After a rocky start to his tenure in Calgary, Jonathan Huberdeau finally found his footing last season.

After being the centrepiece return in the blockbuster trade that sent Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers three seasons ago, Huberdeau’s early contribution with the Flames was underwhelming, to put it mildly. Fans were restless, the pressure was immense and the $84 million contract extension looming overhead didn’t help. Last season, however? That was different. That was better.

Much better.

A Bounce-Back Season Worth Talking About

Under head coach Ryan Huska, Huberdeau’s game took on a new identity. It wasn’t just about the points—it was about playing with purpose. He showed a commitment to both ends of the ice, and you could see the difference in Huberdeau’s game. You could feel it.

He was involved. Engaged. Effective.

Offensively, Huberdeau notched 28 goals, 34 assists for 62 points in 81 games—the most he’s put up in a Flames jersey. That’s a far cry from the 115 points (30g,85a) he put up with the Panthers in 2021-22, but he looked like he was back to being a top-six threat, showing flashes of the elite playmaker Flames fans were promised when he first arrived. 

This resurgence wasn’t just about numbers. It was about confidence and determination - and he remained an ultimate professional through it all.

“I feel like I’m at my best ever,” Huberdeau told Sportsnet midseason, and the way he played backed that up. 

The Key? Chemistry & Trust

Much of the credit for Huberdeau’s turnaround can be traced to his linemates. Once he was united with Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil, everything clicked. That trio found real chemistry, dominating puck possession, playing fast, and making smart, simple plays in the offensive zone. They outworked teams, out-cycled them and outscored them.

On top of that, Huska leaned into Huberdeau’s veteran presence. He was tasked with tougher minutes and saw increased use on the penalty kill—a clear sign of growing trust. Huberdeau responded with the kind of all-around play that doesn’t always show up on the scoresheet.

One of the biggest eye-openers? Huberdeau’s finishing.

He scored from the high-danger areas far more consistently than before. He ranked near the top of the league in inner-slot goals and carried an elite 24.6% shooting percentage for much of the season, finishing at a career-best 18.3%. That kind of number usually doesn’t last—but it tells a story: he was finally putting himself in positions to score.

For context: that shooting clip nearly doubled his career average. So yes, some regression is expected, but the high-percentage chances were real. He wasn’t just getting lucky—he was getting better looks.

Can He Keep It Going?

That’s the big question heading into 2025–26, and the answer isn’t black and white.

On the one hand, the structure is in place. He looks comfortable in the system. He has the coach’s trust and he’s found linemates who complement his style. Plus, he’s healthy. All signs point to a repeat performance.

On the other hand, expectations are high. The shooting percentage may come back to earth. Lineups can change, and at 32, age-related dips in speed and consistency are always a concern.

Still, if Huberdeau plays the way he did last season there’s no reason he can’t put up another 60+ point campaign.

What to Expect in 2025–26

So… what are realistic expectations this season?

A repeat 28-goal season might be tough if his shooting regresses, but 20–25 goals and 60+ points? Absolutely attainable.

More importantly, the Flames finally seem to have a version of Huberdeau that fits their identity: skilled, committed, and smart. His buy-in defensively has opened the door for more minutes and more meaningful ice time.

If he stays healthy and in the right role, there’s every reason to believe he can build off last year’s success.

It took time, and it took patience - a ton of it - but Huberdeau looks like he’s finally turned the corner in Calgary.

So, if last season was a sign of things to come—not just another statistical outlier—then the Flames might just have the Huberdeau they hoped for all along.

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