Does our defense suck or does it not?

Well ill break it down player by player

Kronner: our best dman, he's very good but some people chalk him up as not good after watching Lids be the #1 dman for so long. Solid offensively, solid d game and probably our next captain.

Ericsson: while Ericsson is slotted as our #2 dman he isn't one. He's plays a lockdown straight up defensive game but often it is lacking. Very little offensive upside and not the best skater. While I think he has a place on this team I think it's as the #4 or #5 dman.

DDK: a very promising young dman. In my mind he has the potential skills to be a top pairing man if he can sharpen up his offensive game. Has good positioning and is a solid skater. Could see him being top pairing in the future.

Quincey: fuck Quincey amirite but seriously he's probably been our second best dman this year and while I believe he isn't worth that contract I'm glad he's on the team. He plays a solid d game with a small offensive upside. Pairing him and DDK have really helped both their games.

Smith: I believe smith is past the point of where he still has a lot of upside. He's lack luster defensively and has some offensive upside but not enough to balance his ineffective D. I like that he brings a certain scrapiness and I think that's something we need but I think we should trade his rights and let a prospect step up.

Zids: he can be described as an offensive defenseman. His poor defense can be backed up by his offensive play and his ability to quarterback the PP. He is exactly what our defense needed and while I don't think he should be resigned I think he brings a lot to our potential cup run.

Over all in letter grades-

Kronner: A-

Ericsson: C+

DDK: B-

Quincey: B-

Smith: C-

Zids: C+

Now some pairings I wouldn't mind seeing.

Kronner-Smith

DDK-Ericsson

Zids- Quincey

Overall I rate our defense a B- but potentially in the off season our D could become elite with a few trades and signings.

The D pairings that would make us unstoppable.

Kronner-Phanuef

DDK-Petry

Marchenko-Quincey

/r/DetroitRedWings Thread