Considering how infrequently NHL All-Star Games actually happen,* it would be foolish to judge how great a player is by being named to a roster. On the other hand, such designations sometimes give us a chance to step back and appreciate a player. So now seems like a convenient time to appreciate Florida Panthers All-Star Jonathan Huberdeau.
(Just, uh, don’t get too excited appreciating Huberdeau and the Panthers. Ahem.)
This post aims to capture some of what makes Huberdeau so great. To spice things up, let’s also sprinkle in some speculation as to why he maybe doesn’t get the hype he likely deserves.
* – Between lockouts, COVID interruptions, and even Olympic participation every now and then …
Huberdeau (and Barkov): Not just a big fish in a small (but growing) pond
With some rising stars, you need to dig a little deeper to see someone building up a case. That often goes with defensive-minded players. (Sean Couturier, for instance, gathered steam before putting up the type of…