I believe this guy deserves his own thread. Carl does not get much attention but in my opinion he is one of the most remarkable Leafs stories this season. Before training camp started many of us here believed that he would be the odd man out. From this point of departure I guess he is one the most pleasant surprises of this young season: Second in icetime, not only perfectly complements Phaneuf but also gives him the freedom to join the offensive rushes. Phaneuf?s productivity is closely connected with Gunnarson?s taking care of the back end. No doubt - at least in my eyes - Carl is best defensive D-men the Leafs have right now.
He is very sound in his own end, he does not make many spectacular outlet passes like Gardiner, however, if he has the puck he hardly does anything stupid. Just as an example he is the only defenseman who has more takeaways than giveaways. He does not throw thunderous hits like Phaneuf but he is tough to play against as his 6?2?? and 200 pounds frame should suggest. He has decent offensive upside and in a kind of Swedish tradition seems to me like a silent leader. He does not talk much but leads by example, gives it 100% (he is no Pilar, though ;D) and in the shadow of Kessel, Lupul, Grabbo, Phaneuf and co. established himself as the most reliable defenseman. You just know exactly what you get, every game on a very consistent basis.
I like this development of his. Last year, after the departure of Kaberle he nicely filled the offensive role but with sudden abundance of offensive minded defensemen on this team I like his ability to adjust to completely different role, which is not always the case with the offensive minded guys. In Carl we might have discovered very reliable and versatile defensemen. I am glad he is here. The best thing is that next week he will be only 25 ears old on very modest contract.
He is very sound in his own end, he does not make many spectacular outlet passes like Gardiner, however, if he has the puck he hardly does anything stupid. Just as an example he is the only defenseman who has more takeaways than giveaways. He does not throw thunderous hits like Phaneuf but he is tough to play against as his 6?2?? and 200 pounds frame should suggest. He has decent offensive upside and in a kind of Swedish tradition seems to me like a silent leader. He does not talk much but leads by example, gives it 100% (he is no Pilar, though ;D) and in the shadow of Kessel, Lupul, Grabbo, Phaneuf and co. established himself as the most reliable defenseman. You just know exactly what you get, every game on a very consistent basis.
I like this development of his. Last year, after the departure of Kaberle he nicely filled the offensive role but with sudden abundance of offensive minded defensemen on this team I like his ability to adjust to completely different role, which is not always the case with the offensive minded guys. In Carl we might have discovered very reliable and versatile defensemen. I am glad he is here. The best thing is that next week he will be only 25 ears old on very modest contract.
