Jonathan Huberdeau was utterly blindsided.
Coming off a 115-point efficiency for the Florida Panthers in 2021-22 — a career-best marketing campaign that included the group’s first journey to the second spherical of the playoffs since an unlikely run to the 1995 Stanley Cup last — the star ahead couldn’t consider what was taking place.
The group that chosen Huberdeau with the No. 3 total decide on the 2011 NHL draft and anointed him a franchise cornerstone had simply made a jaw-dropping determination.
He was heading to Alberta.
The Panthers traded Huberdeau and defenceman MacKenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames in July 2022 as a part of a blockbuster deal that noticed winger Matthew Tkachuk go the opposite means.
Florida, which was trying to remake its roster regardless of a 122-point common season and the group’s first-ever Presidents’ Trophy, reached the Cup last the next spring after which went a step additional by hoisting hockey’s holy grail final June.
Calgary, in the meantime, didn’t make the playoffs in consecutive campaigns, whereas Huberdeau struggled mightily with the transition — on and off the ice — after signing an eight-year, US$84-million contract extension.
“There’s rather a lot that goes into being traded while you’re not anticipating it,” Flames head coach Ryan Huska stated. “That first yr was a tricky one for him, and I really feel just like the second yr when it didn’t get off to a terrific begin, issues sort of snowballed.
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“He began to query just a little bit who he was and the place his sport was going.”
Huberdeau’s contract was trying like an albatross till lastly, he managed to exhale this summer time. A weight was lifted. Calgary, in flip, is reaping the advantages.
The St-Jerome, Que., product is tied with linemate Nazem Kadri atop the well-balanced, defence-first Flames’ stats web page with 50 factors (25 objectives, 25 assists) throughout 67 video games in 2024-25.
Not anticipated to problem for a playoff spot, Calgary (31-25-11) is hanging powerful in a battle with a trio of groups for the Western Convention’s second wild-card berth.
“We don’t actually take heed to the surface noise,” Huberdeau stated. “We consider in ourselves on this locker room. We’re a detailed group. It’s going to be a terrific push to the top.”
He additionally is aware of the times of 100-point seasons are in all probability behind him — a minimum of for now. Specializing in a 200-foot sport, nonetheless, together with getting again on the penalty kill, has helped his total efficiency.
“Taking part in either side of the puck, be extra dependable defensively … that makes a giant distinction,” stated the 31-year-old, who sits 5 objectives off his career-best. “We’re enjoying extra of a defensive sport, however that’s how we get success.
“I’m not fascinated by my private stats. It’s about making the playoffs.”
Weegar has performed his total profession alongside Huberdeau. He watched his pal and teammate’s preliminary struggles in Alberta up shut.
“He’s simply snug,” the blueliner stated of this season’s change. “He’s put loads of that stuff behind him and he’s enjoying free. He’s lower the wire together with his contract and Florida.”
Huberdeau had 55 factors in 79 video games in 2022-23 after inking that big-money take care of the Flames earlier than registering 52 factors in 81 video games in 2024-25.
The dearth of manufacturing in a Canadian market — with nowhere to cover — weighed on him.
“That’s pure,” Kadri stated. “If you’re a terrific participant and also you need to rating and also you need to contribute offensively, and it’s not going your means, it may be fairly simple to get discouraged.”
This season has been completely different after a summer time reset and a shifted mindset.
“He is aware of the place he belongs,” Huska stated. “It wasn’t all about, ‘I’ve to place up factors to have worth or present worth to this group.’ He’s virtually gone reverse. He’s turned himself into an excellent 200-foot participant that’s now contributing (offensively) due to that.
“Actually dug into all elements of the sport.”
Huberdeau realized, ultimately, it was on him to seek out the appropriate stability throughout the board.
“It’s a must to regulate,” he stated. “It was onerous to not be capable to assist the group the previous few years. This yr has been higher.
“I really feel extra like myself.”
© 2025 The Canadian Press
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