This would help to explain why it’s been such a struggle of a season for Jonathan Huberdeau.
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman broke the news Thursday, and the Calgary Flames have confirmed, that Huberdeau is being shut down for hip resurfacing surgery.
The Flames’ highest-paid player will miss the final eight weeks after the Olympic break. He concludes the campaign with 10 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, his lowest point-per-game clip since he was an NHL sophomore.
According to a team statement, the operation will be performed in March and the 32-year-old left-winger “is expected to make a full recovery in time for the start of the 2026-27 season.”
“After extensive evaluation, this was determined to be the best course of action for Jonathan’s long-term health and performance,” said Flames general manager Craig Conroy. “While it is difficult to lose a player of his calibre, our priority is ensuring he is fully healthy moving forward. Huberdeau has been managing hip-related symptoms throughout the season.
“The decision to proceed with surgery was made in collaboration with Jonathan, his representative, our medical staff, and specialists to support his long-term well being.”
With the decision already made that it would be his final outing of 2025-26, Huberdeau notched the opening goal in Wednesday’s 4-3 home victory over the arch-rival Edmonton Oilers.
One of the post-game storylines was that the veteran had swiped a stick from rookie linemate Matvei Gridin — and then scored on his first shot with that borrowed Bauer.
Huberdeau played along, saying the teenager should get credit for his tally. When asked about the equipment experiment, he later added: “I don’t think the stick is the issue here.”
That comment makes a little more sense now.
Huberdeau is signed for five more seasons at an annual cap-hit of US$10.5 million, and that price-tag brings pressure to produce. The hope is that hip surgery will allow him to maximize his pace and continue to capitalize on his high-end playmaking abilities.
He’s also on track for a career milestone next winter. He’s currently 38 games shy of 1,000 for his NHL career.