IAN Manzano may be favourite to feel the axe in Sheffield Steelers' rearguard - but it does not stop him selflessly commending the work of his team-mates.
The Canadian defenceman's head appeared to be on the chopping block in the middle of last season, according to rumour, but he survived the cull, winger Jeremy Cornish being the one selected for dismissal when the team required a change in roster.
Manzano played solidly in the season run-in and wants to come back to Sheffield Arena - but says he is aware of the fact that coach Dave Matsos will be making "two or three changes."
With Steve Munn and Randy Dagenais back, and Rod Sarich virtually assured of a re-call, that means that if there are to be any import blue-line changes, Manzano will be the man, despite his thoroughness and calm consistency.
Steelers have been running the rule over a strong north American defenceman recently.
But as far as Manzano is concerned, he is biding his time - and paying tribute to team-mates, particularly Dagenais.
"He must have been our most improved player last year," he said.
"When he came to Sheffield he had a lot on his plate with his (BMA) studies. His reputation meant he had a lot to live up to and he can't have found it easy to begin with.
"But after Christmas, his form took off. You could see he had really adjusted and was more comfortable with everything."
Manzano also had words of support for Jody Lehman, who could now leave the club to pursue European interests.
"Jody had an excellent season, he was one of the guys who was not shy to speak his mind when we needed it."
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