Former Rookie of the Year winner Jonathan Huberdeau was inked to a 2 year, $6.5 million bridge deal this morning.
(Ed. Note – This is a developing story and will be updated throughout the day)
The Extension
With the sands of time slipping away before training camp starts, Panthers GM Dale Tallon and restricted free agent Jonathan Huberdeau reached a compromise to avoid any distractions or missed time. Huberdeau led the team with 54 points (15 goals and 39 assists) in 79 games played last year, setting both career highs in assists and points in the process.
As a crucial part of the Florida Panthers top line alongside Jaromir Jagr and Aleksander Barkov, Huberdeau scored 21 of his 54 points in his final 20 games. Huberdeau is expected to buoy the production of Florida’s top line as they push for the playoffs this season.
Just for fun, Florida players ranked by 5v5 goals+first assists, via puckalytics. pic.twitter.com/e7ETKmoI1L
— a. (@whyangiewhy) September 17, 2015
Huberdeau’s two year contract ($2.5m Year 1, $4m Year 2) allows for him to add to his NHL resume in hopes of a larger pay day in his next go-around. Colorado’s Matt Duchene and Montreal’s P.K. Subban are two recent examples of young players who utilized their bridge deals for more lucrative and longer term deals with their teams. The goal is, and always was, remaining with Florida. With this deal, Huberdeau has the potential to earn himself more money and for Tallon, the ‘earn’ part is most important.
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What likely made the negotiations go the distance was finding the appropriate second year salary for the deal. The final year salary establishes the bar for any upcoming offers for his next contract and by keeping it at $4m, Florida can start with that as a benchmark. You can see how this has a great influence on the final cap hit of Huberdeau’s next potential deal. Both Tallon and Jonathan Huberdeau’s agent were patient and determined to get a number that worked for Huberdeau and keeps the Panthers on the right fiscal/salary cap track.
Media Day Updates
With today being Media Day for the Florida Panthers, quotes are starting to come in from the organization with reactions to Huberdeau’s new deal.
Tallon on Huberdeau: "A good bridge contract. Very fair."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) September 17, 2015
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Dale Tallon says Jonathan Huberdeau traveling from Montreal to South Florida, will take #FlaPanthers physical this afternoon.
— George Richards (@GeorgeRichards) September 17, 2015
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From the Panthers PR Release:
“Jonathan is a skilled and dynamic young player who will play an important role on our team for the future,” said Tallon. “We want the best players and the best team. It’s really starting to come together.”
Tallon said contract took longer because first they were going to give 6 years, then 3 then 2 #flapanthers
— Harvey F. (@hfialkov) September 17, 2015
Happy to be back for at least 2 more years. Contract done, time to play hockey. 🌴 #FlaPanthers
— Jonathan Huberdeau (@JonnyHuby11) September 17, 2015
From the man himself.
"He loves playing in Florida, he loves the direction of the team. He has a long history with the coach." – @JonnyHuby11 's agent @walsha
— Steve Goldstein (@goldieonice) September 17, 2015
More from @JonnyHuby11 's agent @walsha "Florida is a young up and coming exciting team…He believes in the direction of the team."
— Steve Goldstein (@goldieonice) September 17, 2015
Whyhockey can be reached for contact on Twitter.
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