Jonathan Huberdeau wastes no time and takes parting shots at Darryl Sutter after he's fired
The Calgary Flames made a massive move on Monday by firing head coach Darryl Sutter, just two months before his new contract extension was set to kick in.
Sutter's relationship with several players and others in the organization has been questioned in recent months and following the news of his firing, Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau admitted that he didn't see eye-to-eye with his former coach.
"It really didn't click between me and Darryl last year," Huberdeau said. "There were a lot of factors. There was a big difference in points between my last two years. And the style of play he wanted to play, it didn't fit my style."
He added, "Having a new coach is going to help my game and my confidence, too."
Huberdeau also went on to share his thoughts on how Sutter treated rookie forward Jakob Pelletier following his NHL debut. For those who don't remember, Sutter was asked post-game after their 6-3 win over Tampa Bay on January 21st about how he thought Pelletier played, with the ex-Flames coach saying "what number he was again?"
"Why say that to the media and then go see the kid to tell him he played well?" Huberdeau said.
He continued, "We were all disappointed. Especially for a young kid who comes in and doesn't need that as a young player. He just wants to play well for himself and the team. We were saying, 'That's Darryl.'"
Huberdeau had a significant dip in production during the 2022-23 season when compared to his previous campaign, where he had 115 points in 80 games. In 79 games during his first season with Calgary, Huberdeau put up 55 points (15 goals, 40 assists).
The Saint-Jerome (Quebec) native is set to enter the first year of his new eight-year contract next season which will see him earn $10.5 million AAV.
Source: theScore
POLL |
MAI 2 | 947 ANSWERS Jonathan Huberdeau wastes no time and takes parting shots at Darryl Sutter after he's fired Will Huberdeau put up more than 100 points next season? |
Yes | 236 | 24.9 % |
No | 445 | 47 % |
Not 100, but definitely close | 235 | 24.8 % |
See Results | 31 | 3.3 % |
List of polls |
|
1 hour ago | By Tom Banks Brandon Hagel Puts the Final Nail in the Coffin After Latest Shot at the Tkachuk Brothers and Team USA |
|
2 hours ago | By Tom Banks Brady Tkachuk and Insider Both Give Devastating Update On Matthew Tkachuk's Injury Situation |
|
3 hours ago | By Daniel Lucente Brad Marchand Puts the Tkachuk Brothers on Blast Following Championship Win |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery Team Canada Star Defenseman Ruled Out Moments Before Final Showdown with Team USA |
|
17 hours ago | By Graham Montgomery American Reporter Mocks Connor McDavid Hours Ahead of the Biggest Game of his Life |
|
19 hours ago | By Tom Banks NHL Players Reportedly Prioritizing Four Nations: Will Miss Time With Their Teams |
|
22 hours ago | By Tom Banks Charlie McAvoy Sends Team USA and the World a Message After Leaving the Hospital |
|
23 hours ago | By Tom Banks New York Islanders Place Former First Round Pick on Waivers |
Previously on Bladeofsteel