Jonathan Huberdeau learns to familiarize himself with a new city, a new organization, but also… a new coach. In recent weeks, Darryl Sutter has not spared him in his statements.
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The Flames coach did not mince his words towards the Quebecer. On October 29, in a game against Edmonton, Huberdeau left the game in the first period. He started running towards the locker room.
Sutter’s answer? “I think he wanted to go chi…”.
Huberdeau did not want to add oil to the fire.
“It’s Darryl Sutter,” Huberdeau said. There’s not much to say about that.
“That’s not true. I had not gone to the toilet. He can say what he wants, but I don’t care about that. »
Sutter did it again at the start of the week when he transferred the Quebecer to his third offensive unit for the game against the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night.
“We placed him everywhere else, but it didn’t work,” said the experienced coach with his legendary tact.
” I’m not worried “
He then found himself with Mikael Backlund and Trevor Lewis when he returned to the game after an injury.
Once again, Huberdeau did not want to comment on his coach’s remarks.
” I’m not worried. I like this playing with Backlund. He’s a smart guy who always does well on the ice. Lewis is a hard working player.
“Right now, I’m keeping it simple and doing my best. I just want to win. »
Did Sutter want to send a message to Huberdeau? We do not know.
One thing is certain, Huberdeau is not entitled to special treatment even though he finished second in scoring last year.
The forward didn’t get the start he wanted. He had only scored one goal in his first 11 games in his new uniform.
Slower pace
Going into Thursday’s game against Tampa Bay, he had 7 points in his first 12 games. A slower production rate than last season.
“It was less good at the start of the season, specified the number 11 of the Flames. I got injured, but it’s been better since my return to the game.
He knew he would need time to find his feet with the Flames.
“It’s an adjustment that I expected. It’s not the same style of play that I have known in recent years. I know it will unlock at some point.
“You always want your adaptation to go easily. I thought it was going to be easier than now. I try not to worry about it.
“I know I’m a good hockey player and I can help my team. »