McKenzie: Huberdeau Decision Coming Today

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the Florida Panthers will make their decision on Jonathan Huberdeau today.

“Florida will make final decision later today on Jonathan Huberdeau and whether to keep him or send him back to Saint John of the QMJHL,” tweetedMcKenzie this morning.

The Panthers have two options with Huberdeau – sign him by tomorrow at 6pm or send him back to the Sea Dogs. He must be signed in order to see action in the National Hockey League this season.

The third overall selection in June’s NHL Entry Draft had a great training camp, recording three goals in pre-season action. Although he may have the skill to play at the NHL level, his current size is working against him.

“As well as he's played, Huberdeau is still a little physically immature,” McKenzie continued. “Sounds like Panthers may be leaning toward sending him back but there will be discussion with Huberdeau, agent, family, coaches, management. Still not signed either so there's that too.”

The Florida Sun-Sentinel newspaper has some quotes from Panthers general manager Dale Tallon speaking on television last week. 

"It's going to be really tough to decide whether we keep them or not,'' Panthers GM Dale Tallon told NHL Live TV Thursday, speaking of Huberdeau and Eric Gudbranson. "That's always a healthy discussion. They both have been very good and it bodes well for our future. 

"[Huberdeau] is 175, 6-foot-1, so one thing I don't want is for this kid to get hurt. I want him to be 100 percent for a long time. He's going to be an integral part of our organization.  

"Long term is what we're interested in, more so than a quick fix.''

So will he stay or will he go? We’ll find out soon.