NHL Trade Rumors: Jonathan Huberdeau Linked to Potential Move to Arizona Coyotes

Igor Burdetskiy June 21, 2023

4 2 minutes read

A deal involving a key player typically benefits both parties. The massive contract of Jonathan Huberdeau, worth $10.5 million through the 2030–31 season, must be released by the Calgary Flames. To keep the discouraged fans interested in going to games, the Coyotes need a star player. The Coyotes have $28 million in cap space and will need to spend at least $6.23 million to reach the basement of the cap. Now things start to become interesting. From now until the NHL Draft in a few of weeks, NHL rumors will be rampant.

On August 4, 2022, Huberdeau agreed to an eight-year, $84 million contract with the Calgary Flames. It becomes effective on July 1st. However, as you can see, the team is now in salary cap hell with only $1.25 million available for spending. Teams are compelled to consider the idea of exchanging their most expensive contracts when they find themselves in such a predicament. Huberdeau, 30, has excelled offensively, particularly while playing for the Florida Panthers. During his time in Florida, he scored 196 goals and provided 416 assists in 671 games. He was later transferred to the Flames, where he only managed 15 goals and 40 assists in 79 games while playing in a constrained manner.

With just 2.74 goals per game, the Coyotes were ranked 27th in the NHL and could sorely use his scoring skills. The Coyotes’ offense could be made much more exciting by bringing in Huberdeau. It would be incredible to have him on a line alongside Clayton Keller and Barrett Hayton, just to project potential linemates. Additionally, there is a chance that Nick Schmaltz will be dealt. Huberdeau and Keller might conjure up some miraculous scoring plays.

The Flames might be open to trading their 16th overall pick, along with the next three players, for the Coyotes’ 12th overall pick in 2023, along with a third-round pick. In addition to their own third-round pick, the Arizona club also possesses three others.

The majority of Coyotes supporters are aware that the team’s defense, which was rated 24th and let up 3.60 goals per game, also needs to get better. The blueline is a tad barren now that Jakob Chychrun has been traded to the Ottawa Senators. Oliver Kylington, a defensive player, would be given to the Yotes in this suggested deal. The 26-year-old Swede combines technique and quickness in a special way. In 73 games, he recorded nine goals and 22 assists. Kylington skipped the entire 2022–2023 season owing to non-drug-related personal issues. He remained in Sweden but let the squad know that he will be back the following year. He is under contract for $2.5 million until the 2023–2024 season.

He can undoubtedly contribute to the rebuild that Bill Armstrong, the general manager of the Coyotes, is building.

Matthew Phillips would be the other player in this putative exchange. He has not been given the chance to demonstrate his abilities at the NHL level at 5′ 7″ and 140 pounds. He had some extremely remarkable stats in the AHL. He recorded 36 goals and 40 assists throughout the course of 66 games. He moves with lightning speed and excellent puck control. Conor Garland’s replacement in a way.

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Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine

I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!