According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Huberdeau “will not be eligible to play in the NHL this season except on an emergency recall.” The Panthers chose not to sign the Saint John Sea Dogs forward at the end of the team’s training camp, forcing them to send him back to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
“We are pleased to have signed Jonathan,” said Panthers GM Dale Tallon in a statement on the team’s website. “He is a proven winner who leads by example both on and off the ice. He is a great two-way player who shows passion for the game and makes players around him better. Jonathan had an excellent pre-season and we look forward to his progress this season with Saint John.”
“I'm proud to be a member of the Florida Panthers,” tweeted Huberdeau. “Thanks for the support.”
The third overall pick in June’s National Hockey League Entry Draft had an excellent pre-season with the Panthers, scoring a team high three goals in five games. Huberdeau was reassigned to Saint John last Monday mainly because of his size.
“It’s just precaution,” Huberdeau told the Florida Sun-Sentinel a week ago. “I’m not big and don’t want to get hurt this year. It’s a marathon not a sprint, better to be here next year healthy and bigger.”
In his first two games back with the Sea Dogs this past weekend he recorded a goal and added four assists. His first goal came in yesterday’s 6-2 win over the Victoriaville Tigres.
After winning a President’s Cup and Memorial Cup last year, this should be another big season for the 18-year old with Saint John having a strong team again and the possibility of playing for Canada at the world juniors.
Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation
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