BRANDON MANNING - Defenseman - 29 - $2.25MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2020-2021
LAST UPDATED 8/3/19
After having a well-known on-ice conflict raging with Connor McDavid, GM Peter Chiarelli inexplicably acquired Manning and his contract from Chicago during the 2018-19 season, likely looking for some punch on his bottom pairing. Manning, like in most places he's been over the course of his NHL career, struggled offensively and defensively, but provided much-needed physical ability from the back end for Edmonton. Manning has always seemed like a bit of a throwback NHL player. He's a low-hockey-IQ defenseman who can't move the puck very well or contribute much offense. He can dig pucks out of corners and stick up for teammates, but expecting him to handle even second pairing defensive assignments would be a mistake. Players like him have been all but weeded out of NHL lineups, yet Manning still somehow stays. To give him credit, he is a physical force, and can be a legitimate asset against tougher players along the boards and in front of the net. That being said, Manning's outdated playstyle does not bode well for an NHL becoming increasingly focused on more modern ways to look at the game. As a result, Manning's isolated impact metrics are simply putrid. Manning measures as a negative play driver on 5v5 offense, and as a massive defensive liability on 5v5 defense, especially in front of the net. Much of this must be due to his lack of zone-exit abilities and his inability to be an asset in transition, but his positive PK numbers mean that he isn't without at least a little bit of situational value. Given his play style and overall traits as a player, Manning is a enforcer-esque seventh defenseman with some penalty kill value, but a #7 defenseman who shouldn't draw into the lineup unless he's playing overly physical teams. Also, it bears mentioning that at over $2MM AAV Manning is a bit overpriced as a physical #7.
After having a well-known on-ice conflict raging with Connor McDavid, GM Peter Chiarelli inexplicably acquired Manning and his contract from Chicago during the 2018-19 season, likely looking for some punch on his bottom pairing. Manning, like in most places he's been over the course of his NHL career, struggled offensively and defensively, but provided much-needed physical ability from the back end for Edmonton. Manning has always seemed like a bit of a throwback NHL player. He's a low-hockey-IQ defenseman who can't move the puck very well or contribute much offense. He can dig pucks out of corners and stick up for teammates, but expecting him to handle even second pairing defensive assignments would be a mistake. Players like him have been all but weeded out of NHL lineups, yet Manning still somehow stays. To give him credit, he is a physical force, and can be a legitimate asset against tougher players along the boards and in front of the net. That being said, Manning's outdated playstyle does not bode well for an NHL becoming increasingly focused on more modern ways to look at the game. As a result, Manning's isolated impact metrics are simply putrid. Manning measures as a negative play driver on 5v5 offense, and as a massive defensive liability on 5v5 defense, especially in front of the net. Much of this must be due to his lack of zone-exit abilities and his inability to be an asset in transition, but his positive PK numbers mean that he isn't without at least a little bit of situational value. Given his play style and overall traits as a player, Manning is a enforcer-esque seventh defenseman with some penalty kill value, but a #7 defenseman who shouldn't draw into the lineup unless he's playing overly physical teams. Also, it bears mentioning that at over $2MM AAV Manning is a bit overpriced as a physical #7.
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