There were several major transactions in the National Hockey League last summer, and several high profile names changing addresses. But just how are those players living up to the expectations that came with their new contracts and surroundings?
According to The Athletic, two of the most disappointing performances this season are by players who now call Alberta home. And without having to look it up, most people would instantly be able to list the following two names - Jonathan Huberdeau and Jack Campbell.
The former was acquired by the Calgary Flames in the blockbuster deal that saw Matthew Tkachuk head for the sunny shores of Florida, where he is tearing it up with the Panthers and enjoying a terrific individual campaign. Meanwhile, the latter was lured by the Edmonton Oilers away from the Toronto Maple Leafs with a multi year deal of his own. But neither have come anywhere close of living fulfilling their end of the bargain.
Let's start with Huberdeau, who is on pace to barely reach 60 points after having amassed 115 with the Panthers last season:
"Why the catastrophic drop-off? Well, it’s not solely Huberdeau’s fault. For starters, he went from one of the most freewheeling offensive environments in Florida to Sutter’s demanding, disciplined system which has a steep learning curve to adjust to. Nazem Kadri went from 87 points in 71 games in Colorado to 45 points in 63 games in Calgary this season as well. Kadri’s tapered production has nothing to with his play, only the environment and lack of elite offensive talent around him."
And now Campbell:
"Less than a year in, many look at it as one of the riskiest contracts in the league. Campbell’s -22.5 goals above expected according to Evolving-Hockey’s model ranks third-to-last in the NHL, ahead of only Spencer Martin and Elvis Merzlikins. Edmonton’s been bailed out by the emergence of Stuart Skinner. Skinner’s notched a .912 save percentage and saved 11.5 goals above expected. Credit the Oilers for quickly signing him to an extension with a $2.6 million cap hit for the next three years after this one — it ensures they’ll at least have some cost certainty and a probable bargain to offset the inefficient value of Campbell’s deal."
The piece also lists Aaron Ekblad, Paul Maurice, Oliver Ekman-Larsson, and Jeff Carter among their top disappointing performances this season.
- Chris Gosselin
Amount of money Johnny Gaudreau’s wife will receive from the NHL after his passing revealed
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Chris Gosselin
New details confirm how Gaudreau brothers found themselves at the collision site
- NHL News
- 3 minutes read
- Trevor Connors
A sickening update on Johnny Gaudreau's alleged killer
- NHL News
- 1 minute read