I have heard people say that the veteran core is completely missing from the game. I definitely agree with this but the veterans aren’t even the majority on the Columbus Blue Jackets anymore so that can’t be the only issue.
We have set up our team to rely on the young and there is a lot of youth in every position that is not playing at the top of their game. The spot that I have noticed the youth struggling most is in the third defensive pairings while we are fighting through some injuries.
I figured since I noticed that gap that I would take a minute and compare two defenseman that are fighting for a “permanent” spot on the team.