Jonathan Huberdeau Bio
Jonathan Huberdeau is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who is a winger and alternate captain for the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League (NHL). Huberdeau was selected third overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL entry draft and made his NHL debut with the team in 2013. After playing with the Panthers for ten seasons and setting the franchise record for points scored in a single season, Huberdeau was included in a blockbuster trade with the Flames which sent Matthew Tkachuk to Florida.
Early Life and Background
Jonathan Huberdeau was born on June 4, 1993, in Saint-Jérôme, Quebec, Canada, to Alain and Josee Huberdeau. He grew up in a family that encouraged sports, and his first language is French. To better prepare himself for a career in the NHL, he chose to attend an anglophone high school. Huberdeau’s family often traveled to Florida during the winter, allowing him to attend more Florida Panthers games than Montreal Canadiens games during his youth.
Path to Hockey
Huberdeau began his hockey journey playing Midget AAA with the Ste. Eustache Vikings in the Quebec Midget League, where he led the league in scoring during the 2008–09 season. His performance earned him a first-round selection, 18th overall, in the 2009 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Midget draft by the Saint John Sea Dogs. He made an immediate impact, scoring a goal in his first QMJHL game against the Acadie–Bathurst Titan. In his rookie season, he was the leading scorer among 16-year-olds in the QMJHL and was named the QMJHL’s scholastic player of the month in January 2010. Huberdeau’s strong play in the 2010–11 season helped him secure a spot in the NHL entry draft, where he was ultimately selected by the Florida Panthers.
Jonathan Huberdeau Career
Early Career (2013–2015)
Huberdeau made his NHL debut on January 19, 2013, against the Carolina Hurricanes, where he scored his first NHL goal on his very first shot. His impressive performance during the 2012–13 season earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s best rookie. In the 2014–15 season, he recorded a career-high 54 points, showcasing his growing skills and importance to the Panthers.
Breakthrough (2016–2022)
In 2016, Huberdeau signed a six-year contract with the Panthers worth $35.4 million, solidifying his role as a key player on the team. He became the all-time leader in assists for the Florida Panthers in November 2019 and made history in April 2022 by becoming the first Panthers player to reach 100 points in a season. His remarkable season included a record-setting 71 assists, surpassing Joé Juneau’s previous NHL record for most assists in a single season by a left-winger. On July 22, 2022, Huberdeau was traded to the Calgary Flames, where he signed an eight-year contract extension worth $84 million, the largest in Flames’ history.
Notable Works and Milestones
Huberdeau’s career has been marked by significant achievements, including winning the Calder Memorial Trophy and setting franchise records for points and assists. His transition to the Calgary Flames marked a new chapter in his career, where he continues to showcase his talent on the ice.
Jonathan Huberdeau Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Jonathan Huberdeau has received several nominations, including those for the Calder Memorial Trophy, recognizing his outstanding rookie season.
Jonathan Huberdeau Awards Won
Jonathan Huberdeau’s accolades include winning the Calder Memorial Trophy in 2013 for being the NHL’s top rookie.
Jonathan Huberdeau Family
Jonathan Huberdeau was born to Alain and Josee Huberdeau, who have supported his career in hockey from a young age.
Personal Life
Huberdeau is actively involved in charitable work, serving as an ambassador for the Fondation Cité de la Santé, which benefits the hospital where he was born. He hosts an annual golf tournament to raise funds for the foundation and has participated in various charity events to support young athletes transitioning into careers outside of hockey.
