Schmidt isn't better than Carlson defensively. He is in a better defensive system.
Eh, maybe agree to disagree here. I think it's a tough argument because I think that Carlson has the higher upside to make a better defensive play. But I also think that, for the minutes he plays, the type of mistakes sometimes that Carlson makes are World Jr levels. I feel like Schmidt fits better into a more well coached system, and doesn't stick out.
Ultimately you may be right, Carlson might be all things considered a better defensive player. But Carlson is the one more likely to commit a boneheaded mistake at a key moment, costing the team. He's also the one more likely to commit a good underrated defensive play that leads to a big goal or win too. Sometimes though I think we run with a bit too many Carlsons in our line up. Players that swing too hard, it's a big reason I felt our identity was that. Bending with the narrative, the highs are high the lows are low, if you will.
See the debate I was having earlier about the rookies in the line up. Sometimes, as much as it sucks you'd rather have a plug to fit into the line up and not cause any waves than someone who has more to offer but has high risk and high reward type qualities.