Which defense is better - Canada or Swedens?

[MikeModano9]

Also no joke I would be adding Ekblad to Canada's group sooner than later.

 

[Intangiblezz]

As of today, these would be the D cores I think would go to the Olympics.

Duncan Keith - Drew Doughty
Mark Giordano - Shea Weber
Marc-Edouard Vlasic - PK Subban
Alex Pietrangelo
Jake Muzzin

vs

Victor Hedman - Erik Karlsson
Oliver Ekman-Larsson - Anton Stralman
Nick Kronwall - John Klingberg
Hampus Lindholm
Nick Hjalmarsson

Sweden's left D is a tad stronger. Canada's right D blows Sweden's out of the water. Canada also has better balance. That is no slight to Sweden. Their D is phenomenal as well.

 

[Preisst*]

Canada's defence is superior. I honestly don't think any of the Swedish guys would even make a Team Canada roster and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm Canadian. Just an objective opinion.

 

[xxxx]

don't be ridiculous, obviously Canada's. Better question is, which defence is better - Sweden vs Canada B

 

[Garl]

Canada's defence is superior. I honestly don't think any of the Swedish guys would even make a Team Canada roster and I'm not just saying that cuz I'm Canadian. Just an objective opinion.

Yeah, Karlsson wouldn't make it for sure LOL.

 

[Erik Alfredsson]

By the time the Olympics roll around, Aaron Ekblad could be the best d-man in the game if he continues on his current progression.

Not to mention, the depth Canada has is ridiculous. Letang, Girardi, Brent Burns...the list goes on and on.

This is based off of what?

 

[Garl]

Overall IMO, on paper Canada had an edge, but in reality both teams are so stacked aswell as USA that the coaching and shape will be deciding factors, not the level of players. It's like comparing Detroit and Colorado from 90's.

 

[ronnyweed]

On paper it's close, in real life games I've seen internationally, it's canada easily. Although Canada doesn't have to try to contain their own forwards so it's really hard to judge.

 

[LastWordArmy]

Canada today, but going forward I would rather have Sweden's D. If you look at age Canada's average is 28 years while Sweden's is only 25.

You would probably also want to switch Kronwall (34) with Brodin (22), but then again if you were building a franchise you would also want to take a guy like Ekblad over Hamhuis (33), Keith (32) or even Weber (30).

Canada is going to replace those guys though....

T.J Brodie and Tyson Barrie are two of the most underrated guys in the NHL, there are on the cusp of being elite defencemen.

Aaron Ekblad is going to be elite.
Ryan Murray could be at that level if he can stay healthy.
Morgan Rielly is developping nicely.
Dougie Hamilton is still young and at his size full of potential.


Further down, Chchyrn looks fantastic at 16 in the OHL... as good as Ekblad at the same age. Guys like Morrissey and Bowey and Nurse were great at the WJC and in Junior this year.

Canada has no fear of their d getting old because replacements are coming.

 

[Bear of Bad News]

We don't need to encourage a myopic chronically-banned user.

Closed.