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Huberdeau, Weegar Open to Signing Long-Term Deals with Flames

Both Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar have said they are open to signing long-term extensions with the Calgary Flames.

The Calgary Flames got good news on Monday as both recently-acquired players Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar noted they would be open to the idea of signing long-term extensions in Calgary. Both players have one season left on their current deals and will become unrestricted free agents, which means both could have potentially done what Johnny Gaudreau did this offseason, bolt for other destinations, leaving the Calgary Flames in an awkward position.

During Monday’s media avails, Huberdeau and Weegar were asked if they’d be open to sticking with their new team. Huberdeau noted that an extension wasn’t discussed when the Flames acquired him as part of the Matthew Tkachuk trade, but that he’d be happy to discuss an extension and he’s going to leave that to his agent and the GM, who he says have already started to discuss things. He explained, “We didn’t really talk about that, but I’m open to staying in Calgary for a long time. … We haven’t gotten to go to Calgary and see everything, but I’m open for it.”

Weegar immediately shared the same sentiment and said he’s open to a long-term deal as well. He added, “Yep, same here.” He explained: “The city and the team, there’s no reason not to be open about it. I’m looking forward to my agent talking to (general manager Brad Treliving) and seeing what’s going on.”

The two players come into this season with a combined cap hit of $9.15 million. No doubt, news deals will cost the Flames a whole lot more. But, Calgary also moved out what would have been over $20 million in new deals set aside for Gaudreau and Tkachuk. That means they should have plenty of room to lock up both Huberdeau and Weegar if those two players are open to it.

Huberdeau wouldn’t go so far as to say that he was leaning towards signing or what factors would go into convincing him to stick around but he does appreciate that Calgary wanted him and there’s some rumored bitterness towards the way things ended in Florida. He noted, “They’re the ones that traded for me, and that means they want me.” He added, “You want to play for a team that wants you, and that’s all I want.”

Weegar was a bit more specific in what he looks at when considering his future. He said winning was important, as were his teammates and coaches. He said, “I think … they’re the boxes that you check to sign a long-term deal with the team.” The good news for Flames fans is that he added, “I’ve heard lots of great things about all those things I just said.”

The winning part will be an interesting storyline to watch. Some think this version of the Flames might actually be a better team than the one that finished last season. Losing Gaudreau and Tkachuk was a massive blow. Getting Huberdeau and Weegar lessens the sting in a major way.

Next: Dubois Denies Rumors He’s Trying to Get Traded By Jets

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