Where Does Clayton Stoner Fit in the Ducks Defense?
By Jason Siders
January 30, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers center Brayden Schenn (10) moves the puck against the defense of Anaheim Ducks defenseman Cam Fowler (4) and defenseman Ben Lovejoy (6) during the third period at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm
To be frank, there is virtually no chance that Stoner starts in favor of either Fowler or Lindholm under ordinary circumstances. The young puck moving defensemen form the cornerstone of the Ducks defense.
Fowler, whose game has matured defensively earned top ice time throughout the season, a spot on the U.S. Olympic Team, and in general became the Ducks’ go-to defenseman this season.
Despite only turning 20 last January, Hampus Lindholm was perhaps the team’s second best defender last season, behind Fowler, turning in a stellar rookie performance that had him in the discussion to become a Calder trophy finalist. Barring injury, these two will continue to play top minutes.
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Ben Lovejoy
If there’s anybody that knows where Clayton Stoner might be coming from, it’s Ben Lovejoy.
In 2012, Lovejoy struggled to crack the Pittsburgh Penguins starting lineup, playing only 34 games.
He was traded to the Ducks in 2013 for a fifth-round pick. Since then, the Rev has taken on a top pairing role in Anaheim alongside Cam Fowler.
Together, the Fowler-Lovejoy pairing has enjoyed great success, but it’s questionable how much of it can actually be credited to Fowler.
When Fowler left the lineup with an injury late last season, Lovejoy struggled considerably. Some (rightfully) wonder if Lovejoy is holding back Fowler from being the best defenseman that he can be.
For this reason, some Ducks fans long for a top-2 defenseman to play alongside Fowler, allowing Lovejoy to play against easier competition on a lower pairing. However, Stoner is clearly not a top-2 defenseman, and it is doubtful that he was signed to fill that role.