Canucks: What Nate Schmidt brings to the blueline
What the defensive pairings could look like
Playing Schmidt next to a generational talent such as Hughes might be a good idea in certain situations, but with an injection of youth happening, I predict that Green is likely to separate the team’s two best defenders. Pairing Schmidt with Edler would make for quite the combination and it would split up the team’s best two puck-moving defensemen.
The question of where Tyler Myers will play is a completely different story. You might see him paired with Hughes on the top line, or you could potentially see him on the third pairing playing the role of mentor to Olli Juolevi or Jack Rathbone. The nice thing about being overloaded with lefties is that there are multiple combinations Green can tinker with until he gets it right.
Final thoughts
The Canucks got themselves a quality second defender. He’s not elite, but he jumps Edler and Myers for playing minutes and overall responsibility. His contract is long term and the dollar figure isn’t fantastic, but giving up a future third-round pick isn’t the end of the world.
Next. Why Benning's job should be in jeopardy. dark
The blueline going into next season might not be as good defensively, but Schmidt makes up for it in his possession numbers and with his ability to get the puck out of the defensive end. The top four will look a bit different, but with the added offence and speed, it will be better overall.