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mrdonkey · 11-28-2023, 01:16 PM

Huberdeau isn't just a normal, run-of-the-mill, bad deal for a veteran on the back 9 of his career. For one reason or another, his drop off in Calgary is setting NHL all-time records. I think that's worth discussing in any context.

We all knew that he was not likely to repeat his heyday Florida numbers, but I don't think even the most ardent Flames haters living in the deepest, darkest armpits of Edmonton would have predicted this kind of decline. It's 100% a mental thing that might not ever be fixable here. Sometimes a guy's values and skills don't align with the environment in which he works - city, team, or role - whatever. It's common in a lot of workplaces... but, in this case he's contractually obligated to that environment, with no forseeable escape, for a long time, and that burden can weigh heavy on a person's motivation, whether they realize it or not.

Similar thing seems to be happening to Johnny in Columbus. At what point does a swap start to look reasonable for everyone involved?

11-28-2023, 01:16 PM	#1148
mrdonkey Franchise Player Join Date: Jul 2009 Exp:	Huberdeau isn't just a normal, run-of-the-mill, bad deal for a veteran on the back 9 of his career. For one reason or another, his drop off in Calgary is setting NHL all-time records. I think that's worth discussing in any context. We all knew that he was not likely to repeat his heyday Florida numbers, but I don't think even the most ardent Flames haters living in the deepest, darkest armpits of Edmonton would have predicted this kind of decline. It's 100% a mental thing that might not ever be fixable here. Sometimes a guy's values and skills don't align with the environment in which he works - city, team, or role - whatever. It's common in a lot of workplaces... but, in this case he's contractually obligated to that environment, with no forseeable escape, for a long time, and that burden can weigh heavy on a person's motivation, whether they realize it or not. Similar thing seems to be happening to Johnny in Columbus. At what point does a swap start to look reasonable for everyone involved? Last edited by mrdonkey; 11-28-2023 at 01:34 PM.