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"Not a possibility in the world": $84M Jonathan Huberdeau's possible trade out of Calgary Flames squashed by NHL analyst Craig Button
NHL analyst Craig Button appeared on SportsCenter on September 28 and addressed rumors about Jonathan Huberdeau being traded from the Calgary Flames. He discussed the Flames in general with host Marissa Roberto.
Button pointed out that Huberdeau has struggled in his first two seasons with the team. He argued that this high salary makes Huberdeau hard to trade.
"When Jonathan Huberdeau signed his contract for $10.5 million annual average value, and that extended out for a long period of time, that essentially makes him unmovable," Button said (1:30). "And when you look at where his productivity is vis-à-vis the AAV, no, there's not a possibility in the world that I see where Jonathan Huberdeau moves outside of Calgary and beyond the Calgary Flames."
Button said that Huberdeau might still be adjusting to a new conference and playing style. She mentioned that Huberdeau has had chances but hasn’t finished well compared to his 115-point season for the Florida Panthers.
"Maybe if he had one year left on his contract at that number, you know, you take back some money, you look at an opportunity for another team to take it on, but not with that much term left on the contract," Button said (2:00). "And certainly not at those dollars. And back to the first question: He is what he is. $10.5 million for a 60-65 point player does not equate."
Huberdeau signed an eight-year contract worth $10.5 million per season which started in the 2023-24 campaign.
Before joining the Flames, Huberdeau was known as a top point-producing winger. After a strong 115-point season, expectations were high. Now, he has just 107 points in 160 games, which is disappointing for his salary.
Jonathan Huberdeau is prioritising improvement with the Flames
Jonathan Huberdeau is focused on improving his performance with the Calgary Flames. He has made changes to his training regimen. The 31-year-old has worked on his shot and increased his speed to keep up with younger NHL players. Huberdeau has skated three to four times a week since June.
"I took all these things, and I just want to come back to where I was and be even better," Huberdeau said per Sportsnet. "I think even at my age, you still have a lot of good years in front of you.
“I skated way more this summer, three to four times a week starting in June, so I feel way better," he added.
The Flames signed free agent Anthony Mantha to help Huberdeau's game. The latter wants to build chemistry with Mantha and mentor younger players.
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