Option 3: Balanced Lines
Proposed combinations:
RD
Ben Hutton Erik Gudbranson Luca Sbisa Chris Tanev Alex Edler Nikita Tryamkin Andrey Pedan Alex Biega Troy Stecher
If Vancouver Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins wants balanced lines, there are several options. The idea behind the proposal above was to have Tanev, Hutton and Edler — the club’s top-three defensemen — all on different pairings. This way, there is no first, second or third pairing, but they should be on a somewhat equal level.
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First, we have Hutton and Gudbranson. As Benning said in his statement regarding the Gudbranson trade, his new acquisition would match well with sophomore Ben Hutton. I tend to agree.
Next, we have No. 1 Chris Tanev paired with Team Europe defenseman Luca Sbisa. Sbisa was said to project as a two-way defenseman in his draft year, but he fails to come close to his NHL-record 24 points from the 2011-12 season again. Paired with the Canucks’ best D-man and one of Canada’s best defensive players, Sbisa could get a chance what he can do offensively — if there is anything he can do.
Third, we have Edler and Tryamkin, who I imagine to play well together, too. A pairing like that would probably be similar to that of Edler and Gudbranson, though Tryamkin might be the better puck-mover.
Pedan and Biega would also do well together, but probably in the American Hockey League — where Stecher and Subban will be as well.
Next: Conclusion