Defensive Defenseman

[TML]

Let's get something straight. For some reason, I love my defensive defenseman in my fantasy keeper leagues. I just feel everyone is underrating their offensive abilities.

So which defensive defenseman has the most offensive potential? And can you rank them as well?

Luke Schenn
Marc Staal
Karl Alzner

Thanks

EDIT:
My own opinion, is 2 posts down, but I'd like to hear yours also.

[JD88]

Give me Schenn, but I may be a bit biased

[TML]

I think it woudl be unfair, if I didn't put in my own opinion.

1) Luke Schenn - highest potential of the 3, and best chance with the way the Leafs defense is playing this year. Should get the occaisonal PP time.

2) Karl Alzner - Not too sure about him, but I feel he has some potential. Insight?

3) Marc Staal - I think last season, he about capped off his max. I'd think 35 max, as last year, I heard he wasn't too comfortable playing in the offensive zone. I'm hoping, as he matures, and becomes better, he'll get better and become more confident, in the opponents zone.

[Nights]

http://mapleleafshotstove.com/2008/0...1-dimensional/

Old article (2008 - right after the draft), but the points still hit home.

Essentially, according to junior numbers, he has as much offensive upside as Weber and Phaneuf.

I wouldn't be surprised if Schenn were hitting 30-40 points a year in a few (and if the Leafs can get some scoring in front).

[Big Ev]

Marc Staal, and it's not close IMO. Staal put up a decent amount of points with no PP time at all last season. He has a nice shot and does have some offensive instincts (watch his game-tying shorthanded goal against Pittsburgh from two weeks ago).

Neither of these guys will be putting up big points, but I don't think Schenn or Alzner have as much upside as Staal.

[Dean Youngblood]

Staal (best short term option)
Schenn
Alzner

[Big Ev]

I take that back, it's not "not close" but I still go with Staal (but I wouldn't take any of these guys in fantasy).

[Dean Youngblood]

I take that back, it's not "not close" but I still go with Staal (but I wouldn't take any of these guys in fantasy).

agreed

Schenn and Staal have similar upside IMO. But I would probably take Staal as he is doing it now

[dyzfunctioned]

Staal, Schenn, Alzner for me.

[Big Ev]

Oh yeah, and my rankings would be the same as dyz and Dean's.

[deantime419]

Staal. Already a sure bet to be a top 2 defender which at the very least gives him a ton of ice time. I think he has the highest upside fo the 3 as well but will probably develop his offense slower than the "offensive minded" defensemen.