Many years ago, I’m talking like at least five years ago, I was a frequent commenter over on the Edmonton Oilers official message board. One of my favorite targets on defense was Barret Jackman, a big and physical shut-down defender for the Blues.
At the time, he was in his prime, still very effective, and exactly what the pre-rebuild Oilers were lacking. Fast forward to today, and well things are a little different. Jackman, who has been a mainstay in St. Louis, is going to be testing the waters on July 1st. The team informed him that he will not be re-signed.
The Edmonton Oilers need a veteran on the blue-line, they also need a solid, physical, shut-down defender who can lead. That’s Jackman to a tee, right? Not anymore it isn’t.
Age, It’s Real:
Jackman is, by NHL terms, pretty old now. At 34, it’s fair to say that his best days are behind him. The age gets magnified even more when you factor in the style of play that he has lived off of. He’s a physical player, which obviously takes more of a toll on the body. At this point, he’s slowing down.
As he’s gotten older, he’s also lost a step. No longer is Jackman quick enough to close the gap. This has made him susceptible to making mistakes and getting caught out of position.
The Player:
I’m a big fan of the scouting reports that are posted for every player over at The Hockey News. They are very insightful, and they give a glimpse into the player’s style, level of ability and consistency. This is the write up that they have regarding Jackman:
Plays a sound defensive game and usually games his game very simple. Owns plenty of leadership qualities. Can also play a physical shutdown role when need be. He’s a meat-and-potatoes defender.
Those are his assets. A strong defensive defender who plays a simple style and is a physical player. That’s what Edmonton needs. That said, this is what Jackman was three or four years ago. Today, he’s a shell of that player type. While he still plays that way, his body makes it difficult for him to have success.
Doesn’t have a lot of offensive acumen, which hurts his overall value. Can get overly-aggressive at times, but isn’t consistent in that aspect of the game. Has a history of shoulder problems.
These are the ‘weaknesses’ of Jackman’s game. The part about minimal offense really sticks out, and the numbers back it up. This past season, he scored only 15 points. It’s not terrible, players have had less, but it certainly isn’t good. He’s a one dimensional player.
Another thing that stands out? Injury history. That becomes more of a factor the older you get.
Pretty Pictures!!!:
So we know what the scouting report says. We also know that the eye test shows us a player who has lost a step and is less effective than he was three years ago. Now, what do the charts tell us?
The following is Jackman’s HERO chart:
He’s a bottom pairing defender in regards to ice time, and generates minimal chances with the puck. That said, in a limited role, he does a good job of suppressing chances.
Final Thoughts:
Jackman still is a player at the NHL level. He’s got size, he plays physical, and he’s a great leader. On top of that, in a limited role, he’s still an effective defensive defender.
That said, he needs to fill a specific role. My friend Lowetide did an awesome job of breaking this down Thursday over at his blog. Jackman handles heavy defensive zone starts, but faces off against the easier opposition on a regular basis.
That suggests a third pairing player who starts in the defensive zone, think Andrew Ference but against easier opponents.
The Oilers already have Ference and Nikitin to fill that role right now, and have a good young option in Brandon Davidson knocking on the door.
Unless Jackman is willing to sign for somewhere around $1 million per year and you can move BOTH Ference and Nikitin, it isn’t worth it.
Barret Jackman’s best days are behind him. Let someone else overpay for a role player.
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