Darryl Sutter praises Huberdeau while taking shots at Gaudreau

That statement is not surprising when you consider that Huberdeau led the league with 85 assists last season with the Florida Panthers.

The Flames acquired Huberdeau in a monster trade this summer, along with defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt and a first round pick, in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk and a fourth round pick.

But Huberdeau is more in line to replace Johnny Gaudreau, who left for the Columbus Blue Jackets as a free agent, rather than Tkachuk. Gaudreau, who is an excellent playmaker, was the engine of Calgary's offense, leading the team with 75 assists and 115 points last season.

Gaudreau's 75 assists last season tied him with Al MacInnis for the second most in Flames history. Kent Nilsson holds the record with 82, set in 1980-81.

MacInnis holds the most career assists in franchise history (609), while Doug Gilmour holds the team record for assists per game (0.80). During his NHL career, Huberdeau has 415 assists in 671 games.

For Darryl Sutter, who is not a coach who compliments his players very much, this is quite a sign of confidence for the Quebec forward. At the same time, the coach continues to hit, indirectly, on Mathew Tkachuk. We remember that he had also called out Tkachuk at the opening of the Flames' camp...

Some also detected, in the comments above, a little shot directed at his former ace passer, Johnny Gaudreau.