Personally I see "1st line", "2nd line" etc. not in terms of points but in impact on controlling the game and style of play. I'm not one of the people that thinks there are 30 #1 centers in the league -- I think Pittsburgh has two, and we have zero, for example.
So, Hudler puts up points but I don't consider him an archetypal first line winger. He doesn't really control the game and is more of an opportunist. I think Hudler is a 2nd line winger even though he's putting up first line points.
Gaudreau has shown flashes of being able to dictate the flow and pace of play. He can be the catalyst for offence. He has first line winger upside. He's not there yet.
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