Where Does Clayton Stoner Fit in the Ducks Defense?
By Jason Siders
Mar 29, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Sami Vatanen (45) clears the puck from the corner against the Vancouver Canucks during the first period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
Sami Vatanen
Speaking of size, many fear that the Stoner will take away minutes from Sami Vatanen. Despite being undersized (5’11”, 183lbs), the 23-year old Finn was one of the Ducks best possession players last season (53.4% 5-on-5 CF%, according to extraskater.com), and he contributed 21 points (6 goals, 15 assists) in 48 games this season.
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The man affectionately referred to as the “Vatman” has garnered attention around the league as an up-and-coming offensive defenseman.
However, if the current objective for the Ducks is to get bigger,Vatanen’s starts may be limited in favor of larger defensemen like Stoner, particularly if Boudreau and Murray feel that Cam Fowler and Hampus Lindholm are enough to round out the offensive-defenseman category.
While it’s possible that increased size would improve the Ducks, benching Vatanen could not be classified as anything but a case of poor asset management.This past year saw Vatanen bouncing between the Ducks and their AHL affiliate in Norfolk, despite performing well.
Vatanen signed a two-year, one way contract just a few days ago, so it is unlikely that he will split time between Anaheim and Norfolk again. Yet, the possibility of Vatanen sitting in the press box in favor of Clayton Stoner is very real.