The perception of what Huberdeau is supposed to be probably leads to almost all of his criticism. I think people need to accept that he’s not Johnny Gaudreau, never was, and never will be. He’s a different kind of player. Gaudreau could create something out of nothing and often did. Huberdeau is (or was at least) all about seeing what is happening and making something out of it.
The biggest problem with Huberdeau is actually the biggest problem with the Flames, which is that we don’t have much in the way of established play drivers who can attack the game with speed. There aren’t a lot of guys who see the ice like Huberdeau does, and he needs them. If you go back and look at Huberdeau highlights, you’ll notice some great passes and some really great snipes, but you’ll also notice him putting the puck into areas that guys like Monahan, Tkachuk, and Bennett thrive in. You’ll also notice a lot of plays where guys are doing the same for Huberdeau. Great vision, seeing eye passes, tight stick work, and a quick shot. You’ll also notice that he’s almost never the first guy in, but he’s the 2nd or 3rd guy attacking the net.
The problem is that the Flames have very few of those guys, and none of those guys who aren’t also carrying the weight of getting comfortable in new positions or just sticking in the NHL. The pains of rebuilding. It is what it is.
I think people need to get over the contract. He’s a first liner who can still produce like a 2nd liner when he has little to work with, which is what he’s doing. Yes, he’s in a slump (again), but we know he’ll come out.
I’d be interested in Huberdeau-Pospisil-Coronato for an extended clip. However, there’s still the issue of neither guy being exceptional on the pass and Pospisil is still a ways from really owning the centre role. But there is some speed there, and every guy on that line brings something complimentary to the others, so I could see potential.
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