With the many changes being made behind the bench and in the offices at the Calgary Flames this summer, Jonathan Huberdeau was hoping to find the offensive touch this season that would make him the National Hockey League’s (NHL) second-leading scorer in 2021-2022. made.
However, quite simply the opposite has occurred.
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In fact, things are so bad that head coach Ryan Huska benched him for the entire third period of Tuesday’s matchup between the Flames and Nashville Predators.
Despite these more than difficult moments, Huberdeau did not run away and faced the media on Wednesday. The Quebecer also used an adjective that leaves no doubt about his current state of mind.
“It’s humiliating,” he said at a news conference. You don’t want to sit on the bench. […] It wasn’t easy, I won’t lie to you.”
However, the one who has scored six points (two goals and four assists) in twelve games since the start of the season took responsibility and admitted that he had to be better.
“There is no blame,” the former Florida Panthers continued. You have to look in the mirror, I have to be a better player. I know I have it in me, I always believe in myself. I just have to show it on the ice.”
The good news for the Saint-Jérôme native is that he will continue to retain his spot in the Alberta organization’s starting trio alongside Elias Lindholm and Andrew Mangiapane.
Huberdeau is currently completing the first season of his eight-year contract worth $10.5 million per year.