Man a guy signed out of College being a top 2 D? I would think this is unlikely

In the world of 6'4 6'5 forwards I would really really really hope your plans aren't going with your tallest defense man being 6'1.

Not only will they get the crap beat into them on the forcheck, but those bigger forwards are going to park in front of the net. Considering there aren't any really guys on the team in the forward group who can respond. You are going to be looking at getting pushed around all over the ice.

Jared spurgeon disagrees...

I think his depth assignments are a bit off but the idea is there. Between Hollowell and Duszak chances are that one becomes a top 4 D.

funny he missed 20 games last year due to injury. Matter of fact he's only played 70+ games in like 4 seasons.
There are a hand full of players that small in the league. You can look at Krug too. But lets be clear, he was a 6th round draft pick for a reason. He's played well but he's not out there by himself. They have a Pateryn out there at 6'3.

In general that is what teams are looking for. 6'3, 6'4. With players on the smaller end being 6 foot.
You look at the rest of that roster. Folgino, Staal, Fehr, Greenway.
There is at least size somewhere on the roster. A place to push back from. There is no push back anywhere on the roster above.

I agree to some extent. Taller players certainly have the reach and ability to smother players without taking penalties. As far as tough goes you din’t Have to be 6’3”. I would certainly like to have some talent in that height range. We do have Rasanen who is 6’7” but he is about a year behind liljegren in development.

As long as the NHL is gonna allow players to bully the game up, it's just the way it is. Other wise you are gonna run into a 6'5 player like wilson playing wrecking ball and nothing the team can do about it. Don't think they won't too. Players start hearing foot steps. It effects play. There are a hand full of players out there like that. But they are usually the ones in the playoffs. If a team doesn't have an answer, if it can't push back. It will be felt.

I guess what my point is top 4D is best and even that is a stretch. Schultz is top 4 but took alot of time and I wouldn't say but I wouldn't say Pens have the best D. And Mike Rielly isn't a top 4 guy.

I think Hollowell is the better bet. Morgan Reilly likely can carry a weaker D man which is nice for the leafs

have to agree, too many smurfs
Great lateral movement and mobility are one thing, running for your life is another
D pair is one big and one fast
not seeing legit D pairs above, and especially important to have big (&mean) with the no hitters Leafs are stocked with up front