Bleacher Report’s Adam Gretz ranks “best defenseman” for every NHL team from 1 to 32 The Red Wings’ selection is an empty-net tap-in…But one Moritz Seider is still only ranked 19th out of 32 top NHL defenders:
Detroit Red Wings: Moritz Seider
19 of 32
If you look at Seider’s underlying metrics and advanced stats he does not really stand out as a terribly effective defender. But he is one of the examples as to where the eye test still matters because he just has the look of a top-pairing defender. He is extremely durable (yet to miss a game in the NHL), has the type of size NHL general managers dream about for a defender, plays a physical game and has been remarkably consistent offensively. The Red Wings just need to give him more help, both in terms of a steady partner and better second-and third-pairing defenders.
Continued; Seider’s underlying metrics have improved while playing incredibly difficult minutes, and he does shoulder the load of being the Red Wings’ best even-strength and PK defenseman, as well as their PP catalyst.
I don’t feel that he should be penalized for his assignment to do everything well at the same time.
He does need more help, whether that’s from Simon Edvinsson or an improving Ben Chiarot, and the Red Wings definitely have to improve their defensive depth to reduce Seider’s workload. That being said, he does a great job, all things considered, and he’s being penalized for that workload.
