Jonathan Huberdeau Faces Criticism in Latest Writers Poll for Underperforming Contract
Jonathan Huberdeau, once considered a top-tier forward in the NHL, has found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. As the Calgary Flames’ highly-paid forward, Huberdeau has faced increasing scrutiny, and a recent poll by The Hockey News highlights just how disappointing his performance has been since joining the team. Despite his $10.5 million per year contract and the high expectations that followed his arrival from the Florida Panthers, Huberdeau’s production has significantly dropped.
In his final season with the Panthers, Huberdeau was an offensive powerhouse, tallying an impressive 115 points. His trade to Calgary, as part of a deal that brought Matthew Tkachuk to Florida, sparked excitement among Flames fans. However, the reality has been far from what anyone expected. Since arriving in Calgary, Huberdeau has posted just 55 and 52 points in his first two seasons—numbers far below what his contract and past performance would suggest.
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In The Hockey News writers poll, Huberdeau was ranked as the second-most overpaid player in the NHL, receiving 16 of the 56 votes. While Edmonton’s Darnell Nurse topped the list, this is hardly the company Huberdeau would want to keep. Other players on this unflattering list included Pierre-Luc Dubois and Marc-Édouard Vlasic, which only further emphasizes the struggles he’s faced since donning the Flames jersey.
What makes the situation even more troubling is the general sentiment that Huberdeau’s recent form may not be a fluke but rather an indication of his future trajectory. In another poll question, writers ranked Huberdeau’s underwhelming seasons as the most likely to represent a long-term decline rather than a temporary slump. This is alarming news for the Flames, who are banking on Huberdeau to be a key part of their offensive core for years to come.
The Flames themselves didn’t escape criticism, either. Both Nazem Kadri and defenseman MacKenzie Weegar were mentioned in the conversation of potential players to be moved this season, suggesting that the team may be looking to shake things up if their underperformance continues. Kadri, in particular, drew significant attention, earning multiple votes for players who might be traded to revive their career elsewhere.
While Huberdeau has had a somewhat better start to the 2024-25 season, scoring a goal in the opening game, the pressure is mounting. For Calgary to see any return on their substantial investment, Huberdeau needs to find the consistency and form that once made him a star in Florida. Fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see if this season will finally mark the turnaround everyone is hoping for, or if the writing is on the wall for his time in Calgary.
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