Quote:
Originally Posted by Benched
Since he came back? Coincidence?
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Yes, clearly missing Huberdeau was the biggest problem with a lack of production this year. However, Barkov came back at the exact same time from an injury as well. Barkov has been really good all year, but Jagr is definitely a little slower, so not having a legitimate top line winger hurt his production earlier this year. Yet he did elevate Marchessault early on to have a ridiculously hot start to the year.
As for the Bjugstad question, I'm not sure what's happened to him this year. He seems like he's well suited for the 3rd line moving forward, but he still has flashes of offense that make you go "wow". However, they seem to be fewer and farther between these days. He could do better if he wasn't behind Barkov and Trocheck for ice time, but I don't see the Panthers moving him any time soon.