Jonathan Huberdeau makes a nice gesture for science and for future generations
New Calgary Flames left winger Jonathan Huberdeau has said he will donate his brain to science after his death. Huberdeau is following in the footsteps of former New Jersey Devils defenseman, Ben Lovejoy, who became the first active NHL player to make this commitment in 2017 to advance brain injury research.
Huberdeau will donate his brain to Project Enlist, the Canadian partner of the Concussion Legacy Foundation.
Since 2008, the Concussion Legacy Foundation has seen more than 2,800 former military athletes and veterans get involved with the foundation. That includes Eric Lindros and Hayley Wickenheiser. Former Harvard University captain Kalley Armstrong, who is the granddaughter of Maple Leafs legend George Armstrong, and retired Major General Denis Thompson have also pledged to have their brains studied for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative disease that can cause violent mood swings, depression, memory loss and other cognitive problems. The Foundation focuses on research and education of future athletes.
Huberdeau, 29, set an NHL record for assists in a season by a left winger with 85 in 2022-2023 and set a Florida Panthers franchise record for points in a season with 115. He was traded with defenseman Mackenzie Weegar to the Calgary Flames in July as part of a monster trade for Matthew Tkachuk. Huberdeau signed an eight-year, $84 million extension with a $10.5 million average last week to become a long-term Flames.
| POLL | ||
Looking back, who do you think won the Jonathan Huberdeau trade? | ||
| Panthers | 71 | 27.5 % |
| Flames | 187 | 72.5 % |
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