For many of you, Christian Ehrhoff was the biggest name on the Sabres blue line the last few seasons. However, that may not be the best reputation since Buffalo has been dreadful of late. So, for those of you who are just learning of the new defenseman, let me fill you in a little bit. Pittsburgh, meet Christian Ehrhoff.
From Deutschland to San Jose and British Columbia
An offensive defenseman, Ehrhoff had put up respectable numbers, mid-to-high twenties in points during his years in San Jose. In the summer of 2009, he was traded to Vancouver for several prospects. A great pick up for the Canucks, he would go on to be their top defenseman the next two seasons and helped them to a Stanley Cup Finals appearance in 2011. In his two years in Vancouver, Ehrhoff put up 44 and 50 points respectively and was a Norris Trophy candidate in 2010-11.
The Horrors of Upstate New York
Ehrhoff's numbers fell off from his days in Vancouver, but not to the horrible level people think; he put up 32, 22, 33 points in his three years in Buffalo. The biggest issue for Ehrhoff was the team around him. His defense struggled and as a result the roughly thirty points he put up annually in his three years in Buffalo got thrown to the wayside. The Sabres were an atrocious team the last three years, and guys like Ehrhoff took the brunt of the blame. The contract was too big, and on Sunday, they began the compliance buyout of the former Norris Trophy candidate and made him an unrestricted free agent starting Tuesday.
Onward To Pittsburgh
The Pens will play a different system under Mike Johnston and his new staff, one that should benefit offensive defensemen like Kris Letang and the newly acquired Ehrhoff. The new style will be a puck-possession, puck moving system. Ehrhoff should fit into that very well, stating "A puck possession game is huge. I am a player that likes to move the puck and get the puck to the forwards, quick and try to get involved in the offense." The German defenseman is also well regarded for his booming shot from the point, which should make him a great powerplay asset. You can envision him and Letang running the point, with Kunitz-Crosby-Malkin working down low. It should lead to increased special teams success. He is working on a one-year, 4 million dollar deal to start, but don't be surprised if he signs an extension next summer.