"Duncan Keith was better": Zdeno Chara and $92M Pens D-man's ESPN rankings contradicted by ex-NHLer Jordan Schmaltz

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jul 31, 2024 06:18 GMT

Former NHL defenseman Jordan Schmaltz has shared his thoughts on ESPN's recent player rankings of Zdeno Chara and Erik Karlsson. Schmaltz, drafted 25th overall by the St. Louis Blues in 2012, believes Duncan Keith deserves a higher spot than Chara and $92 million Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Karlsson.

Schmaltz took to X and talked about Keith, who won three Stanley Cups with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

"Duncan Keith was better than Chara and EK65. 3 mugs. 1 Conne Smitty. 28:11 average TOI in 2010 SC Playoffs. 27:27 in 2013. 31:07 in 2015. Should be ranked inside the top 10-15 easy. 2nd best D-Man of this era behind Nicky Lid. Guy doesn’t get enough credit how big of a machine he was." Scmaltz tweeted.

In a follow-up tweet, Schmaltz further tried to balance the situation after getting some critical replies about Duncan Keith being better than Zdeno Chara and Erik Karlsson.

"For those who have opinions and takes vouching for their respective players in this case (Big Z and EK65) that’s fine. Those guys are world class generational athletes in their own right. I’m not here to tell you they aren’t HOF’ers. And honestly it’s close with all 3."

"I’m simply saying, Duncan Keith had the heart of a lion and a mindset of a born killer. Kobe like. A dude that would rip your heart out with a butter knife and smile while doing so. EK65 doesn’t even remotely come close to matching his competitive drive. And I don’t think even on those Chicago teams with Karlsson as your #1 defenseman they win any of those cups."

"Def not 3x. Chara is Chara. But he never moved or excelled quarterbacking a powerplay like Keith. He was never a one man auto breakout or defended lines with the elite closing ability 2 had. Chara’s presence, size and strength was unmatchable but overall again I’m going Duncan Keith."

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ESPN's Controversial Rankings for Zdeno Chara and Erik Karlsson

The controversy centers on ESPN's ranking of NHL defensemen. ESPN's list included top NHL players like Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid. Zdeno Chara and Erik Karlsson were also highlighted.

Zdeno Chara

Ranked at No. 11 on ESPN’s NHL list, Chara's key accomplishments include:

• 2009 Norris Trophy
• 2011 Stanley Cup winner (captain)
• 1,680 games played (7th all-time)
• Played 24 seasons (T-3rd most all-time)

Erik Karlsson

Karlsson, placed at No. 16, has won:

• Three-time Norris Trophy winner (2012, 2015, 2023)
• Senators' career leader in assists (392) by a defenseman
• Nine seasons with 40+ assists

Keith's Credentials

Duncan Keith, placed 23rd in the ESPN ranking:

• Three-time Stanley Cup champion (2010, 2013, 2015)
• Two-time Norris Trophy winner (2010, 2014)
• 2015 Conn Smythe Trophy winner

Schmaltz also talked about Keith's critical role in the Chicago Blackhawks' success. Keith's extraordinary ice time and clutch performances were helpful. While Chara's physical dominance and Karlsson's offensive skills are clear, Schmaltz believes Keith's drive and leadership make him special.