If not for the continued challenges of the Edmonton Oilers, the benching of Jonathan Huberdeau on Tuesday evening could have been the biggest story in hockey this week. Over at Sportsnet, our pal Elliotte Friedman nonetheless spent some time ruminating on the Huberdeau challenges in his weekly 32 Thoughts column.
In the context of both Huberdeau’s challenges since arriving in Calgary and the rumours that wouldn’t go away last season regarding the potential fit of Anthony Duclair with the Flames – that ended up not panning out – here’s Friedman:
12. Benchings are a big story in the NHL, led by Columbus — where Pascal Vincent clearly has the backing of management to end what the organization considered a country club. Calgary coach Ryan Huska followed by sitting Jonathan Huberdeau for the final 20 minutes of the Flames’ win over Nashville. The winger knows the onus is on him, admitting, “You’ve got to look in the mirror, I gotta be a better player.” But, as the Flames peruse the trade market (and they’ve begun seeing what’s out there), they will target individuals who they believe are a fit with Huberdeau.
Again, our analysis added here, but it’s unclear if folks who “are a fit with Huberdeau” are people who have played with him before, or people whose tendencies and playing style are deemed by the Flames data and analytics team as being likely fits with him. Either way: the Flames are looking at their options.
The Flames (4-7-1) are back in action on Friday in Toronto.
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