Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

Jonathan Huberdeau Has Found His Game with the Flames

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Cody Misyk | Last updated Jan 13, 2025 10:17 AM ET

Jonathan Huberdeau is having his best season as a Calgary Flame and found his game. Considering his two previous years were a complete disaster, the bar wasn’t incredibly high. Still, Huberdeau has been a bright spot this season for the Calgary Flames, recording 18 goals in 41 games. Will he break his career high of 30 goals in a season? He’s on an 82-game pace to score 36.

Huberdeau Has Finally Found Chemistry

For most of the 2024-25 season, Jonathan Huberdeau has played alongside Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil. This line is the most effective for the Flames, as each player has a unique playing style.

Pospisil is a power forward with great speed. Kadri is a strong two-way forward. Complimenting them is Huberdeau, who is an excellent playmaker. The fact that Huberdeau has turned into a goal scorer is a pleasant surprise.

Recently, Huberdeau has delivered in key moments. He scored the overtime winner against the Anaheim Ducks and followed that up with the game-winning goal in the third period against the Los Angeles Kings. This is exactly the kind of performance the Flames need from a star forward.

For the first time, Huberdeau leads the team in points, a remarkable turnaround after two challenging seasons. His resurgence has been one of the feel-good stories for the team.

Can Huberdeau Keep Things Rolling?

Huberdeau must keep this type of play going in future games. A pure goal scorer is something the Calgary Flames still lack.

Matt Coronato has continued to showcase his goal-scoring potential, highlighted by a snipe against the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday. Meanwhile, Yegor Sharangovich has struggled to replicate his form from last season when he was a 30-goal scorer. With just six goals in 34 games, something needs to change to get him back on track.

If Huberdeau can consistently contribute 30 goals per season, it would provide the much-needed scoring insurance the Flames are looking for, especially as they work to balance their offensive production. The powerplay has improved significantly since last season, going from 17.9 percent to 20.7. Huberdeau has been a key factor in that regard, with 10 points and quick puck movement.

Huberdeau and the Flames will look to keep things rolling Monday night against the Chicago Blackhawks.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: