“Got to be a better player,” Flames’ Jonathan Huberdeau breaks silence on being benched by coach Ryan Huska

Calgary Flames winger Jonathan Huberdeau has admitted to struggling this season and expressed his disappointment in getting benched.

“Got to be a better player,” Flames’ Jonathan Huberdeau breaks silence on being benched by coach Ryan Huska

Jonathan Huberdeau (L) and Ryan Huska (R) [Pic Credit: AP]

The new 2023-24 season of the NHL has brought many surprises. From the slump of the San Jose Sharks to the untimely death of Adam Johnson, the league has seen a lot in the first month of the new season. One more surprise from this is the benching and poor performance of Jonathan Huberdeau.

The alternate captain of the Calgary Flames is having a hard time on the ice. As a result of his struggles, his coach, Ryan Huska, has constantly benched him from matches. In their recent game against the Nashville Predators, the winger was benched for the entire third period, raising several questions regarding his move by the coach.

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Jonathan Huberdeau

The 30-year-old signed a massive eight-year contract with the Flames last August. So to see him being benched and used less this season made everyone wonder about the motive behind this tactic by Huska. Huberdeau has expressed his displeasure, as per Calgary Sun, with this move on sitting on the bench but did claim that he has to improve.

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It’s frustrating, it’s humiliating. You don’t want to be sitting on the bench and see the guys working hard on the ice and you’re just sitting there. It wasn’t easy, I’m not going to lie... I think there’s no pointing fingers... I’ve got to be a better player.
Jonathan Huberdeau

How has Jonathan Huberdeau fared this season so far?

Two seasons ago, Jonathan Huberdeau was one of the biggest names in the NHL market. After a 115-point season with 30 goals to his name, he was traded to the Flames in exchange for Matthew Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers. However, his first season with the Canadian-based side did not go as planned and ended with just 55 points. He is once again struggling.

The winger seemed to have been facing some troubles with Darryl Sutter. It was evident that things were not working out with him and the former coach and fans expected a change in his playing when Ryan Huska was announced. Despite this change, the Canadian international is having a hard time on the ice this season.

Jonathan Huberdeau
Jonathan Huberdeau (Pic Credit: TSN)

He has only scored twice and registered just six points this season. His game plan does not seem to work as he thought, leaving his coach Huska no choice but to bench him.

The Flames would be hoping he could find his form back. They have not started the season well, despite back-to-back wins against the Nashville Predators and Seattle Kraken. The side are now 4-7-1 for the season and take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at their next counter. The spotlight will surely be on Huberdeau and coach Huska in that game.

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