Are Hudler & Gaudreau legitimate first line wingers?

[jg13]

With Hudler currently 11th in RW scoring and Gaudreau 12th in LW scoring do you consider them to be top line players?

Is it hard to argue they aren't considering there is 18+ teams who's top wingers have less points than these two?

[Coach]

I would say Hudler is, yes. Johnny can and will be, but has to prove it over a long period.

[dammage79]

I think they are, and Gaudreau is only in his rookie season. Give him the rest of the year to completely figure the NHL out and oh boy. As for Hudler, he came into Calgary vastly under rated and surprisingly under utilized in Detroit. he's been consistently healthy and productive since he came here. If not a top line line winger, then an elite second line winger for sure.

[ForeverFlameFan]

I think Hudler is a solid 2nd liner, has to play 1st line minutes in Calgary. For Gaudreau, he definitely has the potential to be a top liner. Right now he is safely a 2nd liner as well.

[AcGold]

Gaudreau will be, Hudler yes or no depending on his linemates. He won't elevate other people's game but he can elevate his game to top line minutes if he were playing with legitimate first line players like Crosby, Stamkos, Toews, Getzlaf etc. Gaudreau has a higher ceiling than Hudler as he draws defenders out of position, has better skating, better puck control, better ability behind the net and better lateral movement and thus will be able to elevate the game of those he plays with. Gaudreau just lacks experience at this point.

[Hackey]

Technically you could say they are first line players but I think you want elite top line talent which I don't think they are. Gaudreau might turn into that. It also depends who else is on the line. Is Pascal Dupuis a top line winger if he's not playing with Crosby?

[Five-hole]

Personally I see "1st line", "2nd line" etc. not in terms of points but in impact on controlling the game and style of play. I'm not one of the people that thinks there are 30 #1 centers in the league -- I think Pittsburgh has two, and we have zero, for example.

So, Hudler puts up points but I don't consider him an archetypal first line winger. He doesn't really control the game and is more of an opportunist. I think Hudler is a 2nd line winger even though he's putting up first line points.

Gaudreau has shown flashes of being able to dictate the flow and pace of play. He can be the catalyst for offence. He has first line winger upside. He's not there yet.

[HartAttack]

I'd like to add something smart but ^^^^ took care of it for me

[Sylvanfan]

I don't think Hudler is a true top line winger. But he is a guy who can put up points if given the ice time, and can play with other skilled guys.

Gaudreau still is establishing himself, but I do think he will become a true top line winger.

Hudler has played well though and been a good addition to the Flames. I think he's been good with the young guys, and does have that experience of playing in a strong organization like Detroit.

[waner]

I am not sure being 12th and 11th after 21 games played means much in determining if a guy is a top line winger or not.

I also think top line winger can be a very broad term as to what people mean by that. Could either guy be the an effective 3rd guy with Perry and Getzlaf and Crosby and Kunitz? Yes, but does that make them a top line winger as that likely also is true of Glencross, Raymond and maybe Colborne as well.

In an ideal world I don't contending teams would want them to be the top winger on the team and they are both better as secondary scorers on the 2nd line or as mentioned on a "stacked" top line. Gaudreau obviously could improve on that but at this point I don't think he would be a guy that you would look at to drive the offense on your top line.

[GioforPM]

These days "top line" winger also involves playing against other top players. Hudler isn't bad defensively, but he's not great either.

[Parallex]

Right now? No.

Gaudreau will be once he has some more experience, Hudler is a solid 2nd line winger on any team in the league, he's scoring well right now but I think he's playing a bit above his true talent level and I don't think he get's the same ice-time and special team play elsewhere.

[jg13]

Originally Posted by Parallex

Right now? No.

Gaudreau will be once he has some more experience, Hudler is a solid 2nd line winger on any team in the league, he's scoring well right now but I think he's playing a bit above his true talent level and I don't think he get's the same ice-time and special team play elsewhere.

There are at least 10 teams in the league besides Calgary that Hudler would get the same ice time / special team play IMO.

[taffeyb]

I would say "no" at this point. I consider Hudler to be a solid 2 line for sure. Gadreau has the potential to be, but is definitely no lower than a 2.

Especially with the Flames...it would be tough to imagine having two smaller players together on the first line all the time.

Unfortunately, I think that you need to have a bit of size to be ultimately successful.

[Camronius]

I think others have done a good job answering the question. Hudler fills the #1 wing space now and does a good job of it. As for Johnny, he has the potential for anything.

On a side note about Hudler the guy is the perfect player for this team now and going forward. For now he fills the first line minutes that our developing players may not be necessarily ready for. He is defensively responsible and I honestly cannot think of a time where I've cursed Hudler's name, or even thought a goal against or a bad play was a direct result of a play from Hudler. I think his offensive skill set speaks for itself. Assuming his play does not decline, depending on how our team looks in the future Hudler can slot anywhere from line 1 to line 3 without concern. There is no reason he couldn't be the #3 guy on the top line akin to Kunitz or Hornquist or the go-to guy on the 3rd line. He's a quiet leader, and from what I've heard he seems to have a positive impact on the rookies (sharing his home etc.)

Hudler is the guy that gives you the time to develop your prospects now and then when it's time to push for a championship he's a great depth asset that every team needs.

[dissentowner]

I think Hudler is more of a 2nd line winger. Gaudreau is not there yet but he will be a franchise winger.

[GoJetsGo]

That last game shows that Johnny is well on his way. I don't think he's there yet but a couple years from now the sky is the limit.

Such a contrast vs. the start of the season for him... early on he was scoreless and stapled to the bench in the 3rd period and OT in close games.

Now, (last game vs. the Devils) I think he was on the ice most of the last 5 mins of the third and all through out OT.

12 points in his last 12 games and has the trust of the coach to be out at the end of the game just a handful of games into his pro career?

There's a good reason for all the excitement around this kid. He's going to be a gem. He just thinks the game at a higher level than almost everyone else.

[Itse]

I'm not a fan of questions that are so vague. "1st line winger" is a very ambigious concept, and I think somewhat dated in today's NHL.

I like Hudler. He's an excellent player, and very good for this team. He would play lots of important minutes for most teams in this league. That's what matters to me.

Gaudreau is very skilled but quite raw. I think he'll be better than Hudler, but is not there yet.

[Huntingwhale]

Hudler is on this team. On a contender, 2nd line.

Gaudreau isn't yet, but he will be soon. And I think that could be on any team.

[Rick M.]

First line winger is rather vague. Is Patrick Kane a first line player? He usually plays on the second line. I think players end up on lines based on fit more than whether they are a first line talent.