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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: Defense

CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 12: Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) battles with Florida Panthers left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (11) for a loose puck in action during the first period of a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 12: Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) battles with Florida Panthers left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (11) for a loose puck in action during the first period of a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Florida Panthers on December 12, 2017, at the United Center in Chicago, IL. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Cal: Hoffman’s going to get my vote here as defense is one of the undervalued bits of his game. His +/- from last season took a major drop-off, -37 from 2016 to 2018, as he finished with a -20 last season on a very poor Senators team.

Prior to last season, Hoffman had a +16 and a 17 in plus-minus in 2015 and 2017, respectively. His 2016-17 season was just as impressive, as his expected +/- was a -1.2, which he finished out with a +17.

He also laid out over 40 hits in both of those seasons, showcasing the grit he has and the determination for his play. Hoffman also has had over 40 blocks in his last four seasons, with his career-high being 57 back in 2015.

Huberdeau’s plus-minus has struggled mightily without the help of Aleksander Barkov, as his defensive numbers have taken a tumble. He’s finished in the negatives for 4 of his 6 seasons, though his numbers are starting to improve.

For now, it’s still got to be Hoffman for defense for this coming season.

Must Read. Who Should Appear on Florida's First Line?. light

Danny: This is where I differ from Cal. Because of Barkov’s influence, Huberdeau has turned into a great defensive forward and not too many fans realize or recognize that.

Huberdeau’s play along the boards has improved tremendously since stepping foot into this league. He does a great deal of work along the boards to fish out the puck for his teammates, which allows the team to break out and attack the other way.

On the defensive end, it also ensures that the puck gets out of the zone quicker, which is one of the most crucial elements when in your own zone. One stat I like to use when comparing two players defense is expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). And in this category, Huberdeau has Hoffman beat.

According to Corsica, Huberdeau’s xGA/60 was 2.45 last season, while on the other hand, Hoffman’s figure was 2.80. In 2015-16, Huberdeau’s xGA/60 was 2.22, while Hoffman’s was 2.28. There isn’t much of a difference between each figure, but Huberdeau seems to beat out Hoffman no matter the season.

Above all, it’s the board work that gives Huberdeau my vote. Expect more or less of the same trend to continue.

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