In 06/07 Legwand had 63 points in 78 games played, for 0.80ppg which is higher than any year of Horvat's thus far. Horvat may reach or he may not (probably, but nothing is certain).
Horvat definitely takes it in terms of faceoffs and I'd probably say they are about equal defensively.
If you mean stylistically, sure, I don't remember enough of Legwand to compare style. However, it seems you are comparing them based on their productivity on the ice.
Lets say they are a wash defensively. Offensively there is a huge difference.
Legwand in his 15 years (not including lockout year) broke 50 points 3 times. Horvat has done it 3 times in 6 seasons.
*Legwand was on pace to have 6 in 16 years. Horvat has been on pace to have 4 in 6. So unless Horvat declines below his average starting next season, Horvat will smash Legwands projected 50 points over 82 game seasons
Legwand broke 60 points once in his 15 years. Horvat has done it once in 5. Horvat is on pace to break it again this current season.
*Legwand had 1 other season he paced for 60+. Horvat in 6 years may already match Legwands best in 16 years.
Now to really show the difference between these 2 offensively:
Legwand's FIRST 6 seasons = 220 points in 406 games. This is an average of 44.43 points over 82 games
Horvat's FIRST 6 seaons = 274 points in 445 games. This is an average of 50.49 points over 82 games.
Legwand's BEST 6 seasons = 306 points in 450 games. This is an average of 55.76 points over 82 games
Legwands CAREER = 618 points in 1136 games. This is an average of 39.77 points over 82 games
*Horvat's 6th season is incomplete. Using his projected stats for the remainder of the season, his total is 285 points in 459 games. His average becomes 50.92 points over 82 games
There is a wider gap between Legwand and Horvat's first 6 seasons than there is between Legwand's best 6 seasons vs Horvat's first 6. So unless Horvat has peaked at the ripe age of 24 and will now decline offensively, these 2 are not comparable. Horvat is a 50+ point player starting to become a 60 point player. Legwand was a 40+ point player whom at his best could get you 50+ if you gave him a star player to carry him.
Factor in linemates it only gets worse. Legwand had Radulov, Sullivan, Kariya, Dumont, Walker, Hartnell, and Erat as linemates in his career. Horvat has had Boeser for 2 years that is worth mentioning.
Horvat's 2 most common linemates this season are Eriksson and Pearson. They have a combined 58 points. Horvat has 52. Oh but Horvat plays PP1 while Pearson and Eriksson dont. Horvat has 15 power play points. Pearson has 10.
Pearson and his 1 season may be worth pointing out as a notable linemate, but he was an offensive black hole who looked to be done before he was paired with Horvat. Peason had 15 points in 61 games on his season prior to coming to Vancouver. Now he's having a career year.
To show how little value he had, he was acquired by giving up Gudbranson. Now if you think oh maybe the Pens thought they could salvage Gudbranson just like the Canucks did Pearson, you're dead wrong. If the Pens thought that, they wouldnt have cut bait on the guy 26 games into his career as a penguin for a 7th round pick and a player thats not even AHL caliber. That trade was considered a win for the Penguins btw.
Now you may say well it was a bad trade and bad trades happen. With hindsight yes. At the time of the trade however, this was considered an even trade. Canucks fans were torn as we were happy to rid ourselves of guddy, but unsure of the extra mil and bad stats Pearson had been producing. He had 8 more points in more games than gudbranson. Even now with hindsight I’m sure pens fans are happy with this trade and don’t see it as a bad trade. Reason being Pearson was buyout worthy bad and they managed to clear gudbranson’s salary and pick up a 7th while they were at it.
Now if you still insist on saying these 2 are comparable players, thats your choice. But saying that is like saying Bergeron and Datsyuk are comparable. Defensively maybe, but Datysuk was a much better offensive player
