He is a dynamic 2-way forward that put up good #'s as a rookie playing on the 3rd line. The steal of the draft, IMO. Should have gone at very least top 5.
Couturier. Gonna be miles better defensively and likely a 20goal+/yr guy without PP ice time. If the kid sees any PP time in his future, I wouldn't feel out of line projecting him as a 25goal/60pts forward that is elite defensively. What he did to Malkin at ES in the playoffs was insane for his age.
He is a dynamic 2-way forward that put up good #'s as a rookie playing on the 3rd line. The steal of the draft, IMO. Should have gone at very least top 5.
Couturier actually played primarily on the 4th line, making his point totals all that more impressive. He also impressed with his defensive prowess, playing tons of PK minutes and effectively shutting down Malkin in the playoffs, while still scoring at a decent clip. He and Schenn have also been the only two good players on the Phantoms this season - 1 and 2 in team scoring by a country mile.
Huberdeau might be more dynamic offensively, but Couturier is criminally underrated offensively. He's at a PPG in the AHL this year, with Schenn being the only other talented, NHL caliber player on the roster.
Huberdeau might be more dynamic offensively, but Couturier is criminally underrated offensively. He's at a PPG in the AHL this year, with Schenn being the only other talented, NHL caliber player on the roster.
All while being a LOT better defensively.
Couturier will always better defensively and is ahead right now but Huberdeau has spectacular skills of a 1a pivot and goal scorer, those guys don't just fall off trees either.
Huberdeau might be more dynamic offensively, but Couturier is criminally underrated offensively. He's at a PPG in the AHL this year, with Schenn being the only other talented, NHL caliber player on the roster.
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Exhibit A as to how hockey doesn't matter on ESPN:
Last night an ESPN program was discussing how the Detroit Pistons needed a hero citing the heroes on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and no mention of the Detroit Red Wings. All this despite the Red Wings probably being the most succesful team in Detroit right now.
While we are discussing Hiberdeau, is he predicted to make the Panthers roster this year (if a partial season is salvaged), next year, or even farther into the future? And will he play his natural C position or slide to the LW where he's played in the WJC? Personally, I think he's ready to make the jump to the NHL and a partial season at LW might help him ease into the more demanding level of play . Then he could take over at C next season (provided he does well enough).
Huberdeau. He has more potential than Couturier. This is sort of like MacKinnon vs Drouin. MacKinnon is more polished but Drouin has better vision. I would take Drouin over MacKinnon as well.
