CALGARY — Jonathan Huberdeau is optimistic that his new summer training regimen has boosted his confidence, and he hopes to carry that momentum into the upcoming season with the Calgary Flames.
Last season, Huberdeau tallied 52 points, including 12 goals and 40 assists across 81 games, as he embarks on the second year of his eight-year, $84 million contract, which averages $10.5 million annually, signed on August 5, 2022.
“I think I have more speed now… I’m never going to be the fastest player, but I’ve gained a lot of power, and I’ve had ample time to work on it,” Huberdeau said on Tuesday. “I’m really pleased with my training this summer; it’s probably been my best yet. Now, I just need to translate that to the ice. I’ve also been skating more, so I feel better.”
“The confidence is back. I need to share that with the team. I want to bring enjoyment to my game this year. We need to make it fun as a team. Who knows? We could surprise some people.”
Huberdeau’s time with the Flames has not met expectations in terms of productivity. The 31-year-old forward was traded from the Florida Panthers, along with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, forward Cole Schwindt, and a first-round pick for forward Matthew Tkachuk and a fourth-round pick on July 22, 2022. Since joining Calgary, he has accumulated 107 points (27 goals, 80 assists) in 160 games, following a career-high 115 points (30 goals, 85 assists) season in 2021-22 while with Florida.
“One thing about Jonathan is that he changed his training this summer,” said Calgary general manager Craig Conroy. “He’s incredibly competitive and strives to be the best. He wants to win. The key is to just play. He puts a lot of pressure on himself, but he doesn’t have to carry that burden alone. With players like Nazem Kadri, Weegar, Rasmus Andersson, Mikael Backlund, and Blake Coleman, we have a solid group of veteran leaders. Winning or losing is a team effort here.”
The Flames, who ended last season with a record of 38-39-5, finished fifth in the Pacific Division and missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs. They traded several players, including defensemen Nikita Zadorov, Chris Tanev, and Noah Hanifin, and forward Elias Lindholm, ahead of the NHL Trade Deadline. Additionally, forward Andrew Mangiapane was traded to the Washington Capitals on June 27, and goalie Jacob Markstrom was dealt to the New Jersey Devils on June 19.
As a result, Huberdeau will be instrumental in guiding a Flames team that is shifting to a younger roster.
“We have a healthy mix of leaders and young players,” Huberdeau noted. “We need to support the young guys as much as we can. Today’s younger players come in well-prepared and ready to compete. It’s exciting to see what this team can become, and it begins now. It’s up to us to lead by example. We could be a tough team to beat, and that relies on our commitment.”
“Even if the challenges may increase this year, we need to enjoy the process. I’m going to emphasize that throughout the season.”