Discovering a companion in crime for Jonathan Huberdeau is likely to be certainly one of Craig Conroy’s high priorities this summer time.
The Calgary Flames have tried enjoying their extremely paid winger with numerous completely different linemates over the previous two seasons.
There have been encouraging moments right here and there, but when we’re being trustworthy right here, nothing has actually labored.
And perhaps the answer isn’t inner.
“I’d prefer to get him a participant with chemistry,” mentioned Conroy, the Flames GM. “It looks as if he has slightly chemistry with the fellows, however that’s one thing I’ve to strive to determine this summer time.”
Determining tips on how to deliver the very best out of Huberdeau has been a problem for the Flames ever since he was acquired alongside MacKenzie Weegar and Cole Schwindt within the commerce that despatched Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in July 2022.
His manufacturing has fallen off in a significant approach since he arrived in Calgary. After placing up 115 factors in his final season with the Panthers, he collected 55 in his first yr with the Flames and solely 52 in 2023-24.
That’s not what you anticipate from a man making $10.5 million. Huberdeau is aware of that.
“After the brand new yr, I really feel like my recreation acquired higher,” the 30-year-old mentioned on Friday. “All through these years, I really feel like I’ve discovered numerous stuff and my defensive recreation acquired higher.
“Clearly, that’s not what I’m paid for however I feel it acquired higher. I put extra factors (up) on the finish, I had a tricky begin point-wise however general I need to get again to 70, 80 factors.”
Even 70 or 80 factors can be a considerably smaller complete than what Huberdeau was placing up with the Panthers, however there’s been little or no that may point out he’s about to return to these heights.
There could be no complaints about his angle or his work, although. That’s one thing Flames coaches, administration and teammates have repeated ever since Huberdeau first confirmed up in Calgary.
He takes accountability when his play is beneath par and grinds as arduous as anyone.
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And head coach Ryan Huska identified Friday that whereas his point-production isn’t the place it as soon as was, there was rather a lot to love about Huberdeau’s recreation this yr.
“It’s arduous for a participant like Jonathan to essentially look again at his two years and consider it as success as a result of he’s at all times considered himself as any individual who has to generate on a regular basis,” Huska mentioned.
“If he doesn’t generate he has a tough time with it. But when he actually takes a step again during the last two years he’s change into a greater participant general, and I feel what we noticed from Christmas … he was a man who was dedicated to each side of the sport and now was beginning to generate slightly bit.
“It’s discovering that steadiness for him the place he generally is a man who contributes on a regular basis however acknowledges he brings numerous different issues to the desk for our group, as nicely.”
Attempting to deliver out the very best in Huberdeau goes to be a theme across the Saddledome for the foreseeable future. He’s nonetheless acquired seven years left on his huge contract, and there’s at all times going to be a microscope pointed at anybody making the sum of money Huberdeau is being paid.
Possibly there’s a linemate on the market who is out there by way of commerce or free company who may help Huberdeau return to one thing resembling his greatest.
It solely is sensible for Conroy to go searching and see what’s out there.
“The one factor is Jonathan is at all times working arduous, he involves observe, he works, he goes to the sport,” Conroy mentioned. “I feel he virtually needs it so dangerous and places a lot strain on himself, it could be good if we might take it off him. However whenever you’re the highest-paid participant on the group that at all times doesn’t occur.
“We simply need him to come back and play the way in which he did down the stretch.”
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