Jonathan Huberdeau
ON-ICE VALUE
First-Line Forward
STRENGTHS
Playmaking: Huberdeau ranks among the most dazzling and productive forwards in the world. With his outstanding vision and soft touch, he can capitalize on any openings or create them himself. More electrifying than efficient, he’ll attempt bold, blind or even spinning passes to keep defenders guessing. All in all, he gift-wraps goals for his teammates on a nightly basis.
Hands: While he possesses a wicked and accurate wrist shot, he prefers to beat goaltenders in tight. His patience, puck control and instincts allow him to downright embarrass netminders who bite on the first move. He can shift side to side with the best of them and is equally deadly on the forehand and backhand.
Power Play: These strengths are never more evident than on the man advantage, where he’s become one of the most lethal weapons in the NHL. Combined with his improvisational skills, his ability to manipulate defenses and thread passes through the smallest of seams make him an absolute force on the PP.
WEAKNESSES
Defense: To put it bluntly, Huberdeau couldn’t possibly care less about defense. He’s a classic high-event player who gives up about as many high-danger chances as he generates. He routinely loses his man at the point because he’s puck-watching or daydreaming.
Careless: His creative license occasionally gets him into trouble. On off nights, his gutsy feeds become turnovers in a hurry. And as noted earlier, don’t expect him to hustle back. He could stand to make the simple play more often. It wouldn’t add to his already impressive highlight package, but it would produce better results in the standings.
