Huberdeau Staying In NHL

The Florida Panthers announced this afternoon that Jonathan Huberdeau will remain in the National Hockey League for the rest of the season.

Congrats @jonnyhuby11! The #FlaPanthers have told him he's staying for the season.
— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) January 28, 2013

The news comes as no surprise as it was either stay with the Panthers or return to junior where he has nothing left to prove. Even though this 48-game season will burn a year off his entry-level contract, this is probably the right move for his development.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs captain got off to a hot start offensively but - like the rest of the team – has slowed down over the past few games. Huberdeau is fourth on the team in scoring with a goal and two assists in five games. He is third on the team in shots with 13.

Florida had a great first game but have lost four straight since then. They are 1-4-0 and sit dead last in the Eastern Conference. They are in Tampa Bay to face the Lightning tomorrow night.

Even though Huberdeau hasn’t played a Quebec Major Junior Hockey League game since early December, he is still Saint John’s leading scorer with 45 points in 30 games.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation