Joined: May 2017
Posts: 938
Likes: 253
An objective comparison of the D, based on team adjusted Evolving Hockey ensemble models, averaged over the past 5 years (past 3 for Zaitsev):
Defense: Gardiner (2.02) > Muzzin (1.83) > Hainsey (-1.1) > Ceci (-1.46) > Barrie (-1.72) > Zaisev (-2.07) > Rielly (-4.42)
Offense: Barrie (4.46) > Rielly (3.2) > Gardiner (2.5) > Muzzin (-0.23) > Hainsey (-0.42) > Ceci (-2.14) > Zaitsev (-2.4)
For comparison, Hedman has an EV offense of 6.56 and an EV defense of 1.42.
So, Dubas traded Zaitsev for Ceci. Ceci is better, offensively and defensively.
He replaced Gardiner with Barrie. Barrie is better offensively and shoots from the right, but weaker defensively.
Hainsey is gone, and replaced by a younger player, whose productivity is yet to be known.
Overall, it's a slight improvement.