The 2022 offseason quickly started off as a disaster for Calgary Flames fans. Less than two months after being eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers, Johnny Gaudreau chose to leave via free agency, and Matthew Tkachuk made his intentions clear shortly afterward that he wasn’t interested in signing a long-term deal.
As it became clear that they were going to lose each of their top two scorers from a season ago, many thought the Flames could be in for some long years ahead. However, that feeling quickly changed thanks to general manager Brad Treliving, as he was able to pull off what was thought of as a masterpiece, acquiring both Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar along with a few other pieces in exchange for Tkachuk.
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Shortly after the deal, Flames fans were ecstatic to learn that Treliving had signed Huberdeau to a massive eight-year extension. While some thought the final few years of the deal may age poorly, it seemed like a great move in the present given that the 29-year-old was coming off of a career-best 115-point season. While those numbers may not have been sustainable, most still imagined he would continue to be one of the league’s most productive wingers. However, through his first 49 games with his new team, that has been far from the case.
Huberdeau Looking Like Shell of Former Self
At no point through his first 49 games as a Flame has Huberdeau shown the dominance he did so often during his time with the Florida Panthers. He oftentimes looks completely lost on the ice, and has very rarely, if once yet, been the best player on either side for an entire 60 minutes.
To this point, he has managed just 10 goals and 33 points on the year, only 22 of which have come at even strength. There have been many issues when watching him, whether it be blind passes leading the other way, or simply losing 50/50 puck battles too often. The most concerning of all, however, seems to be the lack of confidence when it comes to shooting the puck.
By no means has Huberdeau ever been labelled as a goal scorer in his career. Of his 115 points last season, 85 were assists. That said, he still scored 30 goals, and there was a reason why. He shot the puck.
This season, Huberdeau has passed up many great scoring opportunities, much to the chagrin of Flames fans. Simply type his name into…
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