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Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe
I have given up on him ever returning to even a PPG player. I hope he does, and I don't think it is an effort issue, so I can't hate him. That contract is just putrid, however, and it makes me just want the Flames to get rid of Kadri's deal ASAP because every single dollar WILL count sooner than some people realize, and I would rather only have 10.5M in dead cap (relatively dead cap - how much of the 10.5 Huberdeau is worth is arguable), rather than 13-17.5 with Kadri. Kadri is doing really well - hat's off to him - but with his age, those wheels will certainly fall off during this deal. The Flames can't afford to come out of this rebuild with too much dead cap on the books. You don't want to end up with another Tkachuk-type of bridge deal on a burgeoning superstar in 'trying to keep the gang together' (though I think Conroy would be forced to keep the band together, rather than decide to).
I would love for the Flames to find a way to get rid of Huberdeau's deal before then. With that being said, I do generally like him. His effort level is something that I can't criticize, and he does not hide or deflect the situation. Aside from the relatively pedestrian offence (especially considering his contract), he does do a few things well that somehow flies under the radar. I like how he plays with some jam and anger at times, and he is sneaky strong like Lindholm was - but probably even stronger.
I would love to see him continue developing his game and turning into a Mark Stone-Light type of player. Just be a player that is hard to play against and is very strong in all zones, even if he doesn't put up the offence. At least that will help the team. He seems to have the right attitude at least. I am convinced that Buffalo decided to buy-out Skinner probably because of an attitude. Aside from the offence to dollar ratio, there is nothing I can criticize Huberdeau for. The business side of me wants to get rid of his deal at any opportunity, but I really don't hate him and find myself cheering for him often.
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It’s an interesting point you raise on Kadri. I think it depends on when and how many of the Flames young players will be demanding big tickets between now his deal expires. Kadri’s got 4 years left, so really anyone who is not playing pro hockey today shouldn’t be an issue. They would be on entry level. That will include the ‘24 draft. The guys who’ll have an opportunity between now and then who could see big increases could be Wolf, Zary,, Coronato (maybe), Honzek (maybe), Brzrtewicz (maybe). Perhaps someone really blossoms, Morin, Cooley, others? Also, what about an Andersson extension? If there is one, I’d bet it’s in the $8-9M range. Too difficult to forecast. Too many unknowns.
I think Huberdeau is a sunk cost. I’d be absolutely floored if at some point the Flames are able to move him even if he were to bounce back to a 70 point/season pace. The past two seasons are surely to have scared off any team. Short of a Lucic for Neal type swap, Heberdeau’s a flame for the foreseeable future.
At this point I think the Flames will have to ride this out for as long as they can. I know people say his contract is ‘buyout proof’ but if we get down to 2-3 years remaining and his play drops and/or his off ice contributions start to work against the team, their hand may be forced. The Wild took a bite out of the sh*t sandwich, the Flames may have to at some point as well. That, or more preferred, a one way trip to Robidas Island might address the problem.