BS-FLA-TKACHUKUNICORN Hours after meeting with members of the media at the Saddledome, getting ready to head out on the road with the Calgary Flames, Jonathan Huberdeau made a much bigger announcement via social media. He and partner Catherine Deslongchamps posted a precious photo on Instagram on Friday, which was quickly liked by teammates, the Flames official account, and other players' significant others. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNzExOTM4NjE3NDE5NzUy/screen-shot-2024-12-28-at-10646-am.png] During his interview, Huberdeau spoke about his evolution as a player, believing he's a better and more well-rounded [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/players/calgary-flames-holiday-break-review-jonathan-huberdeau] athlete than he was during his more prolific seasons with the Florida Panthers ahead of the blockbuster trade that sent Huberdeau to Calgary. “I feel like I’m at my best ever,” the 31-year-old father-to-be told reporters [https://www.nhl.com/flames/video/huberdeau-27-12-24-6366486808112]. A lofty statement given he has previously set the benchmark of 85 assists in a season that was the best ever by a left-winger in the NHL. He had 30 goals that season, too [https://www.nhl.com/flames/player/jonathan-huberdeau-8476456] — his last as a member of the Panthers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/florida-panthers/players/former-panthers-star-jonathan-huberdeau-admits-its-hard-to-watch-the-guys-lift-the-cup]. His month of December, though, has been pretty stellar [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/flames-huberdeau-ties-longest-point-streak-in-three-seasons]. Obviously, it just got even better with 'Baby Hubey' on the way. But on top of his penalty killing duties, impressive board battling and generally heightened two-way mindset, the offensive numbers have spiked, too. In nine games this month, Huberdeau has scored five times and has 11 points. He's on pace for 30 goals and 60 points, which would both exceed what he's done with the Flames through his first two seasons in Calgary. The puck seems to be following Huberdeau and linemate Nazem Kadri [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/calgary-flames/latest-news/have-calgary-flames-found-a-new-dynamic-duo]around recently. At times, he's looked a lot like the Panthers prime version of himself. Just with more accountability when he's playing without the puck. “I would say, especially on the other side of the puck, I’ve never been the best at that and I think right now I’m better, and I take pride in it." Given the news that came later, that pride was probably a distant No. 2 for Huberdeau on the day. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExNDI4NzY0NzEyNzA3MjMx/thncgybanner-bookmark.png]
