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Florida Panthers: Which Winger Will Have a Better Season?

By Cal Friedman

OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 29: Mike Hoffman #68 of the Ottawa Senators battles for position against Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Florida Panthers at Canadian Tire Centre on March 29, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images)
OTTAWA, ON - MARCH 29: Mike Hoffman #68 of the Ottawa Senators battles for position against Jonathan Huberdeau #11 of the Florida Panthers at Canadian Tire Centre on March 29, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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Huberdeau vs Hoffman: Shooting

GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 28: Goaltender Anders Lindback #29 of the Arizona Coyotes makes a save on the shot by Mike Hoffman #68 of the Ottawa Senators as Chris Neil #25 of the Senators and Klas Dahlbeck #34 of the Coyotes battle in front of the net during the second period at Gila River Arena on November 28, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – NOVEMBER 28: Goaltender Anders Lindback #29 of the Arizona Coyotes makes a save on the shot by Mike Hoffman #68 of the Ottawa Senators as Chris Neil #25 of the Senators and Klas Dahlbeck #34 of the Coyotes battle in front of the net during the second period at Gila River Arena on November 28, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/NHLI via Getty Images) /

Cal: In a heartbeat, this category has to go to Mike Hoffman. His wrist shot is worthy of praise and it’s come in handy at some good times, especially on the power play (more on that topic later).

Despite his drop in shooting percentage last season, Hoffman can easily get his average back into the 12-14% range, capable of benefitting off of Huberdeau and Trocheck giving him opportunities, rather than having to force shots like he did last year with the Senators.

Hoffman also knows when to pop up with some big goals for Ottawa, tallying 13 game-winning goals in his last two seasons.

While Jonathan Huberdeau finally outscored Hoffman last season with 27, Huberdeau’s shooting over his career has definitely been drawn into question. Huberdeau has scored over 20 goals just once in his career, whilst Hoffman has scored over 20 goals in his past four seasons.

Huberdeau’s shooting has definitely taken strides, but it’s nowhere near Hoffman’s foundation.

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Danny: As good as a shot as Huberdeau has, I have to go with Hoffman here. Mike Hoffman – as I mentioned earlier – is a pure sniper. He takes pride in his shot and owns a lethal one that can beat just about any goaltender from anywhere.

Huberdeau’s shot has improved over the past couple of years, and while Jonny has scored some pretty nasty goals, his shot just isn’t on Hoffman’s level yet. Huberdeau’s main concern has always been shooting the puck more, which he didn’t do enough of in the past.

But over the course of the last two seasons, Huberdeau has changed all of that. He bumped his SOG (Shots on Goal) tally to 204, which happened to be a career-high mark. Hoffman, on the other hand, recorded 257 SOG, which was also a career-high mark for the former Senator.

Jonny is starting to shoot the puck more which is great, but seeing we’re comparing the two’s overall shot, I have to go with Hoffman’s solely on how lethal it is. I don’t believe Hoffman’s shot is miles ahead of Huberdeau’s, but for the left-winger to catch up, I truly believe that he needs another season or two to get to where Hoffman’s is at.

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