Jonathan Huberdeau is off to a great start to the season

Jonathan Huberdeau's first two seasons with the Calgary Flames have been underwhelming. Since coming over from Florida in the Matthew Tkachuk trade, Huberdeau failed to eclipse 60 points as a Flame after scoring 115 points with Florida in 2021-2022. The fact that he signed an eight-year extension worth 10.5 million per year doesn't help his case either.

However, in the first few games of the new season, Huberdeau has shown signs of his old self. Through Calgary's first three games, Huberdeau has scored three goals, two assists, and five points. Whatever is going on, the Flames desperately need Huberdeau to stay on this hot scoring pace.

There are no expectations in Calgary this season

The Flames have zero expectations to contend for the playoffs this season. They've sold off multiple players that were once cornerstones to the team's success and seem to be in the start of a retool. Despite this notion, Calgary is undefeated to start off this young season.

If Calgary is going to defy all odds and be a surprise playoff team, Huberdeau is going to have to be at the center of it. He's one of the highest paid players on the roster, which means higher expectations and responsibilities.

Everyone should take this hot start from Calgary with a huge grain of salt. Weird stuff happens in the NHL, and it usually takes about 25 to 30 games for the real contenders and pretenders to be revealed.

The lack of expectation with the Flames could be a positive

Last year's Philadelphia Flyers are a great example of this. That team had zero expectations for the season, and were expected to be in the middle of a rebuild. Yet, they finished with 87 points and were close to a playoff berth.

It's a great thing for Flames fans that Huberdeau is off to his hot start. But let's wait another month to see if this was all a facade or if Huberdeau of old is back.