Calgary Flames forward could come back within the week

Jonathan Huberdeau has not played a game since the final preseason tilt due to a head on mask injury.
Oct 1, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (10) against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Oct 1, 2025; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames left wing Jonathan Huberdeau (10) against the Vancouver Canucks during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images | Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

The Flames have been without Jonathan Huberdeau since he suffered a suspected concussion sustained on a net drive against the Vancouver Canucks on October 1. Flames head coach Ryan Huska said on Monday that Huberdeau is skating and is likely to travel with the team when they head into Utah on Thursday.

The Flames have had issues scoring once again so far this season and having the playmaking, power forward, winger back in the lineup could generate a more even and balanced lineup. Matvei Gridin has so far made the most of his opportunity on the top line along side Nazim Kadri and Matt Coronato, the place where Huberdeau is expected to return to when healthy.

What will happen when Jonathan Huberdeau returns?

The dilemma of Huberdeau's return is something every head coach wants to have, a lot of good players and not enough spots for them. When Huberdeau returns the Flames will have to send someone down, and highly unlikely to be 19-year-old rookie Matvei Gridin. That leaves Sam Honzek as the only other waiver exempt forward on the current 23-man roster.

Another factor in the roster construction is the potential return on Martin Pospisil, however he hasn't skated at a practice since the injury he sustained. Pospisil has a history of concussions that has almost cost him his career in the past.

When he returns, it's likely he returns to the top line along side Kadri and Coronato, leaving questions along the other forward lines. Mainly where does Matvei Gridin go? Some lines to consider are below.

LW

C

RW

Huberdeau

Kadri

Coronato

Farabee

Frost

Gridin

Zary

Backlund

Coleman

Lomberg

Sharangovich

Klapka

This provides a much more balanced offensive lineup with still having the defensive capable lines in place. It also producing two dangerous lines to defend rather than the one they currently have, with Frost and Gridin's speed complementing each other very well.

While the Flames have bodies in the lineup the missing piece has been Huberdeau's self described "power forward" style he showed last season. His most productive as a Flames and the team needs him back soon. Real soon.

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