Joined: Jun. 2022
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With the movement of players out and young kids getting a shot; what are the "early" predictions for pairings?
Anderson-Doughty seems a foregone conclusion.
Gavrikov-Roy is probable second pair.
But the third pair and 7th defender is up in the air:
Moverare/Björnfot/Englund on the left side and Clarke/Spence on the right
Moverare (24 yo; 6'3 209 lbs) has 21 NHL games, 118 AHL games. Pretty much a shutdown defender with high IQ and limited skating/puck moving skills. 1 x $762,500 1-way contract.
Björnfot (22 yo; 6'0 200 lbs) has 116 NHL games, 95 AHL games. A solid two-way defender that can play in all situations, has offensive skills but it has not translated at pro levels. 2 x $775k 1-way contract.
Englund (27 yo; 6'3 190 lbs) has 80 NHL games, 300 AHL games. A one-dimensional physical defender that relies on grit and toughness; mistake prone. 2 x $1,000,000 1-way contract
Clarke (20 yo; 6'2 185 lbs) has 9 NHL games, 5 AHL games. A two-way defender who skews offensive and is still filling out his frame (goal is to be at 205 lbs); an elite talent who just needs NHL minutes to develop. 3 x $863,333 ELC.
Spence (22 yo; 5'10 181 lbs) has 30 NHL games, 102 AHL games. A pure offensive blueline who pushes the play and a 0.85 PPG scorer at the AHL level; prolific shooter; not strong in own zone; he is a small "powerplay specialist" (think Tyson Barrie, Kevin Shattenkirk, Tony DeAngelo) that needs to be sheltered. 1 x $820,000 ELC
If it is a foregone conclusion that Clarke starts in LA as 3rd RD then who makes the better partner?