Observations:

May 2013 – Jonathan Huberdeau has been named a Calder Trophy candidate joining fellow nominees Brendan Gallagher (Montreal) and Brandon Saad (Chicago). Huberdeau finished the regular season tied for first in rookie scoring with Edmonton’s Nail Yakupov after scoring 14 goals (third among rookies) and 31 points in 48 games for the Florida Panthers. Brendan Ross

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April 2013 – Huberdeau, to the surprise of few, has had a very solid rookie campaign, and arguably could win the Calder trophy. He leads the NHL in points and goals by a rookie (13 goals, 26 points), and is second in shots on goal (101) as well as third in powerplay points (8). The best part for fantasy owners however, is that he’s done this primarily alongside Peter Mueller and Shawn Matthias. Florida has a wealth of up and coming forward prospects, so down the road (and not too far), this kid is going to post some great numbers across the board (yes he hits too).  Nathan Kanter

January 2013 – In Huberdeau’s NHL debut, the former 3rd overall selection in 2011 picked up his first career goal and assist (two) finishing his memorable night with three points.  Brendan Ross

December 2012 – Jonathan Huberdeau was one of 21 forwards (and one of six returness from last year’s team) invited to take part in Canada’s National Junior Selection camp for the 2013 World Junior Championships in Ufa, Russia. The Panthers’ prospect will be one of Canada’s most offensive weapons for the upcoming tournament and is a virtual lock to make the team.  Brendan Ross

November 2012 – On November 28th, 2012, Saint John Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau picked up one goal and two assists and tied the franchise career points record with Michael Kirkpatrick. In the past four games, Huberdeau has picked up four straight multi-point games totalling 10 points in that span. Brendan Ross

November 2012- With the amount of talent that Saint John lost this season, its not surprising Huberdeau’s production has been impacted. He’s still above a point a game with 31 points in 21 games but he’s nowhere near the pace he set last year. After going a combined plus-109 over the last two seasons, Huberdeau has a disappointing minus-6 but that’s more of a statement about the team. – Derek LeBlanc

November 2012 – Huberdeau picked up 2 assists in game 1 of the SUBWAY Super Series for Team QMJHL and then added 2 goals and 1 assist in game 2. Huberdeau was Quebec’s major offensive threat in both games and continues to show well-rounded offensive skills. Brendan Ross

October 2012- The budding superstar is having a great start with Saint John, with eight points in five games. He’s currently tied for eighth in league scoring and will likely contend for the scoring title if the lockout stretches the full season.

August, 2012 – Quoted from Report Cards from Canada-Russia Challenge Article: Game one was forgettable for the 3^rd overall pick as Huberdeau was at fault for trying to do too much and turnovers resulted. He sat out in game two but returned to wear the captaincy in the final two games. Huberdeau elevated his game to the level that’s expected of him tallying three points en route to Canada’s win. His vision and playmaking remains his strongest assets but I especially enjoyed seeing Huberdeau add more grit to his game showing that he could drive to the net as well as anyone. Brendan Ross

May 2012 – Finished his injury riddled season with a huge 72 points in only 37 games. Has slowed a bit in playoff action, producing only 21 points in 15 games. With this production, he is a lock to see NHL ice in at least the first nine games next season, and will in all likelyhood be in the Calder Trophy conversations. Jason Banks

February 2012 – The reigning Memorial Cup MVP is on fire. Huberdeau is tearing up the QMJHL after missing most the season because of injury. The versatile forward is averaging over two points a game and has the fourth best plus/minus in the league after only 27 games. He’s an extremely smart player with silky smooth hands. He excels as the setup man and possesses elite passing and playmaking abilities. His size and strength have improved this year and could be a top six player for the Panthers as soon as next season. Derek LeBlanc

Fantasy Outlook: A+

High upside. Adapting physically will be the only thing that slows this star down. Could be an impact player in the NHL in 1-2 years.

Footage:

Dirty dangle by Huberdeau:

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Fantasy Prospects Report Notes (Any FPR’s released in the last 18 months will not be listed here):

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Jonathan Huberdeau statistics courtesy of Elite Prospects