Shutting Jonathan Huberdeau down in January due to a nagging hip injury was significant for the 34 year old Winger and the Flames organization. After announcing he would have a hip resurfacing procedure performed in March, it became apparent Huberdeau had been dealing with chronic pain in his hip for years.
The procedure is relatively new in hockey, with varied success to say the least. Recently, more players are returning to play in NHL for longer stints, but the return to play involves persistent rehab.
After GM Craig Conroy said Huberdeau had a setback in his recovery, we wanted to know what Flames fans are expecting from the Veteran coming off his potentially career altering surgery. We asked, you answered.
What are your expectations for Jonathan Huberdeau in 2026/27?
We presented the poll below to our readers.
70+ points
Only 3% of fans who voted in this week’s poll think Huberdeau will have a huge bounce back this season and record 70+ points. It would be amazing to see Huberdeau hit a career high with the Flames this season. However, even if this procedure brings back shades of Huberdeau not seen in Calgary before, it will take some time to feel comfortable back at full speed.
50+ points
20% of fans I would label as reasonably optimistic, expecting Huberdeau to bounce back to his average point production over his tenure in Calgary. Huberdeau has recorded 55, 52, and 62 points during his three full seasons in Calgary from 2023-2025.
50 points may be more attainable for Huberdeau with the Flames overturned roster. Matvei Gridin found chemistry with the veteran winger at times last season and the elevation of Zayne Parekh and acquisition of Simon Nemec on the back end gives Huberdeau a broader range of smart offensively minded players than he’s had in the past.
30+ points
32% of voters in this weeks poll think Huberdeau will record 30+ points next season. The winner of this week’s poll if your expectations leaned towards statistics rather than moral. At this clip, Huberdeau would be back and on the ice producing at a reasonable rate for this season, given the severity of his surgery.
Just playing hockey again
42% of Flames fans just hope Huberdeau can get back to playing hockey again. The severity of his surgery has been emphasized, but the Huberdeau does have some advantages on his titanium hipped peers. At 33, Huberdeau is one of the youngest players to have the surgery with most players being in their late 30’s. Beyond that, Huberdeau opted for the same surgeon as Patrick Kane and most recent NHL returnee, John Klingberg. Klingberg, 33 years old, had the surgery performed on both of his hips in the 2025 offseason and returned to play 50 games for the San Jose Sharks last season. Patrick Kane had his surgery performed in 2023, having played 189 games since and counting as he returns to Chicago this season.
Huberdeau is certainly in a strong position to come back and continue his career, but it will be a difficult road back. Flames fans wish Huberdeau nothing but the best for the upcoming season.
