“Big Shock” by Jonathan Huberdeau

Jonathan Huberdeau of Quebec has made no secret of his surprise trading in Calgary Flames.

That’s what he said at a press conference Monday, three days after getting him in the deal that notably brought Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers.

“I didn’t really expect that,” said the striker. It just happened out of nowhere. It’s part of the hockey game. It’s a shock at first, but you have to get used to it. Now I’m excited to be a flame and can’t wait to get started with them.”

Selected with the third overall pick for the 2011 draft, Huderbeau spent his entire career in the National League with the Panthers.

“I was there for a very long time. They were the ones who took me. It was such a shock to me and my family.”

“It was sad, but life goes on,” Huberdeau also said when he found out he had been traded. Good to see that Flames fans are happy. I can’t wait to go there and continue. It’s over in Florida and I have to focus on the next destination.”

New deal?

In 2022-2023, Huberdeau will play the final year of a six-year contract with an annual value of $5.9 million. So he can become an unrestricted free agent under the terms of his first campaign in a flame costume.

However, the St Jerome native said he is open to signing a long contract extension with the Alberta club.

“I am open to the idea of ​​staying in Calgary for a long time,” said the man, who collected 115 points last season.

I’ll leave that up to the general manager and my agent. They’ve already started talking about it.”

“that they [les Flames] He made a trade for my services. […] You want to play for a team that wants you and that’s what I really want.”

Another change

In addition, Huderbeau will have to find a new number, as 11 is in the possession of striker Mikael Backlund.

“Backlund is a veteran and he deserves to keep his number. I’ll change mine. I’ve thought about it a bit, but I haven’t made a decision yet.

“I’ve always worn an 11. So it will be a bit difficult to make a change in that area,” expressed the person who intends to make a decision on this topic in the coming days.