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22 // JANUARY 2018 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM "Since then there's been a gradual change from the Derian Hatchers of the world and defensemen in that mold. There are still guys who are more defensive minded, but now they're more mobile." Those rule changes have placed a premium on mobility, as the clutching and grabbing techniques once used to neutralize speedy forwards have gone the way of the wooden stick and wool jerseys. "The rule changes have made it a lot harder on how you can defend," said Brooks Orpik, who is now in his 15th season in the league. "I remember being taught as a youngster to get your stick between the forward's legs so you can neutralize him and neutralize his speed. Now you're going to get a hooking or tripping penalty called right away. And down low you can't grab guys or you're going to get a holding penalty. "Overall, it's been a really good change for the game. It's been really hard for guys to break old habits and transition away from there. And on the other side you don't see one-dimen- sional guys anymore. Even if you are more of a defensive guy you have to have better puck skills and be able to skate. Guys who couldn't are being pushed out of the league." Development at the colleg e ranks has played a huge role in the number of young blueliners ready to step in and make an immediate contribution. One recent exam- ple is 2017 Hobey Baker Award winner Will Butcher, who is already a mainstay with the Devils this season. The Sun Prairie, Wis., native spent four years at the University of Denver where he helped the Pioneers win the national Championship last season. "College really helped him understand how to use his strengths and to minimize his weaknesses. He knows how to play the game on both sides of the puck. He's a player who has very good hockey instincts, and a good skill set," Hynes said. "Everyone says he's not an elite skater but because of his hockey sense and his position- ing and the habits he's developed during his four years at Denver he's been able to step into the National Hockey League and be an impact player right away." But even as the skill level required to play defense may have changed, those who patrol the back end need to keep their defensive guard up. " Your responsibilities are the same, but when they changed the rules, you weren't allowed to use your stick as much so you had to move your feet more to gain body position. That's where the skating element has been more important," Niskanen said. "Defensemen still have to break up plays and start plays. Every aspect of the game is stopped and started by a defenseman. It's a demanding position, for sure." P –John Hynes // Head Coach, New Jersey Devils "TO SEE SOME OF THE YOUNGER AMERICAN DEFENSEMEN COME UP AND HAVE THE IMPACT THAT THEY HAVE, PUSHING OFFENSE AND PUSHING THE PACE OF PLAY, IS EXCITING. YOU CAN SEE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT THINGS THAT THEY'RE LEARNING HAVE PREPARED THEM TO PLAY AT THIS LEVEL." Red, W h ite & Blueliners Defensemen like Washington Capitals veteran blueliner John Carlson, above right, are bringing an offensive element to the game.