The difference between the defenseman you named, plus a plethora of others that you didn't (Karlsson, Letang, Schultz, Krug, Boyle, soon Murphy, Jones, Rielly, so on...) is they all are above average to elite level skaters, where as Del Zotto is average at best.
The Michael Del Zotto is a delsaster.
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The difference between the defenseman you named, plus a plethora of others that you didn't (Karlsson, Letang, Schultz, Krug, Boyle, soon Murphy, Jones, Rielly, so on...) is they all are above average to elite level skaters, where as Del Zotto is average at best.
offdacrossbar
misfit fanboy
mdz is a fine 3rd pair offensive type single dimension dman, except his foot speed hinders him. he needs to play with a smart mobile defensive dman. that way his flaws are hidden and he can be creative. hes definitely serviceable in the right setting and role.
being sloth slow makes his recovery skills minimal and his puck rushing skills minimized. he will continue to struggle against top offensive lines where foot speed is a premium.
hes also goes into full doofus mode on the pp too often. thats bad for a guy whos supposedly "offensive".
if the right deal is presented, he should be moved in a package for a young dynamic forward.
its a no brainer.
being sloth slow makes his recovery skills minimal and his puck rushing skills minimized. he will continue to struggle against top offensive lines where foot speed is a premium.
hes also goes into full doofus mode on the pp too often. thats bad for a guy whos supposedly "offensive".
if the right deal is presented, he should be moved in a package for a young dynamic forward.
its a no brainer.
Fanned On It
Registered User
Yeah the speed looks like it's going to be a big factor in how well DZ develops. It's not like he's just going to become a great/fast skater all of a sudden.
KreidertheGlider
MDZ for NYR Blueline
Obviously, if the right deal comes around for anyone they should be moved. Its just the crazy people who want him gone at all costs.
Btw, I think we need a RHD before a forward.
PlamsUnlimited
Big Church Bells
Yes. Our Right handed side for D is horrid. Once we get that settled, then yes, go for the dynamic FWD. the gone at all costs people just are either mad or don't like him. But don't settle for crappy trades just to move him out.
mrhockey193195
Registered User
Not trying to jump into the debate or comment on MDZ too much, but just wanted to point out that this is exactly what many Stepan detractors were saying about him earlier in the year when he was slumping..."the reason that we can't compare his career trajectory to that of Bergeron, or Zajac, or Kesler, is because they're good skaters, and Stepan is terrible".
Good players find a way to overcome their weaknesses. I wouldn't give up on MDZ just yet.
The Gloaming
23
Except that Stepan is ultra-smart and can out-think his way over his skating limitations.
Del Zotto has bricks in his head.
Callafan24
Registered User
I'm not advocating trading DZ for the sake of it, but let's use our heads here...
Who on our roster plays on NYR's biggest position of strength (LHD), would be missed the least (never, ever above McD or Staal), and could garner the most in a trade to help improve our lineup in a position of weakness (RHD, C, LW)?
The kid is young, has vastly improved in his own end over the past four years, and will likely benefit from a new coach, but if an offer is made that improves this team he is the very first one (of significant value) to go.
So, let me get this straight:
He has no foot speed, and has plateaued as a 3rd pairing D-man.
but...
We should trade him in a package for a dynamic young forward ie: Eberle or Landeskog.
Got it.
He has no foot speed, and has plateaued as a 3rd pairing D-man.
but...
We should trade him in a package for a dynamic young forward ie: Eberle or Landeskog.
Got it.
We should be discussing a package to move/part ways with Boyle, Hagelin, MZA, and all of our other players that will never sniff a Cup winning team, but hey...MDZ is the whipping boy of the moment.
The Gloaming
23
PlamsUnlimited
Big Church Bells
So, let me get this straight:
He has no foot speed, and has plateaued as a 3rd pairing D-man.
but...
We should trade him in a package for a dynamic young forward ie: Eberle or Landeskog.
Got it.
Im waiting to hear of a realistic return for Del Zotto. Honestly, I think he'd fetch a forward like Hagelin - maybe one slightly better. Thats about it though.
I dont think theres anything wrong with Hagelin, unless you're expecting him to be a constant top 6 LW, which this team is doing right now. Thats a problem. Its not his fault though.
PlamsUnlimited
Big Church Bells
A young, top-4 defender who was top-20 in defensive scoring last year would only a return a 2nd/3rd line tweener? I've seen far worse players get better returns than that. It's all about perception.
offdacrossbar
misfit fanboy
mdz + mcilrath + pick
thats what i would do. should bring back a decent prospect/player.
we need a dynamic centerman with wheels or an offensive righty dman with wheels. like it or not, this organization isnt loaded with high end offensive talent. we need some.
mdz still has value. mcilrath value is still high and prolly highest its gonna be right now until he becomes the -marginal 3rd pair 1st round reach mistake guy- he really is. then his value will be minimal.
samuel noreau may be the guy to fill that role anyway.
you have to test the waters
thats what i would do. should bring back a decent prospect/player.
we need a dynamic centerman with wheels or an offensive righty dman with wheels. like it or not, this organization isnt loaded with high end offensive talent. we need some.
mdz still has value. mcilrath value is still high and prolly highest its gonna be right now until he becomes the -marginal 3rd pair 1st round reach mistake guy- he really is. then his value will be minimal.
samuel noreau may be the guy to fill that role anyway.
you have to test the waters
There is a lot of truth in your statement. I also think that Stepan is just better equipped to deal with his shortcomings and/ or any disappointments that come his way.
He seems much more mature than Del Zotto is at this point in their respective careers.
offdacrossbar
misfit fanboy
some of us think mdz and NYC arent a good match. his career may take off once he gets out of the city and all its high heeled distractions.
and stepan is head and shoulders above mike when it comes to hockey smarts. dz just isnt the high end hockey thinker that derek is.
My problem with Hagelin is I just can't picture him on a cup-winning team.
Can you picture him on the Hawks or Bruins? He's fast, that's nice.....but he's just not skilled enough, nor is he physical enough to go to war in the playoffs. He's a guy who I think we should move.
The Gloaming
23
It's not an accident that our two best lines in the last 2 years, Hags-Beaver-Gaborik, and Hags-Step-Nash, had Hagelin on them. I think you're severely underestimating the speed factor.
Bickell was in the league for 7 years, had few up and down seasons. i am pretty sure nobody saw him on a cup winning team a couple of years ago. Now everybody wants to throw cash at him.
For some reason Rangers fans are not patient with their prospects.
For some reason Rangers fans are not patient with their prospects.
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