i'm not sure i really like the "just learning Hitchcock's system" argument. aren't derek roy and max lapierre just learning the system?
For my comment, I'm also trying to gently refer to UNLEARNING the style of play that is dooming Edmonton's young star forwards to mediocrity.
Just think about this for a moment: Perron is maybe their most effective 2-way forward. The guy is better defensively than almost all of their top 9.
I think Edmonton is a train wreck in terms of team structure, and the development of their young players is part of it. I think MPS has the tools to be a successful NHL player, but he hasn't gotten to the point where he can play the right way without having to overthink things.
Lapierre already knows exactly how to do that role. Its one of the reasons the team pursued him.
Roy is a good question, though. In this case, I think you're seeing a guy that probably IS a bit of a defensive liability, but there is a deliberate trade-off for his contribution to the offense and play-making. And frankly, I think the Blues' forwards haven't looked nearly as good defensively as a group as they have the past 2 seasons. But its early and I think its a matter of getting fully up to speed.