In this edition of the hotstove we share our thoughts on Jonathan Huberdeau's six-year extension with Florida worth $5.9 million per season.
Todd Cordell
I think this is an excellent deal for the Panthers. Jonathan Huberdeau is not a big time possession driver but he has proven to be an excellent point producer. As a 21-year-old he put up 54 points and last season he recorded 59 as a 22-year-old. The best is yet to come and, in today's day and age, it's so hard to score that 60 points a season is worth the $5.9 million he'll pull in every year. Anything more than that is a bonus.
James Tanner This is a fantastic deal. About as good a contract as there is in the NHL, maybe. Huberdeau is an absolutely fantastic player and he's entering his age 24 season, and the this contract expires when he'll be 30.
He scored 59 points last year, which is first line production, and he's still improving. So for less than the cost of Milan Lucic on a post-prime contract, the Panthers get the entire prime of a player on the rise.
Since 59 points is already worthy of $6 million, and this contract has a high probability of expiring before the player begins to decline significantly, this is a great, great contract for the Panthers.
Peter Tessier It's a good deal. Huberdeau is a key pillar in what Florida is trying to build and locking him up for 6 years is nothing short of smart. The curious thing is that Florida did not look to go to 8 years, or Huberdeau for that matter. It may work well for Huberdeau though if he still has some game in him and wants another long-term deal around 5 years.
If your're a cats fan, your should be happy about this deal, what reason is there not to be?
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