I think the argument that we don't have skill is facile - we do: Huberdeau, Kadri, Zary, Coronato demonstrate it on occasion, it's just whenever they do, it gets stifled as much by lack of opportunity/response of their own teammates (and then, in the case of Zary, end-up playing the next game on the 4th line).
This is not evidence, but an argument against Huska's ability with offense:
1. What's the highest ppg a regular player has ever produced under Huska as HC? Based on a quick review - WHL: Jamie Benn 82 in 56 (as a 19 y/o); AHL: Mangiapane had 46 in 39gp; NHL: Kadri 75 in 82. His best players are almost universally are around ppg or less.
2. What is Huska's PP% as HC? Year after year, with a rotating cast of players and assistant coaches - Huska is the only consistent factor.
3. Huberdeau-decline I think is a legit point: other than Parekh, he is the only elite skill guy on the Flames - yes, this is partly on the player and he might have lost a step; but his IQ and skills should still be there and Huska can't get anything from him, not even on the PP.
For this reason, there is legitimate concern about Parekh and what Huska will do to him (which is being discussed in another thread).
Coaches do dampen skill and the development of players - eg look at Anaheim this year to last (including Zegras).
I would love to be proven wrong. I really hope that Huska will help the young players develop (and they won't be lost on waivers in the meantime) and his system will allow for offense whenever we get past some sufficient mass of skill to unlock it.
|
