Assuming you have watched the Canucks play this season, you are either overestimating Garrison or underestimating Edler or both. I think that Garrison's mobility is underrated whereas Edler looked almost immobile this season. But I think the Edler of old is a better skater than Garrison and by far the better puck carrier. The stats indicate that Edler turned the puck only two more times than Garrison did this season, but like you I would have thought that Edler turned the puck over more. But that's a function of Garrison having played a real steady and safe game this year compared to Edler who traditionally does carry the puck up ice and certainly tries to do more with the puck than Garrison. Besides, Edler has had bring farts this year. Regardless, Edler turning over the puck is not really a concern IMO.Mëds wrote: Did you watch much this season?
He's not the fastest guy out there, but he doesn't give much up in the way of mobility when compared to Edler. His skating is actually quite good, he's far more responsible with the puck at the point, can pass just as well, and is positionally far more responsible than Edler. Because of all of these things he doesn't need to be as fast as Edler. Edler's only real upside compared to Garrison is his physically aggressive play.....when he brings it. Edler is a bit better at carrying the puck, but also turns it over far more.
How you came to the conclusion that Garrison is better at passing the puck and moving the puck up ice is beyond me. I don't even remember Garrison making a nice pass or carrying the puck up ice. Granted, Garrison was playing off his backhand a lot since he was playing on the right side so he would often win the puck in the corners and chip the puck up to a forward off his backhand. Don't get me wrong, I don't think Garrison is David Booth-like in terms of passing as I do think Garrison would be much better at making the first pass if he's allowed to play the left side. But there's a reason Garrison averages 16-17 assists a year and Edler's career high was 38 assists. Garrison is simply not that good of a puck moving defenseman and got to the NHL playing a safe game and utilizing his big shot. Garrison can make the all important first pass just fine, but he's not a talented stickhandler so if he doesn't have room to make that first pass he'll make the safe play. Edler on the other hand will carry the puck if the pass isn't there and open up passing lanes. I think virtually all of Garrison's assists came off his shot or second assists.Mëds wrote: My take.....
Skating - Edler.
Positioning - Garrison.
Shooting - Garrison.
Hitting - Edler.
Poise - Garrison.
Passing - Garrison.
Puck Carrying - Edler.
Puck Moving - Garrison.
Consistency - Garrison.
In short, Edler is good with the puck and Garrison is average at best. I prefer Garrison shooting the puck, but in a nonshooting situation, I want the puck on Edler's stick rather than Garrison's stick. Garrison is better defensively, but Edler is far and away the superior puck moving defensemen.