Earlier this week, I wrote an article entitled “Is Robert Hagg becoming the new Andrew MacDonald?” In retrospect, its title was probably a bit too inflammatory for it’s own good; suggesting a fan-favorite rookie is similar to one of the most controversial players in recent Philadelphia Flyers history isn’t the best starting point for a meaningful discussion.
Still, the similarities are impossible to ignore. Like MacDonald before him, Hagg has become a Dave Hakstol favorite without the blessing of advanced statistics. His conservative play and defensive soundness in theory make him a good partner for a more aggressive defenseman, but he simply isn’t helping the Flyers generate enough quality shot attempts to make up for the ones he’s giving up.