After being traded to the Calgary Flames in 2022, former Florida Panthers forward Jonathan Huberdeau has finally opened up about what it was like to watch the team win the Stanley Cup without him.

Jonathan Huberdeau spent most of his NHL career as a forward for the Florida Panthers. However, 11 years after being the third overall draft pick and 10 after his first season with the team, he was part of a trade deal with the Calgary Flames for Matthew Tkachuk.
“On this day in 2022: Florida traded Jonathan Huberdeau, MacKenzie Weegar, Cole Schwindt and a 2025 1st round pick to Calgary for Matthew Tkachuk. #TimeToHunt #Flames #NHL”

Little did Huberdau know what would become of the team in the next couple of seasons. After losing in Game 5 of the Finals against the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, the Florida Panthers finally captured their first Stanley Cup for the 30-year-old franchise after defeating the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7.
“The Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup!”

Now, just weeks after their astounding victory, the former Panther Huberdeayu has finally voiced his feelings on the matter. The Flames forward expressed that it was hard to see the guys he worked with for so long lift the Cup without him, but added that it is part of the process of putting together a winning team.
“It’s hard to see the guys lift the Cup. You say to yourself: I was there for 10 years during more difficult times. But that’s how you build a team.”

With the Florida Panthers behind him just before their greatest successes, Huberdeau’s feelings are completely understandable. Yet, now at 31 years old and with trouble in Calgary, he will have to focus hard on the Flames’ lineup if he ever wants to join the brigade and win his first Stanly Cup.