Quote:
Originally Posted by Manhattanboy
It’s because it sure seems they did no frickin diligence on Huberdeau at all. Treliving saw the 115 point stat and that’s it. Jesus did they watch any video at all? Talk to anyone?
Biggest disaster signing in franchise history.
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Lol - saying they didn't do due dilligence is hilarious. People are acting like he wasn't legitimately a top player in the NHL coming into this season.
Huberdeau was a lock for top line LW on Team Canada coming into this season on a lot of those "Team Canada Prediction" type of things.
And it's not just one season:
19-20 to 21-22:
Even Strength Points Per Game: 0.77
Power Play Points Per Game: 0.45
Total Points Per Game: 1.25 PPG
Top 10 in the NHL in all of those metrics over a 3 year period. And not because he was playing with Barkov - because he only played about 40% of the time with Barkov.
Now this year:
22-23:
Even Strength Points Per Game: 0.5 PPG
Power Play Points Per Game: 0.2 PPG
Total Points Per Game: 0.7 PPG
Now personally I think a big part of the PP struggles probably can't be placed on Huberdeau - our PP has been terrible all year and the coaches seem to not have an answer.
At 5v5 the decline hurts - but overall I do think Huberdeau has been focused on playing a much strong 200ft game. His xGF% is actually the best of his career, effort is not the issue here IMO.
You give that player a chance to bounce back though. Growing pains under a new more demanding coach that wanted stronger defensive play, and the production decline isn't that unexpected.