The Calgary Flames could live long regretting acquiring Jonathan Huberdeau if his offensive issues persist.
In the 2022–2023 season, fans of the Alberta team were angry when they saw the Quebecers collect 60 points less than the previous season and the club was unable to reach the playoffs. Matthew Tkachuk – who joined Huberdeau on July 22, 2022 – distinguished himself by leading the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final.
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However, the current campaign also seems difficult to bear for many local fans. Calgary has a deficit record of 11-14-5, which is largely insufficient for playoff qualification. And the performance of the holder of an eight-year, $84 million contract is not unrelated to the team's disadvantageous position in the rankings.
In fact, the veteran still has four goals and 11 assists for 15 points in 30 games; If he maintains this slow pace, he will finish the regular calendar with a point total lower than the 55 points he accumulated last year. In addition, the number 10 was unable to score a single point in his last seven appearances. We have to go back to November 20th to trace his last goal: since then the player has previously bitten the dust in the following 12 matches.
Difficult in shootouts
Proof that things aren't going well for Huberdeau is that he has also missed his four shootout attempts this season, including his attempt on Thursday against the Minnesota Wild. His struggles led to as many shootout losses, including the 3-2 loss to St. Paul.
The Flames are ranked 11th in the Western Conference and will be hoping for an offensive revival from the winger on the left side of a trio completed by Mikael Backlund and Blake Coleman. They will host the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday.