The Calgary Flames were expected to be back with a vengeance at the start of the 2023-24, especially after failing to make the playoffs last year and undergoing a significant haul behind the bench and in the main office this summer.
However, the Flames have been struggling, and once again, forward Jonathan Huberdeau is amongst players who should be offering more. During training camp, Huberdeau had even revealed that he felt his confidence had returned during the offseason and was looking to play up to the numbers on his eight-year, $84 million contract. He had explained how he believed the atmosphere was better in the dressing room with the entire team focused on reaching the postseason.
But so far in 10 games, Huberdeau has posted two goals and three assists and Calgary sits seventh in the Pacific division with a 2-7-1 record.
While everyone in the Flames’ dressing room is working to improve after this subpar start, Elliotte Friedman reports in his latest 32 Thoughts column on Sportsnet that the focus is back on Huberdeau.
Which is a good, but also bad thing…
“One thing I have heard is that the Flames are committed to finding ways to make Jonathan Huberdeau better. On its surface, that sounds stupid, since he’s in Year 1 of an eight-year mega-deal, but there are always situations where teams give up on players, throwing up their hands in frustration. That’s the wrong answer, no matter how frustrating things get. Calgary spends a lot of time talking about solutions to his early-season malaise. Of course, there is onus on Huberdeau, too. “
It is a great sign that the Flames aren’t giving up on Huberdeau. However, he is on a hefty contract and still hasn’t proven he is worth every penny… This has to be frustrating to the veteran forward, who sounded so confident ahead of the 2023-24 calendar this summer.
Let’s hope November is a better month for the Flames and Huberdeau. They are back in action on Saturday against the Kraken in Seattle.
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