Huberdeau Interview - Page 3 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Bill Bumface · 08-01-2023, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dustygoon

First Kadri mentions the stress of moving cities and a new home as being a reason for last season's whiff. Now Huberdeau alludes to it too.

It kind of sounds like an excuse and strange they both mention it, but moving is totally upsetting. At the money involved here, can't the teams and agents do a better job of getting players and families settled?

I wonder how much is the life disruption, and how much is coming into a brand new team/org.

I'm sure it's like starting a new job. Both these guys were starting a new job, after getting a massive pay raise. If they suffer from imposter syndrome like the rest of us, I'm sure they put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform and prove they are worth it. As soon as self doubt creeps in, it's hard to kick the self feeding cycle.

For sure some people are great at that and have the confidence in themselves for it not to be a problem, but they are all fallible humans just like us, except really really good at hockey, rich, fit, admired, etc.

IamNotKenKing · 08-01-2023, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

I wonder how much is the life disruption, and how much is coming into a brand new team/org.

I'm sure it's like starting a new job. Both these guys were starting a new job, after getting a massive pay raise. If they suffer from imposter syndrome like the rest of us, I'm sure they put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform and prove they are worth it. As soon as self doubt creeps in, it's hard to kick the self feeding cycle.

For sure some people are great at that and have the confidence in themselves for it not to be a problem, but they are all fallible humans just like us, except really really good at hockey, rich, fit, admired, etc.

So just like me then...

FlamesAddiction · 08-01-2023, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hackey

He had to leave Miami for Calgary. Most wouldn't be thrilled. Then he has to play for Daryl. Guy was probably depressed. Then he has to watch his old team go the Stanley Cup finals and the player he was traded for is playing like the best player on Earth. Can't get much worse. He should have a fresh start this year.

Yeah, I get that. I honestly didn't see the lack of production despite great consistent efforts that some people talk about. To me, he did not look like he was giving his best effort most nights. He looked a step behind and had low energy. Not 100% of the time, but most of the time.

I don't doubt that he was not happy and that he wasn't getting up for games, and hopefully the changes fix some of that. It's very relatable. I think a lot of people know what it is like to be in a soul sucking situation where you want to be your best, but mentally it's difficult to get motivated.

The last 10-12 games, Huberdeau was starting to get it together and played his best hockey of the season. That gives me hope that he can rebound, but it also highlights to me that the problem wasn't just Sutter, because it's not like Sutter stopped coaching at that point. The problem was that Huberdeau wasn't giving it his best before that.

Like I said in a previous post though, it's in the past now. Burn the tape and put it in the vault.

Locke · 08-01-2023, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Bumface

I wonder how much is the life disruption, and how much is coming into a brand new team/org.

I'm sure it's like starting a new job. Both these guys were starting a new job, after getting a massive pay raise. If they suffer from imposter syndrome like the rest of us, I'm sure they put a lot of pressure on themselves to perform and prove they are worth it. As soon as self doubt creeps in, it's hard to kick the self feeding cycle.

For sure some people are great at that and have the confidence in themselves for it not to be a problem, but they are all fallible humans just like us, except really really good at hockey, rich, fit, admired, etc.

I think we're underestimating the effect of that and I think it rippled through the entire team.

Sure Huberdeau and Weegar were transplanted from Florida and plunked in Calgary, thats a huge shift.

And they have to deal with that while also dealing with the rigours of Pro Hockey.

Similarly, the Swedes were busy procreating and thats distracting as well.

Thats really the hope, that last season was more or less a mulligan, everyone comes back to the ice this season focused on hockey rather than the cornucopia of their own personal crap.

Because last year's team was so wildly inconsistent, the goaltending so epically bad, everyone looked like they werent checked in...I cant have been the only person who noticed that whatever was wrong with last year's team was between the ears.

Get them focused on hockey and maybe, we might have a good season.

Or the entire thing could implode spectacularly. Thats always on the table.

mile · 08-01-2023, 12:37 PM

Full TSN interview: https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/valji-more-co...ames-1.1991007

memphusk · 08-01-2023, 12:47 PM

Tkachuk didn't seem to have a problem with a new team and a new city.

Locke · 08-01-2023, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Tkachuk didn't seem to have a problem with a new team and a new city.

Because it largely wasnt.

The Tkachuk family already had a home in Florida and he was completely comfortable there.

memphusk · 08-01-2023, 12:55 PM

Hmmm. Just seems like alot of excuses.

Locke · 08-01-2023, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Hmmm. Just seems like alot of excuses.

Oh, I largely agree. Its just that...moving sucks.

Maybe its just me and I'm a creature of habit.

But I view Tkachuk going to Florida, a place his family has gone to all the time, he knows it, he's comfortable with it, probably has friends and family there, knows his way around.

Versus guys like Huberdeau, Weegar and Kadri who dont have that luxury.

Now Backlund, Lindholm and Markstrom dont have those excuses and if the Swedes cant get their poop in a group we'll just have to get some Finns who can!

"Ville Nieminen: Inspiration Coach"

GFG#1 · 08-01-2023, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Hmmm. Just seems like alot of excuses.

Matthew wanted to go to Florida. Jonathan was talking extension with Florida then got a phone call telling him he was moving to Calgary.

The situation is not the same.

memphusk · 08-01-2023, 01:34 PM

Well he also could of bet on himself but he chose the money. Not sure how hard it would be knowing your being paid amongst the top in the league.

Yeah_Baby · 08-01-2023, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Well he also could of bet on himself but he chose the money. Not sure how hard it would be knowing your being paid amongst the top in the league.

He was coming off a career year and the team was aggressive to commit big money after losing Johnny etc. I'd have signed that deal too.

FlamesAddiction · 08-01-2023, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GFG#1

Matthew wanted to go to Florida. Jonathan was talking extension with Florida then got a phone call telling him he was moving to Calgary.

The situation is not the same.

It would take a trained psychologist to try and understand the mental impact of everything that he went through. Forced relocation from South Florida to Canada, difficult coach, the feeling of dejection players get when a team trades them, the weight of just signing the largest contract in Flames history, the weight of being expected to be the best player on the team and carry the team after JG and MT left. In Florida, he didn't need to be the best player every night. There are so many reasons why negative feelings likely affected his competitive spirit.

It sounds like he is moving on and positivity is taking over, which is great because his future success depends on it.

VilleN · 08-01-2023, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Well he also could of bet on himself but he chose the money. Not sure how hard it would be knowing your being paid amongst the top in the league.

Bet on himself? What are you even talking about? You only need to bet on yourself if there isn't a big contract out there for you - like Taylor Hall did in Buffalo to underwhelming results... When a team offers you 10.5M x 8 years you would look like an absolute moron if you were like 'naah, I'll bet on myself thanks'... to what outcome? What better outcome would he have been hoping for by betting on himself?

GioforPM · 08-01-2023, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Well he also could of bet on himself but he chose the money. Not sure how hard it would be knowing your being paid amongst the top in the league.

Could HAVE bet on himself? By doing what - waiting to be a UFA and then making a tiny bit more? As you say, he got a good contract for himself.

No one has said he is unhappy he's now in Calgary. They said he was, among other things, shocked by the move, thrust into a team in upheaval, etc. Could he have overcome all that - maybe, but the team performance didn't help. One wonder how his seaosn would have gone if the success he had in the last 10 games or so occurred at the beginning. Momentum is big in a player's psyche I bet.

calgARI · 08-01-2023, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by memphusk

Tkachuk didn't seem to have a problem with a new team and a new city.

The team didn't adjust so well though. Dramatic point decline from the previous season.

blankall · 08-01-2023, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

Yeah, I get that. I honestly didn't see the lack of production despite great consistent efforts that some people talk about. To me, he did not look like he was giving his best effort most nights. He looked a step behind and had low energy. Not 100% of the time, but most of the time.

I don't doubt that he was not happy and that he wasn't getting up for games, and hopefully the changes fix some of that. It's very relatable. I think a lot of people know what it is like to be in a soul sucking situation where you want to be your best, but mentally it's difficult to get motivated.

The last 10-12 games, Huberdeau was starting to get it together and played his best hockey of the season. That gives me hope that he can rebound, but it also highlights to me that the problem wasn't just Sutter, because it's not like Sutter stopped coaching at that point. The problem was that Huberdeau wasn't giving it his best before that.

Like I said in a previous post though, it's in the past now. Burn the tape and put it in the vault.

To me, it looked more like he was just cast in role he wasn't very good at. Sutter had Huberdeau griding and slowing down the game in offensive zone. Huberdeau was trying to do that, but he was awful at it.

Huberdeau's greatest strengths are in transition when he and the other forwards all drive hard at the net. Sutter didn't allow him to do that, and it was clear the players hadn't practiced that.

St. Pats · 08-01-2023, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

It would take a trained psychologist to try and understand the mental impact of everything that he went through. Forced relocation from South Florida to Canada, difficult coach, the feeling of dejection players get when a team trades them, the weight of just signing the largest contract in Flames history, the weight of being expected to be the best player on the team and carry the team after JG and MT left. In Florida, he didn't need to be the best player every night. There are so many reasons why negative feelings likely affected his competitive spirit.

It sounds like he is moving on and positivity is taking over, which is great because his future success depends on it.

Not to mention he is a pass first player and two of the best Flames at putting the puck in the net left. Now the final cog of the line could go and the top scorer from last year is gone. Who is he going to pass the puck to that can put it in the net.

rollie619 · 08-01-2023, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by St. Pats

Not to mention he is a pass first player and two of the best Flames at putting the puck in the net left. Now the final cog of the line could go and the top scorer from last year is gone. Who is he going to pass the puck to that can put it in the net.

Yegor. Optimism Trump's all.

SuperMatt18 · 08-01-2023, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by calgARI

The team didn't adjust so well though. Dramatic point decline from the previous season.

Yeah a run of hot goaltending and timely goals in the playoffs really skews the Panthers season.

They were a team that finished with a point less than the Flames.

For most of the season Panthers fans wanted Maurice fired.

Bobrovsky and Tkachuk went nuclear for a couple rounds and all of a sudden the narrative changes completely.