Originally posted by Snively65
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Obviously Langway has a pair of Norris trophies, multiple Stanley Cups and is in the HHOF. He would easily been the career leading scorer among defenseman had he played four seasons at UNH. He’s a hard bar to reach...
As for his 18-20 year old seasons, and not to take anything away from him, it was the norm back then where as it was/is rather unusual for the times of Pesce and Gildon.
As for Pesce, he is growing into a top pair defenseman and, perhaps, one of the most underrated defenders in the entire NHL. I believe he was a very young 18 when he arrived at UNH but I don’t have the numbers in front of me so someone can correct me if I’m wrong. Playing on such a deep defensive corp certainly shielded him but may have stunted his early impact as well...
Gildon has been UNH’s best player for three years. He’s averaging .74 PPG already with a big year in front of him. I think his professional floor is 1-2 years in the AHL and then an extended career as a third pair defenseman and PP specialist. His ceiling is obviously much higher...
So, are these the best three defenseman in UNH history? Who else deserves mention or may, arguably, surpass any of the three...??
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From an NHL perspective - both Kevin Dean and Bryan Muir had extended careers. Both won Cups. Bryan Muir’s UNH career was cut short so he could play on the Canadian National Team (no small feat, clearly)...
Tim Burke, a Langway contemporary, IS the all-time leading scoring defenseman in UNH history. However, he played in a MUCH more offensive era than Gildon or Pesce and never played in the NHL. Though he has certainly carved out a nice career as an executive.
TVR is carving out an extended NHL career as a back end defender (does have a Cup) and scored 75 career points as an older defenseman at UNH. He and Gildon have identical .74 PPG marks - Gildon needs 21 points to match TVRs output (he should get there and as a notably younger player)...
Jamie Filipowicz scores 88 career points in three seasons on some of the best UNH teams to ever compete. However, he never skated in a single NHL game. I believe he is now a doctor at the U of Colorado medical center where my Aunt and Cousin work. Very impressive!
Have I missed anyone? Am I right or wrong about the top three...??
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