Even with a rising cap, Huberdeau's value is still terrible because it is all relative - How he produces relative to other teams like players and their respective cap hits. It is likely going to be quite a number of years, even with a rising cap, for players hitting in the 60s to garner 10 million dollar deals. Even when they do, Huberdeau probably won't be a 60 point player any longer either, and will probably be at the end of his career. So yes, if there is an opportunity to deal Huberdeau for a shorter term poor deal, I would do it.
With that being said, there is still a lot to like about Huberdeau on and off the ice. The one and only issue i have with him is his cap hit. Otherwise, I am 100% happy to have him on the team - his attitude, his 2-way play, his leadership, and his community involvement. He is a very solid player on the ice, and an even better human off of it.
Things could be a lot worse. It wasn't Leeman's fault that he was the centerpiece of the worst trade in Flames' history, and I never once begrudged him, and felt that the booing he got hit with was unjustified and completely embarrassing as a Flames' fan. You would have to think that it wasn't just injuries that slowed down Leeman, but the pressure and vitriol of the situation probably played a huge role in his downfall. Huberdeau didn't shy away from anything. He stood up and answered questions constantly, even after getting benched that one game, which was probably the most embarrassing moment of his entire career. That takes character. A lot of character. He can play on my team any day.
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