Good point, but I hesitate to mention Europeans of that era because they had a lower level of competition. Bubla excelled internationally but he never seemed to make it work in the NHL. A lot of early Czechs seemed to have the same problem.
Going with Edler, pull out the flamethrowers.
Or showing your age a little
When he's at the top of his game, you could argue Edler being in the Top 5 defensemen in the league, I don't think we've ever had a defenseman like that before. Hamhuis is more sound on defense, but Edler can be an offensive threat as well, he could quarterback a powerplay and he can also play the penalty kill if you need to. He just has an all around game and that's what I like about him.
Yeah it's too bad Bubla (and Hlinka) didn't come over sooner to North America - but alas the "political environment" was alot different back then. In Bubla's case, I think his game would've adapted well to the "North American style of hockey"; as it was, he did have a couple servicable years for the Canucks.Good point, but I hesitate to mention Europeans of that era because they had a lower level of competition. Bubla excelled internationally but he never seemed to make it work in the NHL. A lot of early Czechs seemed to have the same problem.