Not all bosses would take the initiative to fly several hours back and forth to get to know a new employee over a meal.
Posted at 6:10 p.m.
Calgary Flames general manager Brad Treliving did. He took the direction of Montreal, the 1er August, to meet Jonathan Huberdeau for dinner. Three days later, Thursday night, the Quebec forward signed the most important contract of his career and the most staggering in the history of the Flames. Eight years and $84 million.
“It means a lot. [Brad] didn’t have to do that. We could have had a Zoom, but it’s in person that you get to know someone well, ”said Huberdeau in a videoconference organized by his new team on Friday.
“We had a nice conversation. He returned immediately afterwards. It made me say: he really cares about me and he wants me to be there for several years. »
On several occasions, Huberdeau indicated that he felt that the organization “really wanted him”. “It was the team that compromised for me. And you want to play for the team that wants you on their roster. »
When his agreement begins, at the start of the 2023-2024 season, the native of Saint-Jérôme will be 30 years old. Since joining the Panthers in 2012, he’s only made the playoffs five times, reaching the first round only once.
In Calgary, Huberdeau wants to win.
“I saw it in the eyes [de Brad Treliving] he wants to win now, he said. He wants to build a winning team, get good players. We have a good line-up, our defense is excellent, we have a good goaltender. »
The fruit of the efforts
Emotionally speaking, Jonathan Huberdeau has gone through a “roller coaster of emotions” in recent weeks. On July 22, around 11 p.m., he received a call from Panthers general manager Bill Zito, telling him that he had just been traded to the Flames. The Quebecer was in shock.
“I was a little sad, but at the end of the day, in life, you want to look ahead,” he said on Friday. It was important to turn the page. I played in Florida for several years, but I said to myself: you have to move on. I only had one year left there. »
I wanted a commitment, to turn the page for good and focus on another team.
Jonathan Huberdeau
A first-round pick of the Panthers in 2011, Huberdeau had the most productive season of his career in 2021-2022. He became the left winger with the most assists in a campaign (85). His 115 points in 80 games tied him for second in NHL scoring with — ironically — Johnny Gaudreau.
“When I woke up this morning, I said to myself: it really happened! When you start playing, you never know what kind of career you’re going to have. »
“I’ve worked hard all my life to deserve this. I’m just happy. But this is just the start of something good. My goal is, yes, to sign a contract, but I want to win a Stanley Cup. »
His parents, whom he called when he signed his contract late Thursday evening, have already bought their plane tickets for the team’s first game on October 13.
A “bright” future
For his first contract in Canada, Huberdeau finds himself on a team that won the title of the Pacific division last season. As Treliving lost back-to-back star forwards Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk, he found a way to keep his roster on track. And even better.
PHOTO BERNARD BRAULT, PRESS ARCHIVES
Jacob Markstrom
With Jacob Markström in goal, a defense already solid and further improved with the addition of Weegar in addition to a well-equipped attack, the Flames can aspire to great things next season. And Huberdeau intends to be the leader.
“I know what I am capable of, how I can play. I want to go there, be a leader for several years. I haven’t met the guys yet, but will in September and I’ll take time to get comfortable. I want to be a leader on and off the ice and give back to the community. »
In Calgary, he will play under Darryl Sutter, who won two Stanley Cups as head coach of the Los Angeles Kings.
“Obviously, that’s what you want: a winning coach. He has a lot of experience, I’ll listen to him, he’ll push me and I’m ready for that,” said Huberdeau.