(Editor’s Note: Yeah, we know, the Sabres got Regehr and Bieksa got re-upped. However, I’m not about to let a Q&A goto waste-JP)
With free agency nearing, Buffalowins reached out to Vancouver blogger Dani at Beached Whale (before the Regehr trade) for a close-up perspective on both Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff.
What are some of the key differences in Kevin Bieksa and Christian Ehrhoff’s games?
They are both offensive defensemen, but Ehrhoff would be more of your model offensive type. He takes more risks and has a better shot when he’s shooting from the point (if he can get the puck near the net). Bieksa has spent this past year with Hamhuis, as the top pairing on the shutdown line for Vancouver. He has really grown into the position, but needed a calming influence, which Hamhuis provided.
Is one better than the other on special teams?
Ehhoff has been the one for the powerplay and Bieksa is the one for the penalty kill.
With Bieksa (29) and Ehrhoff (27), do either still have much room to grow as players?
I would say yes. Bieksa learned a whole new style this season to be a shut-down defenceman. So, it will be interesting to see if he’ll be able to continue this style, though it might depend on who is his d-partner and coach are. If Ehrhoff can shoot the puck -actually at the net- that would be some serious growth.
Is one more suited to play with Tyler Myers?
I am not super familiar with Myers’ play, and although both can be in a top pairing, I’ll give this one to Ehrhoff. Ehrhoff should have a better upside and isn’t as much of a risk as Bieksa can be at times.
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