Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau is currently pain-free but will not participate in the training camp starting next week. This decision comes as he continues his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery that he underwent in February. At 33 years old, Huberdeau has begun skating independently and is actively training off the ice. However, he requires additional time before he can join full practices and gear up for game action.
Huberdeau’s Recovery and Future Prospects
Huberdeau has reported steady improvement during his recovery process. He emphasizes the importance of returning only when he feels completely prepared. The recovery from hip resurfacing surgery involves reactivating the muscles that were affected during the procedure. Huberdeau has shared that he has been making progress both in the gym and on the ice, which is promising for his future with the Flames.
General manager Craig Conroy has indicated that the expected recovery period for Huberdeau is approximately seven to nine months. He referenced the case of Chicago’s Patrick Kane, who underwent similar surgery on June 1, 2023, and successfully returned to play by December 7 of the same year. The Flames are committed to determining Huberdeau’s return in collaboration with their medical staff and the player himself. The plan includes starting with individual skating sessions and gradually integrating him into team activities.
The organization’s priority remains Huberdeau’s long-term health and ensuring he is at full strength instead of rushing him back for the season’s start. Coach Ryan Huska has expressed optimism regarding Huberdeau’s work on the ice and his dedication in the gym. He recognizes that the final steps to returning to full participation will require both physical and mental readiness.
Teammates, including captain Mikael Backlund, understand the difficulties of rejoining the team midseason. Backlund anticipates that the Flames will provide Huberdeau with the necessary time he needs for a complete recovery. His leadership will be crucial as the team aims to develop a younger core and secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since 2022. As Huberdeau enters his fifth season with the Flames and his 15th in the NHL, all eyes will be on his recovery and eventual return to the ice.