Flames' Jonathan Huberdeau Expects Full Recovery After Hip Surgery

The veteran forward is optimistic about returning to full strength for the 2026-27 season.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a hockey player in motion, with sharp planes of red, blue, and yellow hues creating a dynamic, abstract representation of the player's movements.A cubist interpretation of Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau's recovery from hip surgery, capturing the player's determination and the team's hopes for his return to full strength.Sunrise Today

Calgary Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau is recovering well from offseason hip surgery and expects to be fully healthy for the start of the 2026-27 NHL season. Huberdeau, 32, missed the final 26 games of the 2025-26 campaign due to the injury, and his production has declined since being traded from the Florida Panthers in 2022. However, the Flames are hopeful Huberdeau will regain his elite form and help the team end its playoff drought next season.

Why it matters

Huberdeau is a key part of the Flames' long-term plans, and his return to full health is crucial for the team's hopes of ending its playoff drought. As the Flames continue their rebuild, getting Huberdeau back to his best will be a significant boost to their offense and their chances of returning to the postseason.

The details

Huberdeau underwent hip surgery in March and has been rehabbing for the past six weeks. He told reporters that the early timing of the surgery will allow him to be fully healthy by the start of training camp this fall. The veteran forward struggled with injuries and a decline in production after being traded from the Florida Panthers in 2022, managing just 10 goals and 25 points in 50 games this past season.

  • Huberdeau underwent hip surgery in March 2026.
  • Huberdeau expects to be fully healthy by the start of the 2026-27 NHL training camp.

The players

Jonathan Huberdeau

A 32-year-old forward for the Calgary Flames who is recovering from offseason hip surgery.

Matthew Tkachuk

A former Flames forward who was traded to the Florida Panthers in 2022 and has helped the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Ryan Huska

The head coach of the Calgary Flames.

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What they’re saying

“That was probably one of the main reasons I kind of wanted to do it earlier, so I could be fully back next year. I feel pretty good. It's been six weeks, so I think I'm just looking forward to getting back on the ice. It's been going pretty well right now, so hopefully it keeps keep going like that and I can be back on the ice in late June.”

— Jonathan Huberdeau, Flames Forward

“I'm just so thrilled that he's finally feeling good. It's been a long time for this guy that he's been battling through this. My hope is that he's going to continue his rehab and he's going to feel great over the course of the summer and he's going to come back and he's going to be awesome and that's what I'm really pulling for him.”

— Ryan Huska, Flames Head Coach

What’s next

Huberdeau is expected to continue his rehabilitation over the summer and be fully healthy for the start of the Flames' 2026-27 training camp.

The takeaway

Huberdeau's recovery from hip surgery is a crucial development for the Flames as they look to end their playoff drought. If he can regain his elite form, he could be the key piece to help propel the team back to the postseason after a tough few seasons.