Gerard Gallant: the perfect coach to revive Jonathan Huberdeau

After acquiring the services of Jonathan Huberdeau, the Flames can’t have been too happy with his first season with the team. Indeed, after collecting 115 points last season, he managed just 55 this season.

Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk is one of the NHL’s best players, and he and the Panthers are just one win away from the Stanley Cup Final.

Despite a forgettable 2022-2023 season for Huberdeau, I’m sure he’ll bounce back. The new GM, Craig Conroy, is aware that his team’s success depends on the Quebecer, and he’s going to do everything in his power to surround him with the right people. His first mission: to find a coach who can manage his star player well.

Would hiring Gerard Gallant be the answer? Perhaps. In any case, Pierre LeBrun mentioned the name of the former Rangers coach as a potential candidate for the Calgary coaching position.

INSIDER TRADING: @DarrenDreger, @PierreVLeBrun & @reporterchris discuss…

– Gallant expected to be among Flames’ HC candidates
– Flames & 2024 UFAs
– NHL teams reach out to Roy
– #CBJ coaching search update
– Latest on Pens’ GM search

WATCH: https://t.co/nkYNhkRbBS

– TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) May 23, 2023

If there’s one coach who can give Huby a boost, it’s Gallant. It was under his command that the Quebecer made a name for himself in Saint John, with the Seadogs. From 2009-2012, the Saint-Jérôme native collected 190 points in 165 games, and even won a Memorial Cup with Gallant at the helm. And when he left, Huberdeau concluded his junior stint with “only” 45 points in 30 games.

The two also rubbed shoulders in Florida for several years.

So Gallant in Calgary would make a lot of sense, and if Conroy were to sign him, I’m sure he’d already be in the good graces of the fans and his best player. Would this help the Quebecer regain his swag?

Will Conroy focus his search criteria for the next coach on Jonathan Huberdeau? We’ll have a better idea in the coming weeks, maybe even days.

Speaking of head coaching vacancies, the Blue Jackets don’t want to drag their feet on the issue. According to LeBrun, Jarmo Kekalainen would like to hire his next coach within the next week. While Patrick Roy is attracting a lot of attention (and several teams have contacted him), we don’t necessarily think he’ll go to a small American market.

LeBrun on Insider Trading says Patrick Roy is interested in returning to the NHL, a couple of teams have reached out for preliminary discussions, nothing major but just to see where he is at.

– NHL Watcher (@NHL_Watcher) May 24, 2023

Gallant’s former team, the Rangers, interviewed Spencer Carbery, current assistant coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Carbery is attracting interest from several teams, including the Ducks and Capitals.

Hearing that the #NYR have already interviewed Leafs assistant Spencer Carbery for their coaching vacancy. Carbery in high demand – Ducks have interest, could be the front-runner for the Caps job.

– Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) May 23, 2023

In gusto

– Marc-Édouard Vlasic is tired of seeing the Coyotes in Arizona. [TVA Sports]

– Junior is not in Guy Boucher’s plans.

Guy Boucher on the rumours that are bringing him back to the @QMJHL, notably to the@oceanicrimouski. “Junior is not in my plans. My name is coming up everywhere… nothing from me. I have to live with it.” The message has the merit of being clear. #DeLaBoucheDuCheval pic.twitter.com/tdUWUuiMwA

– jf plante (@jfplante_Droit) May 24, 2023

– We hope so too.