Stability. Physicality. Defensive responsibility. These are the traits Josh Manson is supposed to bring to the Colorado Avalanche's second defensive pair. He’s been billed as an anchor on the backend, an intimidating presence at the net front and in the corners that can snuff out offense and free up his partner Sam Girard to make outlet passes and create offense from the blue line.
When he got to Colorado this was all true, and Manson’s surprising offensive flair with the freedom the Avalanche system allowed him was a little bonus whipped cream atop his slice of ol’ reliable pumpkin pie.