As the dust settles from the Panthers-Flames blockbuster, I’m told Jonathan Huberdeau isn’t particularly happy with how everything played out.
There were some early, informal extension talks, but Huby’s camp was waiting for an offer that never came. The next call was the trade.
@DavidDwork
Sad to see it end like this but if we look at at this in like 4 years could very well be that Zito made the right call for sure. Giving a 30yo Huby the barkov deal would significantly shorten their contention window.
@DavidDwork
So Zito was given the want and knew that wasn’t realistically what would be acceptable for the team. So rather than drag it out for months.. he took action with top priority being the team over the player. It’s a business. Jonathan Huberdeau and Mr. Walsh already knew this
@DavidDwork
This is part of the business unfortunately. Huby knew things weren’t going to progress if he waited this long for a contract. I am pretty sure his agent mentioned him possibly not getting the extension.