I think some of the D is a matter of you get what you can get when you can get it. Certainly the complexion of the D has changed over the past few years. We had a very intimidating D the last few years, and it nearly brought home a championship last spring. But I remember often wishing we had more offensive ability in that group. This year we certainly have more offensive ability, and we are less physically intimidating, but I'm hoping some of that physical play will pick up as guys get more acclimated to college hockey.
I believe we heard Blais comment from time to time on big time offensive defensemen that went elsewhere, that he tried to get. It happens to every coach...losing a player you'd like to get. Blais also said that really good offensive D are not a dime a dozen so you don't always have a chance to get one when you need or want one.
It could be there were better offensive defensemen available that the Sioux could land this year and that is why there appears to be such a stark contrast. Finley could yet be one of those physically imposing players. Time will tell.
I, too, hope to see some more intimidation in the D corp. Reading other boards and the papers it appears even Lucia wants that, but he hasn't really found one yet. Not ripping Lucia, but using this as an example. It's not always easy to find a 6' 2"+ 210# defenseman that can skate as well as Sioux coaches want, can make a good outlet pass, not panic with the puck, and are smart enough to play well positionally.
Hopefully the coaches will be able to find the right blend.