Jonathan Huberdeau’s monster contract demands in Calgary leaked

Jonathan Huberdeau was obviously stung by the surprise trade late on Friday night when he learned that he was traded from the Florida Panthers to the Calgary Flames in the Matthew Tkachuk blockbuster move. When he spoke about the trade and his arrival in Calgary, Huberdeau talked about the possibility of signing long-term with the Flames.

“It’s something I’m open about,” Huberdeau said via Zoom about staying in Calgary long-term as he and MacKenzie Weegar were introduced by the Flames on Monday. “They’re the one that traded for me. That means they want me.”

“I’ve still got one year left on my contract. I’m open to staying with the Flames but, at the end of the day, it’s not my decision. It’s with the GM and my agent to work this out.”

Huberdeau will cash in $5.9 million in the last season of his current deal, and some believe the Flames would need to offer something close to what was on the table for Johnny Gaudreau before he chose to test free agency and sign with the Columbus Blue Jackets. According to journalist Andy Strickland and Cam Janssen, who discussed this potential monster deal on their podcast, Huberdeau could ask for an eight-year, $72 million contract in Calgary.

“Huberdeau is probably asking for an eight-year contract worth $9 million a year. As a player receiving Hart Trophy votes, that’s what he should demand, but personally I’d rather have Tkachuk, who’s only 24 years old.”

Andy Strickland

Huberdeau is coming off a career year, posting 30 goals, and career highs in assists (85) and points (115). We get why he’d deserve such an impressive contract if he can pull off the same thing or even better in Calgary.

Let the negotiations begin.