The Calgary Flames announced that Jonathan Huberdeau has been designated as the team’s nominee for the 2026 King Clancy Memorial Trophy. The annual award is given to the player who best exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community. Huberdeau and his family live in Calgary and every season, he buys a private suite at the Saddledome and provides game tickets, food and beverages to underserved Calgary youth. For a lot of youth, it’s their first NHL game and it usually ends with a visit from Huberdeau, who takes selfies, signs autographs and talks hockey. In 2025, Huberdeau created the J&J Powerplay with teammate Justin Kirkland to help reduce food insecurity. The two Flames cover the cost of food for the Youth Centres of Calgary, an organization designed to help youth reach their full potential and help break the cycle of poverty. Huberdeau also hosts a golf tournament every summer, raising almost $1.5 million for the Cite de la Sante Foundation in Quebec. “Helping with food insecurity in our community is something that is very important to me.” said Huberdeau in a media release. “I am so happy to be able to help in any way I can.” Huberdeau is a dressing room team leader who never hesitates to promote a variety of community-driven theme nights. “I truly believe Jonathan Huberdeau is the perfect candidate for the King Clancy Award.” said Flames captain and former King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner Mikael Backlund. “He gives so much to our community, is a great leader on and off the ice and he’s a great teammate.” Some of the organizations that participated in Huby’s Hangout this season included the Youth Centres of Calgary, Canadian Mental Health Association of Calgary, HEROS Hockey, Special Olympics, Kids Cancer Care, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Woods Homes, Centre for Newcomers, Immigrant Services, Kidsport, Make-A-Wish, Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, Spirit North, Umoja Mosaic, Chinese Cultural Centre, Tsuut’ina Nation, Calgary Inclusive Hockey Association, and others. The Flames are the only NHL team to have four players win the King Clancy Memorial Trophy, including Lanny McDonald (1988), Joe Neiuwendyk (1995), Jarome Iginla (2004) and Backlund in 2023.
