Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau is entering the 2024-2025 NHL season with renewed vigor and excitement, not just because of his performance on the ice but also due to significant developments in his personal life. The 31-year-old has recently announced he is going to be a dad, which, along with his improved gameplay, has Flames fans buzzing.
Huberdeau, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers as part of the blockbuster trade sending Matthew Tkachuk to Florida, initially struggled to find his rhythm with the Flames. After signing an impressive $84 million contract, expectations were high. Last season was particularly challenging; his numbers fell short of those during his prolific years with the Panthers. This year, though, has brought change.
Following some tough patches at the start of his Flames tenure, he has reignited his offensive prowess. Huberdeau is currently on track for his first 30-goal season since 2021-22, showing signs of his earlier prime form. “I feel like I’m at my best ever, I would say,” declared Huberdeau, according to Sportsnet. Especially on the defensive side of the puck, where he has taken pride and worked to improve. “I’ve never really been the best at [defense], and I take pride in [improving]. I’m having way more fun.”
At present, Huberdeau has scored 13 goals and 25 points through 34 games this season. If he maintains this pace, he could set new career highs. This resurgence has been partly attributed to his growing chemistry with teammates, particularly Nazem Kadri and Martin Pospisil. Their bond seems to have solidified as they contribute significantly to the Flames’ playoff hopes, currently sitting just two points outside of contention.
But it’s not just Huberdeau’s game on the ice that's generating excitement. His girlfriend, Catherine Deslongchamps, recently took to Instagram to announce they are expecting their first child. “Baby Huberdeau on the way,” she wrote, translating it from French, “The most beautiful adventure awaits us!” This news has delighted not just fans but also his teammates, who shared their congratulations online.
Deslongchamps’ post drew congratulations from several of Huberdeau's teammates, including MacKenzie Weegar and Jakob Pelletier. Amanda Markstrom, wife of former Flames goaltender Jacob Markstrom, expressed her happiness, stating, “Guys! Congratulations, so happy for you.” The couple, who tend to keep their personal lives private, recently shared pictures from their summer vacation together, making the holiday season even more special now.
With the Flames managing to maintain competitiveness this season, Huberdeau's personal happiness might be reflecting positively on his playing style. His ability to navigate challenging times and turn them around has been noteworthy. “There’s been some tough stretches, and I just took [the challenges]... and I think I learned a lot from it,” he shared, reflecting on his growth as both a player and person this past year.
Yet, there remains skepticism among fans and analysts about whether Huberdeau can return to the form he exhibited with the Panthers, where he notched 85 assists and 30 goals one incredible season. The consensus holds he may never reach those heights again. Still, many are hopeful he can develop his game effectively and serve as positive influence on the younger players coming up the ranks.
Huberdeau’s performance so far this season—showing resilience on the ice and establishing reliable offensive connections—paints him not only as the key player for the Flames but also as someone ready to embrace his role as a father. He is being viewed as not just returning to form, but transitioning through significant life changes, balancing expectations on and off the ice.
The combination of personal and professional achievements this season positions Huberdeau as not only a central figure for the Calgary Flames but also as someone to watch as he navigates both the challenges of the NHL and the joys of impending fatherhood.
