Points only - Schultz or Trouba

[Reuben]

One final keeper spot in a points-only pool. Keep 12 total.

I'm stuck between Trouba and Schultz as my final keeper of the 12.

Trouba/Schultz would be my third D keeper (behind Karlsson and OEL), so willing to suffer thru another so-so point producing campaign from the player I choose to keep.

Curious on thoughts for next year and the next three.

My guy says Schultz because surely the Oilers can't get any worse...even if Eakins thinks they're not a good offensive team. But Trouba is a very interesting prospect as well.

Thanks

[forumname]

I would keep Trouba

[fungchen3]

You honestly can't go wrong either way but I'd swing for the fences with Schultz... by a smidge.

[TheNugeCooge]

I'd take Trouba. He already has the coaches trust while Edmonton is obviously lacking in solid, 20min/night defenseman. If Edmonton can find one this off-season, Schultz could get passed on the depth chart. Trouba put up most of his points this year with very limited powerplay time.

[Zorro]

I am a huge supporter of Trouba, and really believe he will be the better of the two..

[Shake]

I'm in agreement. The kid is a beast will get better and better. Something about Schultz I just don't trust. Not sure if its related to the team or him alone, but I feel Trouba will be better statistically.

I am a huge supporter of Trouba, and really believe he will be the better of the two..

[fungchen3]

I am a huge supporter of Trouba, and really believe he will be the better of the two..

As do I. Overall, it's not close IMO - Trouba is a monster. You know what scares me... just a tad about him to be honest? I'll call it the John Carlson / Drew Doughty Syndrome - the kid is so all-around good I could see his points suffering a tad in a points-only format because of it. On the other hand, Schultz will primarily be an offensive weapon since that's his calling card. And the Oil will get better.

[Magicstew]

I'm in the Trouba corner as well, but may be biased as I am in the Wpg area. He is going to be a stud D-man. thinking 2-3 yrs down the road he will definitely be Qbing the PP in Wpg. Points only Schultz may be ahead in short term, but down the road it will be Trouba.

[The Hockey Hitman]

Schultz not by much though.

[Axeman33]

Points only, I am taking Schultz. Sure Trouba is climbing the ladder, but Schultz is already there. Don't over think this.

[Pengwin7]

Points only, I am taking Schultz. Sure Trouba is climbing the ladder, but Schultz is already there. Don't over think this.

I agree with Axeman here.
Don't overthink this.

Trouba is an incredible defenseman, true.
Trouba is a better overall defenseman than Schultz, true.

One important face: We (as a fantasy hockey community) ALWAYS expect rookies to get better, increase their scoring.
"We" (not me actually) did it with Tyler Myers. We assumed he would get better than his rookie total of 48pts, while shooting an above D average 10.6%.
But... Myers logged 23:44 per game that first year. There was absolutely NO additional ice-time for him in his future... so why would his totals go up?
And... they did not. Myers was seen as a "disappointment"... though I'd argue (to all that liked him)... "we" should have seen the decline coming.

Trouba is actually averaging 22:41 per game this year.
How many more minutes are there for general improvement?


Anyways, back to talking about "points"
Defenseman points are STRONGLY linked to their role on the Powerplay.

The big Buff is still signed in Winnipeg for another two years.
And even though he is playing forward, Byfuglien (click "video") still reverts to the point, PP1, for powerplays... with Enstrom.
Check his PP goals vs. DAL on March 16th & vs. STL on Feb 8th. (Buff's been an even-strength forward since mid-January).
Point slap shots.

I don't see this changing.
Winnipeg's primary PP strategy is: Feed Buff at the point. Buff shoots.

It is very similar to Washington & Carlson (a great comparison).
Washington's primary PP strategy is: Feed Ovie atop the left circle. Ovie shoots.

So... if you are talking about "Points Only"... you've got to consider:

Trouba, perhaps 25-30 even-strength points, maybe 10 PPP. 35-40pts.
Schultz, perhaps 20-25 even-strength points, maybe 20 PPP. 40-45pts. (Note that Schultz had a disappointing 11 PPP this year, and I don't see that being THAT low again. His 21 ESP are actually pretty solid!!!)

[Shiva Blaster]

Shultz in points only.

[TeamRamrod]

Points only, Schultz. Real hockey, I take Trouba. Trouba is no slouch, but Edmonton WILL figure it out and a PP with the potential of Hall, RNH, Eberle, Yaks and Schults, looks awesome.

[Reuben]

Thanks for the comments, folks.

I've added a poll - mostly to prove to myself that I'm capable of doing so - but also to have another view on the topic, because it seems fairly split right now.

[Darren_Kennedy]

I've fallen hard for Trouba. Put me down for 45+ points next year.