Western Conference break-out defencemen
The post lock-out 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.
Cody Franson – Nashville Predators
Franson had a strong season with the Predators last year registering 21 points in just 61 games, good enough for third among all rookie defenders.
Franson should experience more success next season as the Predators find themselves very thin at the blue line.
At 22 years old, Franson spent two years with Nashville’s American Hockey League affiliate club the Milwaukee Admirals, and will be appearing full time for the Pred next season.
Last year playing on the third unit Franson only average 14 minutes a game. However, with the departure of Dan Hamhuis, and his continued growth those minutes should go up significantly for the start of next season. Expect Franson to begin registering second line minutes, and garner more responsibility on special teams.
Jason Demers – San Jose Sharks
The question for Demers is whether or not Sharks General Manager Doug Wilson decides to go after another defenceman before the beginning of the season in October. If Wilson decides to stand pat, then Demers will see a great deal more ice time in his first full season in the National Hockey League, however if he signs someone new, Demers’ minutes may drop.
In his first season with the Sharks Demers had a very strong offensive season, playing in only 51 games and scoring 21 points. Demers also participated in all 15 of the Sharks' playoff games, tallying five points in the process.
The Sharks are a very deep team, and therefore Demers will not log the same minutes as other sophomore defenseman. however the skill he is surrounded by ought to help him tally a great number of points with limited ice time. The combination of elevated minutes, and a full schedule should help Demers to improve on his 21 points from last year.
Ryan Wilson – Colorado Avalanche
Wilson only appeared in 61 games for the Avalanche last season, but still managed to register 21 points. The young club will look for Wilson to develop even further in the 2010-11 season.
Wilson only averaged 16 minutes a game with Colorado last year, a number that is expected to go up, as the sophomore takes on his first 82-game schedule.
The Avalanche are a very young squad, and Wilson was part of the group of youngsters that were so successful finishing eighth last season. This off-season the club has gotten even younger and Wilson should benefit. Expected to play behind Kyle Quincy and Kyle Cumiskey, Wilson will be seeing second line minutes, with the possibility of appearing on the team’s second power play unit.
Alex Edler – Vancouver Canucks
Edler had his coming out party with the Canucks during the regular season last year. Although he has already played two full seasons in the NHL, last year was particularly strong, as he was second among Vancouver defenceman in ice time and scoring.
Edler is expected to start next season on the first line, and first power play unit. The 24-year-old Swedish defender is the future at the back end for the Canucks. With one of the strongest defensive cores in the league Edler will have a lot of talent to draw from. Playing with Dan Hamhuis or Kevin Bieksa will give him the freedom to weave his offensive magic throughout the course of the season.
Tags: