Quote:
Originally Posted by Strange Brew
Comparing Huberdeau’s play to some of the guys like Backlund and Coleman? He has consistently been the most sheltered forward on the team since the day he arrived and has yet to elevate anyone’s play, unlike those two who in addition to playing harder and better are also outscoring him.
His salary makes him untradeable. And at some point when the prospects are ready for the NHL, he’s going to be a roadblock. It will be fascinating to see what the Flames do. Give him harder assignments? Tell him to stay home?
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That's why the contract is rightly considered the worst in the league. It's the combination of the lack of production, high salary and the fact that there are no exit options.
So when people say the Flames need to do something about Huberdeau, not sure what they think that is. The options are limited.
- Buyout. Not possible. The contract is buyout proof until maybe when you have 2 years remaining. Someone smarter than me on that stuff could advise, I just know near-term a buy out doesn't do anything
- Compliance Buyout from a CBA issue. Doesn't seem likely given the labor piece
- Huberdeau retires at some point late in the contract.
- Huberdeau agrees to exit the contract when he's made enough money and wants a better opportunity. $11m reasons why this likely won't happen.
- You add significant assets to trade Huberdeau. Not a good idea for a re-building team that needs assets. Maybe becomes a possibility as they move back into a contention window.
- Problem for problem contract. This is perhaps the most likely option, when there is say 3-4 years remaining. I could imagine you trade your 3-4 year problem contract to another team for a problem contract that has more term remaining at least of a cap hit. I can't even think of an example right now though.
- You ride it out.
There simply aren't any options. The contract is THE worst in the NHL and by a good amount.
For what it's worth I don't think he's not trying. To me, he reminds me a lot of Alex Tanguay. He's a feel player who needs to play with confidence. When he doesn't have that feel, the right players around him, or has a hit to his confidence - his play really suffers.