Yeah, def could be a scouting thing but either way it's a pretty low return on that many high-round defensive picks and prospects.In general I'd agree with this in recent years. But it isn't just about developing. Their scouting is lacking on the back end compared to up front. The late round gems at forward (Stone, Hoffman, Pageau, etc. and now maybe Dzingel) haven't materialized on the blueline.
Some notes about development though. Some of those players just aren't very good. Cowen's career was derailed by injury not necessarily development. I'm not convinced he ever had an NHL mind (doesn't make quick enough decisions). But he's younger than Wiercioch and he's likely to be out of the league when his contract expires.
Rundblad was under Sens development for a grand total of 25 games before being shipped out for Kyle Turris. Phoenix and Chicago had not much better luck developing this guy; his game just never translated to North America. He's from that draft class too and is out of the league.
Methot has been terrific when he's healthy.
Leaves Weirdcock and Ceci, who I think will be fine. Wiercioch is a strange one though. I thought he was going to be a really good second pair guy when he first arrived on the scene. He never got any better. Who knows if it's the club or the player.He's now the number 6 guy on a weak Colorado blueline (on paper).
I think in the past 5-8 years they've scouted D poorly and may not have developed them that well. It'll be interesting to see what happens with the latest group. Chabot should be close to a blue chip prospect. Englund is likely an NHL player and MAYBE a 2nd pairing guy. And my darkhorse to be a real player in 2-3 years is Christian Jaros. He's got a nice tool set. Max Lajoie is a guy that I could see having a decent NHL career too.
I'm curious to see how these guys progress.
wow The Miller got real sensitive since he started sucking
