I guess I just see a different player than most of CP who's resigned to the idea that he's a bust. I see a crafty, sneaky passer that tries to do what he did in Florida and has limited options when he's ahead of the play with a pass or play.
You can tell he's frustrated that he had familiarity and knew exactly where to the throw the puck (or that's to say, his teammates knew exactly where he'd throw the puck), and now those options just aren't there. We're a simple, system driven, plodding team that goes for puck possession, followed by a point shot or low percentage down low shot, and it's taking a toll on his ability to create out of nowhere.
You don't get 85 assists and 115 points with two non stars if you aren't elite at some of aspect of the game of hockey. He is, but this system, this team and his line mates just aren't fitting right now with what he brings to the table.
I agree a $10.5 mil player should drive the play and be a game breaker, and no that isn't what Huberdeau is, but he's worth a lot (maybe $9-$9.5mil?) if we can get him a solid line.
|