Ever ask yourself what are the things that make an Elite D-man :
Defensive zone converage ? First pass ? Physical play ? Offensive upside ?
Well ... you need a bit of all of that, but that isn't everything, what puts guys like Beauchemin and Foote on a pedestal are the fact they know EXACTLY how the brain of an elite player works.
And the bottom line is THAT's why a guy like Beauchemin ( and not other Ducks D-men like O'donnel, Ric Jackman, Huskins or DiPenta ) is part of Anaheim's big three .
But don't be fooled into thinking the Habs missed the boat on Beauchemin, He was one of Carlisle's project and as former Norris Trophy winner, the Duck's coach knew exactly what Beauchemin needed to do to take his game to the next level.
You can't help but think though ... Rivet and Beauchemin have both proven that the Habs D's are an under rated bunch, give these guys a coach capable of harnessing a collective effort, and sky is the limit, it's imperative in my opinion the Habs get a D coach.
