Jonathan Huberdeau Explains Why He Struggled Last Year

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TJ Tucker
October 6, 2023 (8:17 PM)

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When the Calgary Flames knew it was no longer possible to keep Matthew Tkachuk, it seemed the team landed the best deal possible given the circumstances, with Jonathan Huberdeau, who had just scored 115 points with the Florida Panthers, as the centre piece.

Disappointment

Both fans and Huberdeau himself were quite disappointed with his first season in Calgary, as he managed just 55 points. It was his lowest total in 10 years. Now, in a new interview with Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, Huberdeau explained in his own words what happened.

"I just wasn't, you know, I just didn't have fun last year. It was the first time in my career that I kind of lost the passion a little bit, to come to the rink. The way I was playing on the ice, it wasn't me. It kind of frustrated me."

Huberdeau said his mindset got in the way of his relationship with teammates.

"And after that, I wasn't myself in the room, too, with the guys. And I know I can be a funny guy and be good to be around the guys. This year I'm more myself and I try just to learn from last year, and not to put that away, but just learn from it, and comeback this year and be me. Be a leader in this room."

New Year, New Coach

Many have speculated on whether Darryl Sutter, former head coach of the Calgary Flames, might have been the issue. Management may have wondered as well, considering Sutter was let go as soon as the season ended with the Flames missing the playoffs. Huberdeau will play under Ryan Huska his season, who is described as being really in tune with his players. Let's see if Huberdeau can make a change for the better.