Jonathan Huberdeau is getting a new number (and other introductory press conference takeaways)

After the big trade on Friday night that saw them become the newest members of the Calgary Flames, Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar were (virtually) introduced to the media on Monday morning.

In addition to Jonathan Huberdeau indicating that he’ll be looking for a new jersey number – so Mikael Backlund can keep #11 – there were a few interesting takeaways from their chat.

Both Huberdeau and Weegar noted that the trade was a surprise to them – and acknowledged their emotional ties to the Florida Panthers organization due to their history there – but both said they’re excited to join the Flames. While neither committed to signing a new contract on the spot, both indicated they would be open to staying with the Flames long-term.

Neither play has a ton of ties to the existing Flames team, though Huberdeau briefly played with Jacob Markstrom when the netminder began his career with the Panthers. Huberdeau shared that he went to the Stampede in 2019 and as a recent convert to country music, he thinks it’s a good spot for him.

Huberdeau had a great one-liner when asked about potentially playing with Elias Lindholm, a recent 40-goal scorer: “Hopefully he can score 50 with me.”

Weegar noted that he’s comfortable playing either the left or right side of the defensive set-up; he’s a right shot, but played often on the left side in Florida due to the number of right shots on the Panthers blueline.

Both players expressed excitement about playing in Canada, about playing for Darryl Sutter, and at how the team looks heading into the upcoming season.

“I don’t think it’s a rebuild either,” said Weegar. “I think when you bring in Jonny and I, you know we’re here to win. And I think Brad knows that. He wants to win now and the team wants to win now. I think we’ve got a really got chance at winning the Stanley Cup, and Jonny and I are ready to start winning with this team.”

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