While Jonathan Huberdeau's contract with the Calgary Flames has been a subject of much debate and criticism, recent perspectives suggest it's not necessarily hurting the team as much as some analysts claim. Signed in 2022 to an eight-year, $84 million deal, the contract carries a significant $10.5 million cap hit annually. This was after he was acquired from the Florida Panthers, where he had just recorded a phenomenal 115-point season. Expectations were naturally high, but his production in Calgary hasn't matched those levels, leading to concerns about the contract's value.
One of the primary reasons cited for these concerns is Huberdeau's decreased offensive output. After his stellar year in Florida, his point totals dropped significantly in his first two seasons with the Flames. This led to some analysts ranking his contract as one of the worst in the NHL, based on a comparison of player performance versus contract value. Some models have even projected a negative surplus value for the remainder of the deal.
However, this perspective doesn't fully capture the nuances of the situation. While Huberdeau's raw point totals haven't reached the heights of his Florida days, there are indications that he's adapting to a different role and contributing to the Flames in other ways. Calgary's coach, Ryan Huska, has publicly stated that the team's internal evaluation of Huberdeau goes beyond just goals and assists.
Huberdeau himself has expressed a focus on becoming a more well-rounded player. This suggests a shift in his game towards a style that prioritizes overall contribution to the team's success, rather than solely focusing on offensive statistics. The Flames, under a retooling phase, are not necessarily aiming to win games through high-scoring affairs but rather through a tight-checking, defensively responsible approach. Huberdeau's adaptation to this system, even if it means sacrificing some offensive flair, is seen as a positive development within the organization.
Moreover, the Flames aren't facing immediate cap constraints. While Huberdeau's $10.5 million cap hit is substantial, the team isn't currently in a position where it's hindering their ability to make other necessary roster moves. This provides some flexibility to allow Huberdeau to further adjust his game and potentially regain some of his offensive touch without significantly impacting the team's financial situation.
It's also worth noting that Huberdeau's underlying metrics and on-ice impact showed improvement in the later part of the 2024-25 season. While his shooting percentage dipped in previous seasons, there were signs that he was generating more quality chances and becoming more involved in driving offensive play. The arrival of players like Andrei Kuzmenko also seemed to spark the power play, indirectly benefiting Huberdeau.
Of course, the long-term outlook of the contract remains a valid concern. With six years still remaining on the deal, there's a risk that Huberdeau's performance could decline further as he ages. However, for the immediate future, it appears that the Flames are content with Huberdeau's progress and his role within the team's evolving identity. While the contract may not be providing the superstar-level production that was initially anticipated, it's not necessarily crippling the team's ability to compete and build for the future. The team values his overall contribution and commitment to adapting to their system, suggesting that the narrative surrounding Huberdeau's contract may be shifting from a burden to a work in progress.
