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St. Louis Coach Ken Hitchcock Calls D-Man Erik Karlsson an Offenseman

By Santagata JJ

Apr 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) waits for a pass during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) waits for a pass during the first period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Ottawa Senator’s Erik Karlsson Might Be One of the NHL’s Best Defensemen But in the Eyes of Head Coach Ken Hitchcock the D-Man is More Like a Forward And He Praises Him as One. Despite Karlsson’s Unstoppable Defense, Hitchcock Pays More Attention to the Offense.

Earlier this week Senators‘ head coach Ken Hitchcock called Erik Karlsson more of an offensemen and praised his ability to move the puck and score like one. Hitchcock stated that: “We consider him to be an offense man and we consider him to be a guy that’s dangerous when you have the puck.”

Hitchcock continued on to praise Karlsson for his offensive play as he has often done in the past. Karlsson had a laugh about the offensive comments later on and stated that he “plays defensemen for a reason and that [he thinks] he’d be an awful forward.”

A Look at Erik Karlsson on the Ice

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Last season Karlsson has 16 goals, 66 assists and averaged 28 minutes(TOI). Led all defensemen in assists last season and all skaters for a matter of fact. As well since 2013-2014 Karlsson has been the leader for points for the past three years. 2013-2014, 74 points, 14-15, 66 points and last season again showing his dominance among defensemen. It’s obvious Karlsson logs major points that draw some negative attention of active,

It’s obvious Karlsson logs major points that draw some negative attention of active, nonactive, fans and even coaches around the league.

For Hitchcock to make that remark about Karlsson is disrespectful in my opinion. Karlsson has unbelievably offensive awareness, that doesn’t give anyone the right to put down Karlsson’s defensive game. If anything, these skills only enhance the d-man’s defensive game.

This argument can be made towards Brent Burns, PK Subban, Dustin Byfuglien and plenty of others. Karlsson is a special player in the NHL his ability to join the rush, create offensive opportunities every night along with his remarkable skating ability makes him one of the best defensemen in the league.

A True D-Man

Erik Karlsson possesses many great qualities as a defenseman. He will continue to be one of, if not the best defensemen in the NHL for many years to come.

Next: Top 20 NHL Fantasy Defensemen

In conclusion, if you want to argue Karlsson is not much of a defensemen and more of an offensemen then that argument is valid, but I respectfully disagree.

Just watch how Karlsson puts forward shutdown defense and still manages to log 82 points in a season.

 

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