It's conceivable that although the contract number for Huberdeau is worse, he's less toxic, more of a leader, has a better influence on lifestyle and personal decisions for young players, etc. That's worth something. Flames culture has been a little hollow since Iggy. Gio was okay, but didn't have Iggy's talent or charisma. It would be good to have a stable veteran leader in the room year over year, and I'm hoping Huberdeau can be it. That's silver-lining talk for sure, this whole thing sucks... but I don't want JG back at all, for any reason. The fact he signed in a nowhere destination like Columbus shows how bad he wants to win. Meh.
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