Canes Country Exit Analysis: Dennis Seidenberg
by Bob Wage on Jun 9, 2009 2:45 AM EDT
11 comments
Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dennis Seidenberg had the best season in his NHL career last year. Not only did the German native finish fourth in scoring on the Carolina blueline with 30 points, he was first on the team and 17th in the NHL with 160 blocked shots. He can also play a gritty, physical game when necessary and was second on the defense with 146 hits.
Seidenberg was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 6th round of the 2001 entry draft but was traded to Phoenix during the 2005-06 season. The Hurricanes acquired him the following year in exchange for fan favorite, Kevyn Adams. In the 2007-08 season, the defenseman only played in 47 games. He spent much of the year recovering from an ankle injury and also had a right knee strain.
Dennis had a decent playoffs and chipped in with a goal and five assists.
The Good- Seidenberg brings a nice offensive touch and is a very good option at the point on the powerplay. He has an above average shot. As mentioned above, he's an excellent shot blocker and can play a physical game.
The Bad- He can find himself out of position at times and has usually been a minus player throughout his career. (This season he was -9 in 70 games and was -5 in the playoffs) He might also be a health concern, perhaps because of the way he plays the game. (This season's 70 games are the most he has played in one season since his AHL days)
The Money- The Hurricanes signed the defenseman to a one year, 1.2 million dollar contract last year, He is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will be free to sign with any team on or after July 1st. He has certainly played well enough to deserve a raise, but that might very well mean Carolina will have to pass on him. The Canes are high on prospects Bryan Rodney, Casey Borer, and Brett Carson. With Gleason, Pitkanen, Wallin, Corvo, and Kaberle already under contract, that doesn't leave much room for the prospects unless the team can get creative with how to deal with Kaberle.
______
The majority have given the following grades for the previously reviewed players:
Eric Staal - B
Rod Brind'Amour - C
Ryan Bayda - B
Niclas Wallin - C
0 recs |
11 comments
|
Email
Print
Comments
I don't know if durability is THAT big a deal...
The groin issue that cost him nine games in December is te kind of thing that could happen to anybody.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
I was ok with his play, especially for a 6th round pick. He’s gotten a little better every year. However, I’m affraid Bubba is right and we may end up parting ways with him. I liked the idea of having a German on the team for some reason. I felt all Bavarian about it. Alas there are some prospects in the wings that can’t be ignored.
Cliff Clavin Says
If Seidenberg is from Villingen-Schwenningen, the largest city of the Schwarzwald-Baar district, he’s a Badener-Württemberger. Rommel was a Württemberger and he was kind of in on the plot to kill Hitler…cool. Makes me feel all Desert Foxy.
I dig Seidenberg. I used to mock him (imagine that). He’s come a long, long way from the nearly-a-player-to-be-named-later he once was. If the Canes could move, lose or buy-out Wallin and Kaberle I’d love to see him back in the sightless eye. The things he goofs on are correctable. He doesn’t lack for courage, aggressiveness or in his desire to contribute on the attack.
by Scott Cason on Jun 10, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions
PTBNL?
That’s hardly fair. He was a highly-enough regarded prospect to have appeared in the YoungStarzzzz game early in his career.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 10, 2009 1:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Steady if not spectacular
That’s my description of Seids. Think his offensive play is overated and his defensive play under-rated. Great shot blocker, but often tries to do to much on offensive end. However, I know that he is very popular with the other players. Gonna be hard to keep him based on the market for D-men in the league. Isn’t it ironic that we now have an abundance of defensemen, including prospects, after years of barely being able to ice 6 quality guys? I think all three of our defensive prospects have more upside than Seids, Kaberle, and Wallin.
Seidenberg had a career year in GP, G, A, Pts. His history with injuries might be the key in resigning him for cheap; if he can stay healthy he’ll be a solid all-around defenseman. I doubt he’s back next season, but if he is, he’d at least be great trade bait if it turns out that Borer and/or Carson are ready.
Seindenberg
Was not the best defenseman around but I really don’t know right off hand who the cane’s have that would be much better.
robert
I think he means among players that would be moved up the depth chart to replace him.
Remember, kids...don't ever let facts get in the way of your argument.
by MichaelProcton on Jun 9, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Canes Country
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- In which former NHL coach Ken Hitchcock foils a shoplifter
- Montreal's Price talks new 2-year contract, expectations post-Halak
- Donald Fehr aware of Kovalchuk drama, mum on everything else
- Puck Headlines: Savard's agent rants on Bettman; Halak in Montreal
- Boudreau, Crawford placed on the coaching hot seat
Certain photos copyright © 2010 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
