Terrible News for Jonathan Huberdeau: the Canadiens Truly Dodged a Bullet

PUBLICATION

Aaron
December 24, 2023 (9:01)

SHARE THIS STORY

When he was traded to the Calgary Flames, many hoped that Jonathan Huberdeau would not get along with his new team and that the CH could sign him long term. The Quebecer finally agreed with the Alberta team on the terms of a lucrative eight-year contract valued at $84M, or about $10.5M per year.

Given the recent performances of the Saint-Jérôme native, CH fans must now thank the heavens that he is currently not a member of their organization.

After a disappointing 2022-2023 season, where he only accumulated 55 points in 79 games, many thought, including the player himself, that the new season and change of coach would be beneficial. However, this is not the case, and the first season of his new deal is not going as hoped. In 31 games this season, he has only accumulated 15 points, including just 4 goals.

With barely 38% of his first year of contract played, grumbling is already starting to be felt in Calgary. Some even think it's time for Craig Conroy to punish the forward by taking him out of the lineup.

WOW! This would be a huge twist and outcome.

Huberdeau's current performances, in this era of the salary cap, mean that the Quebecer's value on the trade market is at least nil. He will therefore have to find a solution himself as he will not be able to leave Calgary anytime soon.

It's somewhat the double-edged sword of signing a lucrative contract. If nothing changes, he will become, like many others in recent years, a prisoner of his contract.

Via DLC