Jonathan Huberdeau knows he needs to be better this season and he's changed up his training to help spark his production.

Jonathan Huberdeau is gearing up for a bounceback season with the Calgary Flames, triggered by a revamped summer training routine that he believes will elevate his performance after a couple of rocky seasons. 

Huberdeau, who is entering the second year of his eight-year, $84 million contract with the Flames, feels reinvigorated and confident heading into the 2024-25 season. Fans are hoping it translates into production, as the former 115-point forward has been anything but that player since joining the club. 

Huberdeau registered 52 points (12 goals, 40 assists) in 81 games last season, which isn't terrible, but not worth the $10.5 million he's being paid each season.  He needs to prove he's worth the investment and he noted in an article with NHL.com:

"I think more speed... I’m never going to be the fastest guy, but I think getting a lot of power and stuff, and I had a lot of time to do it... "Really happy with the summer that I had. It's probably my best summer of training that I've had. I just have to translate that onto the ice. I skated more in the summer as well, so I feel better.

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Huberdeau was a standout star with the Florida Panthers in the 2021-22 season. When he came to the Flames, the team was thrilled to get him as part of the Matthew Tkachuk trade and then sign him to an eight-year extension. Since the signing, many argue the Flames have regretted paying him so much to stay. He's not been terrible, but when the benchmark is so high, two seasons totaling 107 points (27 goals, 80 assists) in 160 games isn't enough. 

The Flames are Confident Huberdeau Can Turn Things Around

Calgary GM Craig Conroy is optimistic as he watches Huberdeau put in the time. "He’s a super competitive guy. He wants to be the best player and wants to win," Conroy noted. He added that Huberdeau feels a real sense of responsibility and that he knows he's being counted on to produce. 

Still, he can't get the Flames out of the Pacific Division basement alone. "We need to guide these young guys and help them as much as possible," Huberdeau said, stressing the importance of teamwork.

The best he can do is lead by example, come out of the gates strong and show the roster that the hard work can translate into points and, eventually, wins.