After analyzing the Forwards last week, the spotlight will shine on the Defensemen and Goaltenders today…
Defensemen
Brady Skjei (23.00)
This season: Skjei has been the workhorse, skating on the 1st or 2nd pair and playing both special teams units. He’s been solid with 32 points, including 9 on the PP, and a plus 17.
Next year: More of the same.
K’Andre Miller (22.99)
This season: Miller’s development as a top pair Dman continues. The first half he paired with Skjei, and the 2nd half has seen him next to Theodore. No matter who he ha been with he has produced, with 31 pts ( PP) and a plus 21.
Next year: Further growth is expected, although his NHL numbers are down so far this season.
Nick Jensen (20.90)
This season: It’s been an interesting year for the veteran, as he was a healthy scratch and on the trade block after several games with costly penalties and poor PK performance when he wasn’t in the sin bin. Since rejoining the lineup he’s teamed with Skjei on a solid 2nd pairing and has contributed 21 points and has been more disciplined.
Next year: Age is catching up and it’s likely a 3rd pairing role awaits Jensen in the 24-25 season.
Shea Theodore (19.76)
This season: He’s been an offensive force with 45 points in 48 games, including 17 with the main advantage. He’s had injury issues, missing a week’s worth of games on 2 occasions.
Next year: Should continue his elite production, but injury concerns are high given he’s only appeared in 20 of his NHL club’s 42 games thus far.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson (17.28)
This season: The vet acquired in the off-season rotated through the 3rd pairing with several others in the early part of the season before finding great chemistry with Mario Ferraro and claiming a full time job just before the Millers started their 11 game win streak. 13 points in 37 games and a plus 15 are solid numbers considering his ice-time, although he has not been particularly productive on either special team unit.
Next year He is UFA, but is having a renaissance season in the NHL. If he returns it will likely be in the same role he is currently in.
Jake Walman (16.86)
This season: Expected to be on the 3rd pairing he struggled in preseason and has been in and out of the lineup all year. Through 18 games he has a solid 8 points but his minus 7 in worst on the team and he’s not found chemistry with any D-Man he’s been paired with.
Next year: If OEL leaves as a UFA he’s first up to replace him. If OEL stays he’ll be the 7th Man, or could be traded.
Mario Ferraro (16.50)
This season: Opened the season on the 3rd pair but like Jensen, had penalty issues and was a disappointment on the PK which lead to some healthy scratches. Rejoined the lineup next to OEL and has been a rock since, with surprising offense (17 pts in 48 games) and solid defense at ES and on the PK.
Next year: He likely replaces Jensen in the top 4, and should stay there for a few more seasons as he is only 25.
Jake Bean (16.42)
This season: Among the 9 Dmen on the Millers roster, Bean began the year at the bottom of the depth chart. He’s looked good when called upon, with 6 points (2 PP) in 12 games. He’s currently in the lineup with Theodore out and has produced, to the point where the Millers may consider an 11-7 lineup to keep him active.
Next year: Bean is the midst of a terrible NHL season, and is likely to find himself as a reserve if things don’t pick-up.
Brett Kulak (14.60)
This season: Acquired as depth, Kulak has only seen the ice 11 times, with 2 points and a minus 5. He’s replaced Bean as at the bottom of the depth chart and is unlikely to see any more games this season.
Next year: UFA and won’t be back, with David Jiricek on the way up as his probable roster replacement.
Jake Christiansen (0 GP)
This season: Signed as a free agent he’s currently in the minors.
Next year: The hope was that he would grab a regular role in the NHL in 23-24 but Columbus acquired several vets after GEO signed him and he’s only played 2 NHL games. An RFA it seems unlikely he’ll play enough to be eligible next season.
Goaltenders
Stuart Skinner (51 GP)
This season: The rookie net minder is among CCHL leaders in games played and save percentage. He’s exceeded all expectations.
Next year: A rocky NHL start caused some concern, but he’s shown his quality of late and is solidifying himself as Georgetown’s starting goalie for the foreseeable future.
Semyon Varlamov (9 GP)
This season: Brought in as a veteran backup and potential 1B if Skinner struggled, Varlamov has barely seen the ice and has struggled when called upon with a .863 save %.
Next year: Could return as a high priced backup, but a solid NHL season and the emergence of prospect Lukas Dostal may see him traded.
Lukas Dostal (0 GP)
This season: 3rd Goalie has not been called upon yet and is in the minor leagues.
Next year: Has seen regular play in the NHL in 23-24 and has held his own, with a .903 save % on a defensively challenged Anaheim team. Could take over backup duties if Varlamov is traded.
D Depth Chart 2023-2024
Theodore-Miller
Skjei-Jensen
OEL-Ferraro
Reserves: Bean, Walman, Kulak
Minors: Jake Christiansen
G Depth Chart 2023-24:
Skinner
Backup: Varlamov
Minors: Lukas Dostal
D Depth Chart Projection for 2024-2025
Skjei-Miller
Theodore-Ferraro
Jensen-Walman
Reserve: Bean
Rookie/Minors: David Jiricek
UFAs: OEL, Kulak
G Depth Chart Projection for 2024-25
Skinner
Backup: Varlamov
Rookie Dostal
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