Devon Toews Is So Damn Underrated
Cale Makar might get all the attention for defensemen in Colorado (and rightfully so). However, that Devon Toews guy is pretty damn good too. Yes, the Avalanche are loaded but Toews needs to be recognized as one of the best D-Men in the league despite the current shaky goal-tending situation.
Makar, Roman Josi, Adam Fox, and Drew Doughty. Those are the only defensemen in the NHL with more fantasy points per game than Toews. Keep in mind, Toews isn’t getting those Makar first line power play minutes either. On the season, Toews has 24 points in 22 games. Seven of which are goals as Toews also currently is posting a +26 on the season. Yes, +/- is a shaky stat. Yes, the Avalanche help his point total.
What really needs to be mentioned is the fact that the Islanders gave Toews away for two second round picks. Toews is giving Colorado about 25 minutes of ice time a night. Good things happen every time he’s out there. The shooting percentage of 14.6% proves his offense is developing into a serious weapon. Toews has also spent a total of four minutes in the penalty box so he’s not making those careless mistakes either.
Toews, 27, was always a good player with the Islanders. New York picked Toews in the 4th round and immediately came up as a speedy defensive wizard with a 6-foot-1 frame. The Avalanche played this perfectly. Toews became a more cost effective and better version of Nikita Zadorov who was traded to Chicago for Brandon Saad. Toews was acquired for two second round picks and carries an average annual value of just $4.1 million which should be considered a bargain.
Toews might not have the pure offensive ability of a Samuel Girard, but he’s not getting burned on the defensive end. Girard feels like he needs to play with a bruiser like an Erik Johnson. Toews can play with whoever and positively impact the game.
Toews isn’t getting love for two big reasons:
B: Darcy Kuemper blows so the entire defense is getting blamed.
Guys like Toews are the reason why the Avalanche should be viewed as a Cup favorite and potential dynasty team. It’s such a star studded team that studs like Devon Toews become forgotten. He’s a guy every team would love to have. Joe Sakic has just gotten really good at playing that chess game. I just went through this whole post and didn’t mention Bown Byram once. You see my point?
