Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I think Gaudreau was a top 3-5 player in the NHL with his skill-set and IQ. I mean, last year he was literally tied for 2nd overall, so that essentially proves it, but I always thought he was at least in the top 5 in terms of outright skill/IQ combo. If he was 6'0", he would probably be considered generational. I also think he was really strong defensively. Sutter himself called Gaudreau the team's best checker. He did that well. One-on-one physical battles? Not so much, but backchecking, forechecking, active stick, puck pressure - he caused a lot of turn-overs. Gaudreau was very good in all zones last year.
How does that compare with Huberdeau?
It doesn't fricken matter. That's how.
How good defensively was Gaudreau under Gulutzan, Peters or Ward? Terrible, that's how. We will find out how good Huberdeau will be defensively. My guess is "just as good", and probably better than Gaudreau defensively last season just because he is physically more capable of winning one-on-one battles. He was playing on the PK in Florida last season (which I have mixed feelings about offensive stars playing on the PK).
Huberdeau will be really good defensively because Huberdeau is similar to Gaudreau with his high IQ and skill-set. We don't have to take anything away from Gaudreau last season - he was franchise level in almost every single way, and that was fantastic - we got to really enjoy his last season in Calgary. Now I think we will really enjoy Huberdeau's first season in Calgary (and I hope it won't be the last).
I am interested to see how good Huberdeau plays under Darryl. Yes, he had a career season, but if you watch Florida play there are some similarities - Florida plays with a lot of pace to their game too. Weak defensively, but with a tonne of puck pressure. Flames play a similar way, but more of an emphasis on puck-pressure in all zones. I think Huberdeau will fit in really well I bet.
Let's see how Huberdeau builds chemistry with whomever he plays. Hopefully that comes quick. This is a bit out of left-field, but I would like to see Pelletier get a shot on the top line. Why? Pelletier is known for being a 2-way player, he adjusted to the pro game very well, and we all know he is a talent. Throw him up there in the preseason for a couple of games and see how he does with Huberdeau and Lindholm. If not, I say that's Mangiapane's spot to lose.
The rest of the roster - will be interesting to see how it shapes up. I am sure Treliving is knocking on doors and seeing which players are available, and seeing what FAs would make good fits.
I disagree with trading any of the top 4 defencemen, however. I think there was more in losing to Edmonton than simply Tanev getting hurt (Edmonton is just good at throwing Calgary off their game), but Sutter spoke about the relatively inexperience of the blue-line as being a weakness of the team. Weegar I feel really solidifies this blue-line. Keep it intact. If you are going to try and make a run, you not only need defensive depth, but you need a strong top 4. Calgary has that finally again.
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