E. Johnson or B. Smith ?
 

Keeper, pts only !

Thanks !

Go with Smith. Better team, better producers around him.

I like Johnson better personally.

EJ. The points will come.

Tough one. Both are similar players, poolies are looking for points, PIM, hits etc. and both these guy's figure to deliver all of that. Hasn't happened....yet. In a points only your analysis certainly gets easier but it's still a tough call. For me, the bottom line is opportunity. EJ has no one in his way. If he doesn't start to produce, then that could change with all the young studs who are almost ready to put NHL careers in full swing. But right now, the only one in EJ's way is EJ. Smith is not a first pairing guy yet and will not get 1st PP minutes. He has a tougher road ahead in a well managed Red Wing system. And despite the tough start, one cannot ignore the fact that EJ came into the NHL as a first overall pick. What that means I'm actually not sure but EJ owners continue to hope that he begins to live up to those expectations. So, I'm not ready to give up yet, I go with EJ.

Points only -- I'd still go with Johnson despite the fact that he generally hasn't lived up to expectations thus far. If it were multicat, I think it'd be a closer call.

As far as immediate opportunity I agree with everyone that EJ is further along in his development, has more NHL seasoning, and a better situation in COL to succeed.

I will say this though, EJ sits 8th on the team in PP ice time [despite S. Elliot being sent down]. T. Barrie is eating up PP time as their go-to D on the 1st unit. When a recent 3rd round selection usurps a 1st overall draft pick on a weak team struggling to put up offensive numbers [and the 1st overall pick has already been traded from one team] that sends up all sorts of warning flags for me.

Do I think EJ will outpoint Smith this year...yes.
Do I think EJ will outoint Smith over the next 3...not so sure.

I'm starting to wonder if EJ is being groomed to be more of a shut-down, but versatile D...think Giordano or Hamhuis.

the window in which EJ outpoints Smith is limited to one or two years at most...

Thanks all for all those informations !

I am usually very patient with big defensemen who arrive at the dance with lofty expectations. Johnson still has time to put it together but he needs to start trending up fantasywise immediately - at least show some flashes. Right now I would put their potential at even but in another 10 months I fear it will be a runaway for Smith. If EJ doesn't begin producing decent numbers by next Christmas, we are most likely stuck with Brayden Coburn production offensively.