Florida Panthers: Jonathan Huberdeau is Making Strong Case for 2020 All-Star Game

Following a spectacular 2019 season for the Florida Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau is making a strong case for the 2020 All-Star Game with a phenomenal start.

The former third overall draft selection from the 2011 NHL Entry Level Draft experienced a breakout campaign during the 2018-19 NHL season. While suiting up in all 82 regular-season games for the Florida Panthers, Jonathan Huberdeau recorded a sensational slash line of 30 goals and 62 assists for 92 total points.

Simply put, the 2019 season was a historic one for Huberdeau, breaking a franchise record for the most assists in a single season with 62. Moreover, Huby was a pivotal contributor to the success of the team’s first line, forming a dynamic trio alongside Evgenii Dadonov and captain Aleksander Barkov.

Furthermore, Huberdeau was a main part of Florida’s 2nd ranked power play last season. Huberdeau registered a superb 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 total points on the man advantage last year for the Cats.

While Huberdeau certainly experienced a memorable year, a 90+ point campaign for Huby was not rewarded with a trip to the 2019 All-Star Game, unfortunately. The 26-year-old native of Quebec currently has his eyes set on a potential trip to the 2020 All-Star Game in St. Louis with a marvelous start this season.

While participating in 27 games, the longest-tenured Panther (8 seasons) has already recorded 11 goals and 22 assists for 33 total points. More impressively, despite being an integral piece on Florida’s top PP unit, all 10 of Huberdeau’s goals have been scored at even strength.

In addition, Huberdeau has also shown major improvements on the defensive end under Coach Q’s new system. While finishing the 2019 season with a -14 rating, Jonathan Huberdeau currently possesses a +3 rating during the 2020 campaign.

Also, Huberdeau’s giveaway to takeaway ratio has improved tremendously, as well. During the 2019 seasons, Huby recorded an atrocious ratio of 84 giveaways to only 43 takeaways. However, the tide has turned in 2019-20, with Huberdeau producing only 19 giveaways to 16 takeaways.

In essence, Huberdeau has developed into a polished two-way superstar at the NHL level. The 26-year-old has not even entered the prime of his career and is already shattering numerous franchise records as a member of the Florida Panthers organization.

At this current moment, Huberdeau is on pace to establish a career-high mark for most points in a season. Essentially, Huby is currently playing at a 100+ point pace, forming an elite dynamic duo alongside two-way superstar Aleksander Barkov.

Quite frankly, not only does Barkov deserve a spot on the 2020 All-Star Game roster for the Atlantic Division, but Jonathan Huberdeau most certainly deserves to join his linemate. Huberdeau is currently leading the Cats in total points with 33, producing more points than Sasha Barkov, thus far.

Considering Jonathan Huberdeau has never been selected to participate in an NHL All-Star Game, the 2020 All-Star classic should be the first of many in the tremendous career of Huberdeau. The former Calder Trophy winner has helped guide the Florida Panthers to the second seed in the Atlantic Division, hence demonstrating that Huby’s individual success directly correlates with team success.

Ultimately, when taking into consideration the fact that Jonathan Huberdeau is currently performing at a 100+ point pace, the NHL should undoubtedly reward the former Saint John Sea Dogs captain with a trip to the 2020 All-Star Game in St. Louis.