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Calen Addison | D
Matt Benning | D
Kyle Burroughs | D
Karlis Cukste | D
Ty Emberson | D
Erik Karlsson
ON-ICE VALUE
Top-Four Defenseman
STRENGTHS
Playmaking: Karlsson is a phenomenal passer. He sees the ice well and can spot open teammates in all three zones. His stretch pass is among the best in the sport and he does well to soak up attention in the offensive zone in order to set up looks in high-danger areas. In terms of pure vision, there may not be a better blueliner in the league.
Poise: He never appears flustered with the puck on his stick. He can make plays under pressure, whether that’s avoiding forecheckers on the breakout or maneuvering past defenders in order to create quality chances for teammates. His skill and composure in possession are plain to see on every touch.
Skating: Though injuries have reduced his top speed, Karlsson remains a fluid and agile skater who can effortlessly work his way out of trouble. This is particularly evident in transition, as he can slice through the opposition’s posture like a hot knife through butter.
WEAKNESSES
Defense: His dip in pace has actually been most harmful on the defensive end. He can no longer recover from any mistake, now relying more on his hockey sense and defensive fundamentals to get by. Suffice to say they’re clearly not up to snuff. Opponents pass the puck through him like he’s a ghost.
Durability: Health issues cut his electrifying peak as a Senator short, and that injury bug has followed him to San Jose. He’s struggled to play at 100% and often looks like a shell of his former self. Without his otherworldly wheels, he’s just a good but deeply flawed puck-moving blueliner.
