Well zone deployment and quality of competition do not inherently impact each other - there can be all kind of combinations of usage/deployment. Like just because a player is deployed more in the DZ does not mean they faced 1-2 line quality of players and just because a player is deployed predominantly in the OZ does not mean they faced low quality of comp. Kane obviously saw much more OZ deployment than Smith or Anisimov, but he still faced the highest QOC of the 3. Even when Kruger was getting the lion's share of DZS with the Hawks, Toews saw the highest QOC.

As for zone deployment numbers themselves, to get a more detailed snapshot, it's more useful to look 3 zone split. Here are Anisimov and Smith's zone start % for the last 3 seasons:

Anisimov
2018-19: 33.33 OZ%, 30.76 DZ%, 35.91 NZ%
2017-18: 35.33 OZ%, 33.69 DZ%, 30.99 NZ%
2016-17: 39.23 OZ%, 21.42 DZ%, 39.35 NZ%

Smith
2018-19: 24.05 OZ% 33.77 DZ% 42.18 NZ%
2017-18: 27.00 OZ%, 32.06 DZ%, 40.94 NZ%
2016-17: 33.16 OZ%, 32.33 DZ%, 34.51 NZ%

So as we can see for the last two seasons, Anisimov and Smith were deployed in the DZ a similar amount - 1-3% difference year - but Anisimov did get more OZS and Smith more NZS. The 2016-17 season is when their deployment splits more - Anisimov was skewed more heavily in the OZS then thanks to be partnered with Panarin/Kane. Their QOC TOI% for all 3 seasons was 2L with little to no difference except that Anisimov faced the highest with Pan/Kane.

But here's something to think about: Chicago got typically 3-5% more OZS as a team than Ottawa (they're just better at getting stoppage in a OZ which is systematic), so the difference on a relative level shrinks when you factor this in.

Anyway, I'm not actually disagreeing that Smith is a b6 forward (4th line) and Anisimov skews more top 6 (though ideally 3rd line), but there is nothing to suggest that Anisimov would be worse than Smith in a b6 role. Smith actually wasn't playing in a shutdown role on the Sens either - he was made to play higher than his ability in a 2/3L role and he did poorly at it in many key areas (transition, passing, slot shot suppression).

However, if Smith is used predominantly as a checking line player facing mid-tier comp overall and with the right linemates, he could definitely be serviceable - preferably 4th line with someone who can drive possession for him as that's not his strength (he's fine with maintenance and puck recovery is just below average but again lower QOC could help with that).
- L_B_R

How come - on hockey-reference.com - they show Smith (last season) as 41.3% ozone starts and 58.7% drone starts - and Anisimov as 53.9% and 46.1%?

Thanks! Nylander should be busting his ass right now every step of the way, come on Nylander wtf.
- just69sayin

You're welcome.

Nylander is still a talented prospect predominantly on offense, of course. Saarela is the same way with his dynamic scoring touch but careless play without the puck.

Even if their defense is mediocre, I at least want them to compete in all zones. Poor compete level is what may keep them from the NHL or at least thriving in it even if they do get the call. Give an honest effort.

How come - on hockey-reference.com - they show Smith (last season) as 41.3% ozone starts and 58.7% drone starts - and Anisimov as 53.9% and 46.1%?
- StLBravesFan

Because they're only doing a 2-zone split and ignoring the NZ which has been shown to be less useful in contextualizing a player's deployment - it causes the sample size to shrink and variance goes up as a result. For example, a player who has a higher NZS% than anything else will have their DZ/OZ skew more radically to one side or the other.

No poker face on this cat. Vlasic plays with his cards facing up.
- AEL_Fox

LoL. Right in the middle of his first development camp for his hometown team!! No shame or loyalty at all. At least he's honest lol

Well we can add Anisimov's.player jersey tshirt to the $5 clearance table outside Clark Street Sports on the corner... wait, did they even make any...?

Has anyone ever spotted a fan wearing Anisimov merch?

Good poll question: What's the most obscure jersey anyone has ever seen?
- Brownie's_Purse

I always wanted a Sanipass jersey but was too young and couldn't buy one. The unknowing (i hope) owner of Play It Again Sports on 95th street had a Karpotsev jersey hanging behind the counter about 5 years ago and it was the only crested jersey in the store. I told him he should take the name of of it but he got mad...not sure he was a Hawks fan

Stop the bickering guys.

It's hockey.

Stop the name calling and fighting.

It's hockey.
- Tyler Cameron

Yeah but we can't drop the gloves

Like in Hockey.

You're welcome.

Nylander is still a talented prospect predominantly on offense, of course. Saarela is the same way with his dynamic scoring touch but careless play without the puck.

Even if their defense is mediocre, I at least want them to compete in all zones. Poor compete level is what may keep them from the NHL or at least thriving in it even if they do get the call. Give an honest effort.
- AEL_Fox

It's unbelievable to me that some of these offensively talented young guys wouldn't put the defensive effort in. I guess I never was good enough offensively to make teams based on my offense alone. Also I cared about preventing goals if I could, which of course took a ton of energy backchecking. Hockey must have been a joy for these guys who only needed to worry about expending energy on offense

Well crap now I’m feeling old I’m a 1960/61 bandwagon fan. It’s been an amazing ride, so much so it’s not worth arguing anymore about a 3rd line center/wing.
- walleyeb1

Although you have ten "watching" years on me, I have to agree Walley. Between the over-reaction to the Joker trade. (Not even a starter, maybe 50/50 to crack the roster)....and now a frenzy over the swap of a couple of 3rd/4th liners. Chill fellas.

Bottom line, what skates on the ice October for Game 1 will be infinitely better than ANYTHING they trotted out last year. Let's see how they gel.

Although you have ten "watching" years on me, I have to agree Walley. Between the over-reaction to the Joker trade. (Not even a starter, maybe 50/50 to crack the roster)....and now a frenzy over the swap of a couple of 3rd/4th liners. Chill fellas.

Bottom line, what skates on the ice October for Game 1 will be infinitely better than ANYTHING they trotted out last year. Let's see how they gel.
- hawk35

Old head Hawks fans unite - right on brothers.

I quite like reading an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
Vex 4

I always wanted a Sanipass jersey but was too young and couldn't buy one. The unknowing (i hope) owner of Play It Again Sports on 95th street had a Karpotsev jersey hanging behind the counter about 5 years ago and it was the only crested jersey in the store. I told him he should take the name of of it but he got mad...not sure he was a Hawks fan
- just69sayin

Saw a Josef Marha jersey at the UC once.

*NEW* blog up: http://bit.ly/2NZ8REw

AA for Smith... now what?

Dancing with the stars.
Years earlier Blackhawks version was the artistic spin - o - rama by Dennis Savard. Anyone do it better?

Bowman's smart trading. So he has addressed team weaknesses.
What about a possible Wise move. Most teams have a good prospect or two. A full season and successful in racking up some goals has to put our prospect, Wise, on the Bowman radar.."Enstwhile" you think about some of our other top prospects, just maybe Dennis Savard's boy wonder bona fide NHL prospect moves in alongside Kane.

I just don't know if a Kyrs and a Wise develop so fast. But both could offer top end skill one day. In the odds making department i will go with my hope first being Carlsson is an ideal 5th dman. The vaunted dmen +1. Not sure how good everything is with his game, but i love his compete level, his skating and he has a nice shot which has helped him score some ppg.. But is the.Hjalmarsson comparison really totally accurate.

Saw a Josef Marha jersey at the UC once.
- HawkintheD

Best one I ever saw and it's not even close. Red, full gamer, not a cheap one. Name on the back was Wirtz. The numbers on the back and arms were $.

Saw a Josef Marha jersey at the UC once.
- HawkintheD

Best one I ever saw and it's not even close. Red, full gamer, not a cheap one. Name on the back was Wirtz. The numbers on the back and arms were $$