Quoting: ChiHawk
I specifically talked about successful teams in the playoffs, not the league. Unless you or the Leafs are only measuring themselves as average, since you stated it that way, it begs the question maybe that's the problem the last 6 years. I venture to say that's not the case and they are looking for a way to win playoff series, so that is why I'm measuring the roster against the successful playoff teams. To that end, it is absurd for you to argue that Gio is a top 4, let alone top line defender, on teams like Colorado, Tampa, Florida, NYR who had the most successful playoff runs, or probably the four most competitive teams, this past year. On those teams, Gio is a 3rd liner or maybe even a 7th. Measuring against the overall league is what is absurd unless you've been satisfied with the results the last 6 years.
This isn't hate, this is just real stuff. Even though I'm on a Hawks fan, I follow the Leafs very closely.
So for your examples:
Giordano would be the third best defenseman on Florida this year
Ekblad
Forsling
Gio
Montour
Etc
3rd or 4th (but probably 4th) on Tampa
Hedman
Sergachev
Cernak
Gio (but it's close with cernak)
Whomever
4th for now on Colorado but Byram is on the upswing to likely overtake him
Makar
Toews
Girard
Gio
Byram (and before you say otherwise he only played 18.5 minutes last year a game. As I said he's on the upswing and will likely overtake him though)
3rd to 4th on the Rangers
Fox
Trouba
Gio or Miller
Gio or Miller
Lindgren
So he would be top 4 on most and #3 on Florida... What point are you making exactly?
Plenty of guys also play on a higher pairing at evens but their total ice time isn't that high because of special teams
Also finally please stop writing lines for d. Its pairings.