CALGARY | There was a time not long ago when Jonathan Huberdeau's job was to fill the opposition's net or help his teammates do the same.
He topped the 30-goal mark twice during his time with the Panthers. His 115- and 92-point seasons were also indicative of that offensive ease.
Then the trade with the Flames happened in July 2022. A big deal in which Matthew Tkachuk went the opposite way. Under these new conditions, Quebecers' production decreased somewhat.
While Huberdeau undoubtedly questioned himself at first, he eventually accepted the fact that his role might have to change. That he will have to change his approach to matches and seasons.
“I never set any goals for myself,” Huberdeau said after the Flames’ morning practice. I try to be the best I can. If he wants to become a more complete player. That's what I want to do.”
“I want to be the guy we can use on penalties,” he added. Last year was better. So this year I’m approaching the season the same way.”
Like Sam Reinhart
Being a skilled defensive player seems to have become the norm in the NHL. Even for young players. We see this in Montreal with Cole Caufield, who cares much more about this aspect of the game than when he arrived with the Habs four and a half years ago.
This is even more true as skaters get older. A reality that Huberdeau, who was celebrating his 32nd birthday, understood.e birthday in June.
“Towards the end of your career, it helps when you lose a little bit of speed,” the former St. Jean Sea Dogs player said. I took it like this. Things didn't go well at first [à Calgary]. I changed my playing style and then it got better. So I'm focused on becoming the best player for the team.”
Hearing Huberdeau talk about ending his career is surprising considering he's only in the third season of an eight-year contract.
“I have probably six or seven years left,” he replied, facing the reaction of the Quebec media.
Before joining the Flames, Huberdeau had the opportunity to play with Sam Reinhart. In recent seasons, the Panthers forward has, in fact, changed his style of play somewhat.
So much so that at the end of the last campaign he was a finalist for the Selke Trophy, awarded to the best defensive forward on the circuit.
“Reinhart is an exemplary player. [Aleksander] Barkov, Huberdeau agreed. If you give him the puck in the slot, he will score. But he's a guy who can play for a long time because he's a responsible guy that the coaches like.”
Don't panic
Returning to play in the last two games after missing the first five due to an injury suffered during training camp, Huberdeau will likely be able to help the Flames, whose start to the season has been less than expected.
Before the Canadian's visit, representatives of the Alberta metropolis won only one match.
“We will always be a team that works hard, but we have some difficulties with small details,” he explained. If you give your opponent too much space, they will score goals. We also suffer when we are outnumbered.”
Despite these mistakes, Huberdeau isn't too concerned.
“There are still a lot of games left. There's no need to panic. We just need to win four or five in a row and we'll be good to go. Especially in our division. There are other teams that don't have that many wins.”
Huberdeau is not wrong. The Sharks still haven't won a game and the Kings have just two wins. But it’s better not to delay takeoff.
