Are points necessary to be considered a "franchise defencemen"?

Question

I'm a casual fan and I have noticed that "franchise d-men" in the NHL all put up big numbers

Is this a requirement or just coincidental?

If it is a requirement I think it is a shame that it seems like franchise forwards put up great numbers, awards, etc. but their defensive game isn't necessary.

But when ppl are talking about big name dmen, they talk about the pts they put up or a big hit that they landed (prbly by getting out of position), unless it is a shutdown D-man.

Shouldn't dmen worry about def, instead of their off game?

I don't know, maybe i'm just talkiing to the wrong people, or only my point of view, but I think guys who can effectively shutdown top players better than the big named Off.D should be on the same level.

(I'll prbly get flamed for this, but I just want to know)

It seems that everyone including the NHL puts emphasis on off #s

I mean when was the last time a def D won the norris?

I'm still learning the game so if thats the way it is than ok

Thanks

Answer 1

The style of the team also factors in.

If you play on a run and gun team you might be the "rock" defensive d man but not get the accolades has the power play players that might even be minus players

If you play on a trapping defensive team you might be the de facto power play quarterback but the not get the headlines compared to the stay at home guy who makes the big hits.

Dion Phaneuf is my pick because he could play on any team good or bad and be the impact defensive man. I think Lidstrom is good but if he wasn't on "america's team" I could see he struggle not being so well protected

Answer 2

No its not.  But it helps.  A defensemans job is to prevent the opposing team to the best of there ability to score a goal... but if they put up the points, its a bonus.

Thats why my friend, the Wings are so lucky to have Nicklas Lidstrom.

Answer 3

In 94 stevens put up 78 points, and in 88 he had 72, so stevens did have an offensive touch, he was just best known for his hits.  The reason is that to find a player that can work the blueline great, and that is so smart, is rare, and that usually adds to big numbers in the points categorie, but the smartness just helps out their defense, and that usually is a franchise defensman.  I wouldnt say its necassary, but it usually goes hand in hand

Answer 4

Nicklas Lidstrom does everything. He's THE "franchise defenseman". He is the best all around player in the NHL. He is great defensively, always one of the best +/- ratings. He's almost never out of position and is a great passer. He runs the power play to perfection and gets alot of points. He logs alot of ice time while shutting down the opposition. Did you watch the stanley cup finals?

That's why he continues winning the Norris Trophy. Just because he gets alot of points doesn't mean he's not a defensive d'man.

Answer 5

Well, it helps. But I think Scott Stevens was pretty close to that description, and he was never confused with Bobby Orr.

The best players do everything well. Nik Lidstrom certainly qualifies in that sense. That's why they are All-Stars.

Answer 6

I think a franchise defenseman is one that can contribute offensively and defensively.  So in that sense I do think that puting up numbers is a part of being a highly valued defenseman.  However there are defensemen that put up big offensive numbers (for defensemen) that I don't consider to be franchise.

Thinking about this question I can only think of eight defensemen (Lidstrom, Phaneuf, Pronger, Chara, Zubov, Neidermeyer, Rafalski, Gonchar) I would consider a franchise defenseman and I'm probably being pretty generous.

Answer 7

no, it's not necessary.

for a very recent example, you can take Luke Schenn.

He does not put up very much points, but is considered a solid d-man that will one day be the face of the Maple Leafs.

Answer 8

you gotta be able to run your teams Power Play.

Answer 9

It is and it isn't.  To be noticed as a franchise player you have to put up numbers so you can be noticed by the casual fan, but the real point of a defenseman is to keep pucks out of his own net.