Quoting: GuentzelvaniaUSA
The only reason Pittsburgh wants to move on from MP is that Matheson is unmovable and POJs entry level deal saves a ton of money on the blue line. It’s not an indictment on MP. He can legit play 20 min a nigh, and did so last year. He’s just the odd man out due to the very surprising acquisition of Matheson (who honestly has been quite good)
MP ain’t gunna light up the scoreboard but his size, reach, gap control and positioning are his biggest tools. He’s a good puck mover as well. He’s also clean and won’t take penalties
At 24, MP is already a proper second pairing Dman with speed and size. We understand in the NHL that Dmen usually develop longer and hit their prime often in their late 20s, MPs career is currently following that trajectory.
MPs deal is maybe a little pricey but having term on a young puck moving Dman is such a premium in this league.
That’s what we see in MP
I get why Pitt is moving on. I only question, why Detroit would value him as some cornerstone piece or as the other poster said “stabilizing force”. I’ve mentioned who I prefer in a similar mold to MP is via trade and also a FA I’d rather target and reasons for backing up each approach. Having term is an asset if you believe that asset will make the contract a bargain. Is it currently? No. Do I see the same offensive upside you do? No, I see a stay at home defensemen that is doesn’t take unnecessary penalties but I wouldn’t label him as a future Lady Byng winner as he has 121 PIMs in 195 games vs Hanifan has 103 PIMs in 418 games. I merely used Hanifan as an example as I stated I preferred him over MP.
One reason I haven’t touched on is expansion planning, with our current defensemen I’d save Hronek & Stetcher without question as they’re solid defensemen for their roles. The third spot would go to Cholowski or Lindstrom currently and each of them are polar opposites Lindstrom being the smart stay at home defensemen and Cholowski being a “toolsy” guy that I wish would have more confidence. He started out strong in Grand Rapids this year but Blashill destroyed his confidence multiple times throughout the years. So acquiring MP puts one of those guys open to Seattle, is it the end of the world? Hell no but it needs to be factored into the decision.
Quoting: mhockey91
You prefer hanafin yet MP has arguably been better. The only reason you’re sour on MP and high on hanifin is because one was drafted at 5OA. MP upside is a D man that can log 20+ mins a night and put up 30 points+ while being good defensively. Wings yet to have that.
No, I’m high on Hanifan as he’s known to be a leader in the locker room and has played a solid clean stay at home game. I value the leadership component heavily as I think Detroit needs to have these guys around Larkin and he’s familiar with Larks. I also see a higher offensive upside in him but I don’t see PPQB for either of them. Hanifan has reached 30 points already twice and almost a third. It has nothing to do with draft selection from five years ago but rather one is a better player and there’s familiarity.