If the Flames could get rid of the contract they would. Of course, they’d have to pay someone 8M to make up for it.
My position is pretty clear, if you care to actually read what I wrote and not make up things. Try to follow along, and I will repeat it:
1. When Huberdeau was acquired a lot of posters liked it, while others insisted it wouldn’t be a good deal unless he was immediately signed long term.
2. Huberdeau obviously isn’t playing as everyone hoped when he was signed, and this year is even worse - last year was far better. However, his play isn’t as bad as a lot of people describe - posters who actively look for mistakes - the whole team is playing poorly and his play reflects that. He gets criticized for plays that every other player on the team is making. If he’s checked off the puck or is a defender gets a stick on a pass it’s called a giveaway.
3. His salary at the moment is irrelevant to the team’s plans. It doesn’t stop them from rebuilding. It won’t be an issue for years. Maybe never.
4. As players develop, if and when a LW deserves his spot, they should get it. At the moment, that hasn’t happened. As unproductive as he is, it hasn’t happened.
I had to chuckle at 1 and 2. You always spend a lot of time focusing on what other people say and think about Huberdeau.
I agree with 3 although it’s scary to think that his salary might never be an issue for the team. That would be another 5 years of not really being competitive.
I also agree with 4 to an extent. I agree that today there just aren’t any prospects on the wing that need time in the top 6. Gridin is the closest. Now I certainly hope that changes soon. I also don’t think a young player should have to be immediatey better than Huberdeau in order to get that playing time.
Some good points but Flames don't have a good shot at finishing last...maybe some lottery luck but its almost impossible for Vancouver to make up that many points
From what I have heard I would be absolutely shocked if Vancouver gets the #1 pick that they don't draft Stenberg there.
The Following User Says Thank You to dissentowner For This Useful Post:
From what I have heard I would be absolutely shocked if Vancouver gets the #1 pick that they don't draft Stenberg there.
I think the bottom five is close to being set with the Rangers, Flames, Blues, Jets, jockeying for position but the Canuck will probably finis last place by 10+ points. Has to be one of the quickest deconstructions ever as their roster is by far the worst in the NHL and likely for a few seasons.
I had to chuckle at 1 and 2. You always spend a lot of time focusing on what other people say and think about Huberdeau.
I agree with 3 although it’s scary to think that his salary might never be an issue for the team. That would be another 5 years of not really being competitive.
I also agree with 4 to an extent. I agree that today there just aren’t any prospects on the wing that need time in the top 6. Gridin is the closest. Now I certainly hope that changes soon. I also don’t think a young player should have to be immediatey better than Huberdeau in order to get that playing time.
I don't focus on what others say. 1 was just a comment on how the contract. There's a lot of backfilling going on, like it was a ridiculous signing. It was just one that didn't work out. The second, is more how I chuckle at how much people really really want to focus on Huberdeau's play versus anyone else's. The opposite its true as well, players they want to succeed - they focus on any tiny thing that goes right.
The contract may not be relevant for five years, but that doesn't mean the Flames won't be competitive. Lots of competitive teams carry a bad contract on an old player. And the cap will be even higher in five years.
I think the bottom five is close to being set with the Rangers, Flames, Blues, Jets, jockeying for position but the Canuck will probably finis last place by 10+ points. Has to be one of the quickest deconstructions ever as their roster is by far the worst in the NHL and likely for a few seasons.
I don't know how they are as bad as they are with their roster. Calgary's is as bad. Petterson, Boeser, Garland, Rossi, DeBrusk, Hoglander, Hronek, Petterson, are supposed to be good players, and better than what Calgary has. But 2 wins in 15 games? Sheesh. That's almost impossible to do.
Montreal doesn't overpay for their immediate step-in/longer-term support for Hage and team. Calgary doesn't have to retain money on Kadri.
To SEA: Laine, Huberdeau (50% retained), 2026 2nd round pick
To CGY: Wright
Calgary makes the painful (cap-wise) sacrifice, but moves Huberdeau on. Seattle gets a scorer (Laine) who when healthy is a top sniper, and a $5.25M player who should bounce back under a different team and the sweetener of a high 2nd for Shane Wright. Calgary gets a centre with some ceiling, but is a worthwhile project without spending significant assets.
<not in any way a rumour, just thinking of ways to find small wins while getting rid of Huberdeau while aimlessly awaiting the next Flames rumour>
I can't see the Flames retaining 5.25M that long on Huby. I think we get a pretty crappy return in that Habs deal, taking Laine on should be worth a high draft pick alone.
I can't see the Flames retaining 5.25M that long on Huby. I think we get a pretty crappy return in that Habs deal, taking Laine on should be worth a high draft pick alone.
At some point the Flames are going to have to make their Guerin-like bold decision with Huberdeau, in that set the Flames at least extract two meaningful pieces (1st in '26 upgrade on the 2nd, and Wright).
I don't think the Flames are afraid of retaining money, they're going to be dealing with problems on the Huberdeau front no matter what. It's probably wise from a hockey decision to just get it over with. He's just eating up a roster spot at this point.
The problem with trading Huby with retention is that if the team he’s traded to eventually buys him out, the Flames take a cap hit for the other team buying him out.
At some point the Flames are going to have to make their Guerin-like bold decision with Huberdeau, in that set the Flames at least extract two meaningful pieces (1st in '26 upgrade on the 2nd, and Wright).
I don't think the Flames are afraid of retaining money, they're going to be dealing with problems on the Huberdeau front no matter what. It's probably wise from a hockey decision to just get it over with. He's just eating up a roster spot at this point.
I just don't think there's a need yet. Who needs that spot? IMO only someone not yet drafted.
The problem with trading Huby with retention is that if the team he’s traded to eventually buys him out, the Flames take a cap hit for the other team buying him out.
Only on the retained part, which isn't that much different than what they'd be retaining anyway. Getting out of this contract would be a landslide win for Conroy and this management group.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
Only on the retained part, which isn't that much different than what they'd be retaining anyway. Getting out of this contract would be a landslide win for Conroy and this management group.
Yes, that’s true, but it extends the window over which the Flames would be paying, which due to their cap situation, may not be the Flames’ preference.
Yes, that’s true, but it extends the window over which the Flames would be paying, which due to their cap situation, may not be the Flames’ preference.
The upside of not paying 55 to 60% of the remaining contract will easily over rule that. 7 years out it's more likely the Flames are a team operating on a budget than worried about how 460k in dead cap is giving them grief.
__________________ "Some guys like old balls"
Patriots QB Tom Brady
