The Hockey News’ Adam Proteau examined five of the most untradeable contracts in the NHL and right at the top sits Calgary Flames‘ forward Jonathan Huberdeau.
Proteau rightfully points out Huberdeau’s ranking is not due to a lack of talent, but the sheer weight of his contract. But what makes it among the worst, if not the worst in the league?
Huberdeau, a 31-year-old forward, commands an annual salary of $10.5 million with seven years remaining on his deal. This contract was Calgary’s statement to the league, proving that the franchise could retain star players. Huberdeau was acquired in a trade with the Florida Panthers, which saw Matthew Tkachuk leave Calgary. When Tkachuk informed then-Flames GM Brad Treliving he wasn’t going to sign long-term, the Flames traded him for Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar. Unsure if either player was ready to commit to Calgary at the time the deal was made, the moment Huberdeau expressed interest, the Flames quickly offered a massive contract, which he promptly signed.
To be fair, coming off of a 115-point season, there was reason to believe Huberdeau could be worth a sizeable investment.
Unfortunately, he has not lived up to his previous performance since joining the Flames. Instead of approaching his career-high of 115 points, he managed only 55 points in the 2022-23 season and 52 points in the 2023-24 season. This drastic decline in production, coupled with his hefty contract, makes him virtually immovable.
It’s not just the numbers that are concerning. Teams have to be concerned with where Huberdeau is mentally. In August of 2023, after his first season in Calgary, the forward knew something was off. He was asked during an interview how he could recover his confidence and he responded, “I think, get back to the basics. That’s what I wanted to do.”
He explained he talked to a psychologist and would come into the 2023-24 season with the right mindset. The focus was to “…just trust yourself and never doubt yourself.”
It didn’t work and Huberdeau had a less-effective season after trying to reset everything and get back to the basics. How much does that get into Huberdeau’s head? Teams that might otherwise be interested have to be mindful that something inside Huberdeau might be broken.
Two seasons in a row and there’s little sign he knows what’s wrong.
The Flames Are Stuck With the Huberdeau Deal
For Calgary, buying out Huberdeau’s contract isn’t a viable option. A buyout would extend the financial strain over 14 years, a burden the Flames are undoubtedly unwilling to bear.
Trade possibilities are equally bleak unless the Flames are prepared to retain a significant portion of Huberdeau’s salary. Even then, with half his salary retained, he’s a 50-ish-point player who costs $5.25 million per season. There are better options.
The decline in Huberdeau’s performance is alarming, with a drastic drop-off in his production. Until he manages to bounce back—if he ever does—few teams will even consider discussing a trade with the Flames.
For now, the Flames and Huberdeau will need to find a way to extract value from his hefty contract. As Proteau notes, “They’re stuck with one another for the time being, and it’s likely to stay that way for at least a couple years to come.”