I never said he made a lot of them, but I did notice that a lot of his mistakes aren’t as noticeable because he recovers so well with his speed and that won’t be as easy to do in the NHL.
I could see a couple road bumps next season because of that, but I’m sure that will be quickly corrected because he’s such a smart player. Definitely a future top pairing D IMO.
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Byram is an elite 2-way DMan. Comparable to Reilly or Suter.
He’s prone to defensive lapses, but very normal for young DMen. If the Sens/AVs Pick fall into the 3-5 range, it’ll be close between Cozens/Turcotte/Byram.
He’s not better than Makar, but would be a perfect partner. Hoping Sakic can make it happen.
He’s prone to defensive lapses, but very normal for young DMen. If the Sens/AVs Pick fall into the 3-5 range, it’ll be close between Cozens/Turcotte/Byram.
He’s not better than Makar, but would be a perfect partner. Hoping Sakic can make it happen.
Byram is an elite 2-way DMan. Comparable to Reilly or Suter.
He’s prone to defensive lapses, but very normal for young DMen. If the Sens/AVs Pick fall into the 3-5 range, it’ll be close between Cozens/Turcotte/Byram.
He’s not better than Makar, but would be a perfect partner. Hoping Sakic can make it happen.
So is he comparable to Rielly or Suter? Because they are nothing alike.
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They’re the suggested players often compared in the scouting reports. I don’t necessarily agree, but he would be a perfect addition to the AVs blue line if the picks falls to 4th or 5th.
What about 3rd? I don't like the idea of the Avs potentially drafting Podkolzin, too much risk IMO.
He reminds me of a more developed Josh Morrissey. Like the Morrissey we saw in his D+1 in PA or the year after in PA/Kelowna. The way they approach both offence, defence and physicality at that level are very close.
Of course as Morrissey developed he has become more of a defence first puck mover who can chip in offensively on occasion and his physicality definitely got reigned in a little bit when he made the jump to pro.
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I wouldn't be upset with Byram due the difficulties in developing DMen. With the 3rd pick Cozens or Turcotte is tempting due to lack of a 2C. Last year, AVs fans wanted LHD - Dahlin to fit perfectly into the lineup. Not much has changed in the 2018 draft or player additions besides adding Cole temporarily.
AVs last decent DMen line-up were the Sakic days. Spending the next decade with an embarrassingly deep DMen lineup of:
Byram - Makar
Girard - Timmins
Zadorov - Meloche
So not only are the players incredibly young, but fantastic skaters with huge offensive skills. They can provide the additional offence the team lacks without a 2C. Choose the BPA and at 3, Byram would be a fantastic choice.
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That would be a monster defensive pairing. Where do Barrie and Johnson end up?
Also whats the word on Timmins future? Is he going to play next year?
Suter might be an apt comparison. I just wondered why he posted two players who don't play anything alike. It's like taking every single comparison someone made and then picking two that are diametrally opposite. I do like your comparison for him in regards to his defensive game.
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Barrie should be available for trade. Maybe a 1st + prospect + 1st conditional (resigning) similar to the TDL Duchene/Stone deals. EJ is already 30+ years old and has another few years remaining. He could stay for the remainder of his contract or move to a contender which might offer him enough to pad his retirement.
Timmins is shutdown for this season, but AVs are in no rush to bring him back until he's healthy. Being a few years away from being true contenders, this works well on his recovery timeline.
I wouldn't bother. He is obsessed with getting rid of Barrie. That lineup is about as unrealistic as it gets.
Yeah I think I'd keep Barrie and Johnson if possible. Zadorov's game seems like it would really benefit Makar's as you ease him into the lineup next year. Can be the rock that Makar needs so he has more freedom to freewheel. Byram is still likely at least a year away. I could see him challenging for a spot in 2020/21. Byram seems like a solid partner for a guy like Barrie, until he's ready to run with the big boys (AKA Makar).
Zadorov - Makar
Girard - Johnson
Byram - Barrie
Seems like the perfect defence to me. Everyone compliments each other well, at least on paper.
If there is a guy that will be let go it is EJ. He is showing signs of slowing down and has a lengthy injury history. I wouldn't be surprised he is bought out if he refuses to drop his NMC before the ex-draft.
Timmins should not be counted on in any capacity. I'd be happy if he can live a normal life. If he ever manages to make the NHL it will be a surprise and an incredible achievement if you ask me.
Yeah, It's never good when a kid has to sit out an entire season due to symptoms. That usually means recovery is going to be a very long and hard road. Has he been skating yet?
EJ does seem like the likely candidate out of those guys to be shipped out though.
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Timmins has been skating (non-contact) since January. He was sent home for additional rest and spend time with family. AVs might be extra cautious, little is known on the severity. Hoping for a full recovery and back to playing, likely in the AHL for a year before reaching the team.
EJ is a team leader and anchors the DMen. With a NMC/NTC for another 4 years, not sure if they'll ask him to waive. He committed long-term in the rebuild and likely staying for the duration.
Barrie seems to be the most obvious. 1 year remaining on his deal, expansion draft looming and Makar ready to join the team also playing RHD.
