Eastern conference break-out defencemen
The post lockout era has brought about accelerated development and elevated ice-time for rookie and sophomore players. This kind of development makes these players more and more important as franchises progress. Below is a list of defenders that should be expected to become house hold names by the end of 2010-11.
Michael Del Zotto – Defenceman – New York Rangers
With a thin blue line, and a lack of offensive defenseman the Rangers are counting on Del Zotto to become a young star for them quickly.
At only 20 years old, Del Zotto had an extremely successful season last year playing on the second defensive unit, behind fellow youngster Marc Staal. It did not take long for the Rangers to notice that the Ontario native had a great deal of offensive skill, and moved him onto the first power play unit.
Del Zotto registered 37 points last season on the offensively-challenged Rangers, an output that was good enough for fifth on the team.
Next year Del Zotto should be expected to log more ice-time, perhaps spending the majority of the season on the first line. He should continue to be a pivot on the team’s power play, a spot that should help him increase his point total.
Erik Karlsson – Defenceman – Ottawa Senators
Karlsson only played in 60 games for the Senators last season, but made the most of his limited playing time, tallying 26 points for the club. Karlsson really broke out however, in the playoffs when he notched six points in six games.
He spent sometime on the power play at the end of the season, and should be expected to take over the role full time, as the Sens seem to lack depth in offensive defenseman. Expected to play behind Sergei Gonchar, Karlsson should register second line minutes for all 82 games next year.
The additional ice time combined with power play minutes and a full 82 game schedule should bring about a break-out season for the young Swedish-born defender.
Carl Gunnarsson – Defenseman – Toronto Maple Leafs
Gunnarsson was only given 43 games by the Maple Leafs last season, despite the fact that Coach Ron Wilson thought he was their best defender coming out of camp. Next season Gunnarsson’s talents will not be over looked by the Toronto club.
A smooth skating smart defender, Gunnarsson is part of a crop of youth the Leafs have been able to develop in recent years. At 23 and having played in the Swedish Elite League for three seasons, Gunnarsson has finished with the development process, and is ready to become a regular National Hockey League player.
Despite their weaknesses up front the Leafs have a strong defensive core, but one that lacks depth at the offensive defenseman position. This will be compounded if general manager Brian Burke trades away Tomas Kaberle. Even if Kaberle were to stay with the team Gunnarsson should see minutes on the teams second power play unit, and perhaps even second line minutes. Fifth on the team in ice time last year, Gunnarsson can expect his minutes to go up, especially after the departure of Ian White.
Victor Hedman – Defenceman – Tampa Bay Lightning
As the 2010 second overall selection, Hedman was expected to make a huge splash in his first season in the NHL. The Swedish born defender did not have the offensive output many were expecting, but defenders generally take longer to develop, and his 20 points were still good enough for eighth on the team.
Nevertheless, Hedman displayed why he was thought of so highly by performing well on the defensive side of the puck. The six-foot-six 19-year-old was fourth on the team in ice time, averaging over 20 minutes a game, and second among the teams defenseman.
Next year Hedman will be on the top unit, and is expected to play the power play and penalty kill. Look for Hedman to get close to doubling his point total from 2009-10.
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