Story Summary
Calgary Flames veteran Jonathan Huberdeau has experienced a setback in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery, general manager Craig Conroy said. Huberdeau, who was shut down in late January for chronic hip pain and underwent the procedure in March, is making positive progress in the gym but had difficulties with his skating a short time ago. The club intends to be cautious and will not rush him back; they expect him to be ” pretty close” at the beginning of the year but do not have a firm timing.
Key Facts
- Jonathan Huberdeau suffered a setback in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery, according to Flames general manager Craig Conroy.
- Conroy said the setback affected Huberdeau’s skating and occurred ” maybe two weeks ago,” though the club emphasised the need for caution.
- The Flames report Huberdeau’s progress in the gym has been very positive.
- The team is prioritising ensuring he is 100 per cent comfortable with the hip before exposing him to physical contact.
- Huberdeau was shut down in late January to address chronic hip pain and underwent hip resurfacing in March.
- The 32-year-old is entering the fourth year of an eight-year, $84 million contract that runs through the 2030-31 season.
- Huberdeau finished the previous season with 10 goals and 15 assists in 50 games.
- Conroy said the procedure” is still on his schedule” and the Flames do not plan to rush his return, but they are not 100 per cent certain on the exact timing.
IHM Discussion
The Flames have signalled a conservative approach to a high-profile recovery. Hip resurfacing is a significant operation for a skater whose game depends on mobility and power; the club’s repeated emphasis on caution reflects a desire to protect both the player and the team’s long-term investment. Conroy’s comments balance optimism – noting strong gym progress – with pragmatism about on-ice readiness and contact situations.
For the Flames, the immediate question is how Huberdeau’s pace of recovery will align with training camp and the early season. The GM’s phrasing that Huberdeau should be ” pretty close” at the beginning of the year sets an expectation that the club anticipates he could be available early in the campaign, but it stops short of promising a definite return date. That uncertainty is notable given Huberdeau’s contract and role: he remains an important forward for the roster when healthy.
Why It Matters
Training camp is only weeks away, and the status of a veteran forward recovering from major hip surgery affects preparation for contact drills and line combinations. A cautious timeline could limit Huberdeau’s pre-season contact work and delay his return to game action.
Huberdeau is entering the fourth year of a long-term contract, and the club’s reluctance to rush him reflects its focus on his recovery rather than a short-term return.
Mini Q&A
What happened to Jonathan Huberdeau?
He experienced a setback in his recovery from hip resurfacing surgery, affecting his skating, according to Flames general manager Craig Conroy.
When did Huberdeau have the surgery?
Huberdeau underwent hip resurfacing in March after being shut down in late January to address chronic hip pain.
Will the Flames rush him back?
No. Conroy said the team will not rush him and wants him to be 100 per cent comfortable with the hip before returning to contact.
Is there a target for his return?
Conroy said he expects Huberdeau to be ” pretty close” at the beginning of the year, but the exact timing is not certain.
Coach Mark Comment
The key progression is from skating comfortably to being ready for contact. Calgary’s cautious approach gives Huberdeau time to clear each stage without forcing an early return.
What Comes Next
The Flames will continue to monitor Huberdeau’s gym progress and on-ice skating in the weeks ahead. Conroy indicated the club expects Huberdeau to be ” pretty close” at the beginning of the year, but did not provide a specific date; the team’s communications and conditioning reports during training camp will be the next checkpoints for his timeline.
IHM Final View
This is a measured recovery plan. Huberdeau’s skating setback underlines the uncertainty that can accompany a major procedure, and the Flames appear prepared to prioritise his recovery even if his availability at the start of the season remains unclear.