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Jonathan Huberdeau: Player Profile

Originally posted on Inside The Rink | By Andrew Walsh | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Jonathan Huberdeau is a left-winger who was born on June 4, 1993, in St.-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada. At 6’1” and 201 lbs. Huberdeau was seen as having a lanky frame but plenty of height going into his draft year. The only flaw in Huberdeau’s game was his play without the puck. Huberdeau began his path to a professional hockey career with the Saint-Eustache Vikings of the Quebec Major Development League. In 43 games for the Vikings during their playoff push, Huberdeau scored 20 goals and added 30 assists. This was an impressive start to Huberdeau’s hockey career, but was it repeatable?

To test himself at the next level, Huberdeau moved to the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In 67 games played for the Sea Dogs during the 2009-2010 season, Huberdeau scored 15 goals and added 20 assists. During the QMJHL playoffs this season, Huberdeau scored 11 goals and added seven assists in 21 games. In 67 games played for the Sea Dogs during the 2010-2011 season, Huberdeau scored the most goals of his four-year tenure with the team by scoring 43 goals and adding 62 assists.

The only question left to answer was whether Huberdeau could perform at the professional level. Given that he is a Canadian, Huberdeau could begin his professional career in one of the many Canadian hockey leagues or jump straight to the NHL. In 30 games for the Sea Dogs during the 2012-13 season, Huberdeau scored 16 goals and added 29 assists. These one and a half points per game during his draft year are more than the point per game potential that scouts initially saw in Huberdeau.

Florida Panthers Draft Jonathan Huberdeau with the Third Pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft

Jonathan Huberdeau was drafted by the Florida Panthers with the third overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft out of the Sea Dogs. At the time of the draft, he was seen as the caliber of player who could score a point-per-game in the NHL. A skilled enough shot keeps his opponents honest Prior to being drafted by the Panthers, Huberdeau scored 16 goals and added 29 assists for the Sea Dogs in 30 games.

The one thing that Huberdeau could not accomplish while with the Panthers was winning the Stanley Cup. This is not for lack of offensive output. In 10 seasons for the Panthers, Huberdeau scored 198 goals and added 369 assists. In the second round of the 2022 playoffs, the Panthers lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning. For the Panthers and Huberdeau, something needed to change.

Jonathan Huberdeau Traded to the Calgary Flames to Chase the Elusive Stanley Cup

Huberdeau was traded to the Calgary Flames in July of 2022 as part of the Matthew Tkachuk trade. Defenseman MacKenzie Weegar, prospect Cole Schwindt, and a lottery-protected first-round pick completed the trade. That pick would turn into center Cullen Potter from Arizona State University. Potter’s high hockey IQ, dynamic offensive game, and energy give him every opportunity to make an impact in the NHL.

Unfortunately for the Flames, Huberdeau was placed on injured reserve due to a hip injury on February 21^st. Before this injury, Huberdeau had been durable during his 14-year NHL career. The injury will require hip resurfacing surgery. Huberdeau is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026-27 season. The Flames are currently in seventh place in the Pacific Division with 67 points. In 291 career games for the Flames, Huberdeau has scored 65 goals and added 129 assists. The Flames announced the shutdown of Huberdeau and the plans for the Quebec native.

“After extensive evaluation, this was determined to be the best course of action for Jonathan’s long-term health and performance,” Flames GM Craig Conroy said via a statement. “While it is difficult to lose a player of his calibre, our priority is ensuring he is fully healthy moving forward. Huberdeau has been managing hip-related symptoms throughout the season. The decision to proceed with surgery was made in collaboration with Jonathan, his representative, our medical staff, and specialists to support his long-term well being.”

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This article first appeared on Inside The Rink and was syndicated with permission.

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