This exchange will reverberate through the sports world for a long time to come, so it’s no wonder it’s getting so much attention. Yesterday, both sides presented themselves for the first time as part of the talks. Tkachuk in Florida, Huberdeau and Weegar to reporters in Canada. How do the last two named perceive the current situation?
“Obviously, this is a great team,” Huberdeau began. “I’m really looking forward to joining the boys. It’s not a rebuild, they want to win. This team is just good. It’s a bit mixed up here now, but we’re here to take it to the next level. Me and Weegs want the Stanley Cup.”
The aforementioned defenseman Mackenzie Weegar, who together with Huberdeau was probably the biggest part of the exchange, perceives the situation similarly. The 28-year-old back has had the season of his life.
“The team looks very good,” he added to his friend. “I don’t think there should be any reconstruction here either. The two of us are coming, that’s a clear signal that he wants to win. Him, me and Calgary want to succeed now.”
At the same time, both new reinforcements know that the basic part may not come out on top. The playoffs are important. As is known, the Panthers whistled through the last regular part almost without losing a bouquet, but it was a struggle in the elimination fights.
“The playoffs are a completely different competition,” Huberdeau nodded. “Every team has a chance in it. It’s about the details. Watch Tampa play it. We have gained a lot of experience with Weegs this year, which we want to sell.”
The fact that both are out of contract after the season has been mentioned several times as an important factor in the exchange. They can flee without compensation if they want. But according to the initial words, it doesn’t look like that.
“I’m definitely open to it,” Huberdeau said of possibly staying in Calgary. “We haven’t talked about it much, but I’m open to staying here long-term. So far I’ve been their player for about two days, but why not. But I’ll leave it up to the agent and the general manager. You’ve already had it between you.’
Polite words? Quite possibly. However, we can imagine that Calgary fans are happy for any kind word right now. They haven’t exactly had an easy time.
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