NHL All-Star Game: Building an all New York/New Jersey team
Defense
The three defenseman are:
- Will Butcher (Devils)
- Ryan McDonagh (Rangers)
- Nick Leddy (Islanders)
Will Butcher has been a standout for the Devs this season so far. His ability to generate assists from the blue line would be even better with elite goal scorers. I’m high on Nico but Butcher might be the best rookie on this Devils team.
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McDonagh, despite rumors he may be headed elsewhere to close out the season, needs to be on this list. His +11 is key as a defender. His ability to share the puck is key as well.
This is hopefully a nostalgic moment for all Ranger fans. The blue shirt captain is having a decent year.
His teammate Kevin Shattenkirk would have made the team had he not suffered an injury.
No Islander defensemen are worthy of consideration this year. However, to spread the love and have another veteran out there with all the young guys, Leddy gets the nod.
The Isles’ defense is awful in almost every aspect but Leddy has 29 points and has played in 50 games. Health and veteran poise are how he somehow sneaks onto this list.
The defenders are few and far between in the Big Apple this year, but these are the standouts thus far in the season.