San Jose Sharks: Blueline and Goalies

Meanwhile, the team was able to re-sign Christian Ehrhoff, who was key defending teams on the move last season, and is improving his physical play and puck-handling. McLellan will also be able to rely on marathon defender Marc-Edouard Vlassic, who is coming off a bit of a sophomore season let-down but still is reliable in his own end.

The unit also features two returning heavy hitters, Kyle McLaren and Douglas Murray. McLaren has struggled to stay healthy the last three years but is a solid seventh defenseman who should see some time with or without injury. Murray has improved greatly in terms of his positioning and even getting the puck out of the defensive end, and is an intimidating presence that keeps opposing forwards from skating boldly into the zone.

One thing the Sharks do not have is more depth. Currently, the next defenseman listed on the depth chart is Derek Joslin, a 21-year old fifth round pick in 2005. He is 6'1" and 210#, but has not played a single NHL game. With the team tight against its budget a key player yet to be signed, it is unlikely there will be any additions to this unit.

Thus, I project the pairings to be as follows:

1. Boyle-Lukowich puts two players who know one another together with different skill sets, Lukowich can be counted on to be in positions and provide a physical presence while Boyle can be counted on to advance the puck and provide the secondary scoring when the opportunity presents itself. Luke will play on the penalty kill and Boyle the power play. This would be one of the top ten first pairs in the league.
2. Blake-Vlassic puts the most experienced player with the least in this unit. Blake provides the offensive capabilities (especially on the power play) and the size to have to be accounted for. Vlassic provides the skating ability and endurance to keep the pair from getting caught flat-footed, and his steady play makes him seem more experienced than he is and a perfect choice for the penalty kill. This would be one of the top five or six second pairs in the league.
3. Murray-Ehrhoff puts another hitter with another fast skater, and both have enough experience to be reliable in key situations including helping on the penalty kill. Ehrhoff will also likely see power play time, and that alone shows this would be one of the best third pairs in the league.
4. As for the reserves, McLaren may be among the best defensemen not dressed, but obviously since it gets very shaky after that. Therefore, I would have to rate this level of the unit in the bottom half of the league. Fortunately, it is unlikely they will be called on much.

Overall, the Sharks are in the top five of the league in this unit as well. Obviously Anaheim and then Detroit have better bluelines. The Flames and the Rangers have comparable units. The Stars are in the same league, but I think a shade below.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?