MacKenzie Weegar will be a full-time Alberta resident in a few short weeks, but the pull to see his new city drew him to book a weekend whirl out west.
“It’s a loose little vacation, you could say, coming down to Calgary – seeing the city, seeing the rink, and meeting you guys and the organization,” he told CalgaryFlames.com. “Seeing the identity and the culture here.
“It’s been a great experience. Checking out the history and the rink, seeing the lounge, the gym, the dressing room, seeing where all the boys hang out and getting that experience I’ve always wanted to get before I get here. It’s been a great time.”
Weegar, who is coming off a career year in Florida – lighting the lamp eight times and notching 44 points through 80 skates – is thrilled with how the team is shaping up over the course of the off-season, starting with the eight-year extension the club signed Jonathan Huberdeau to earlier this month.
Weegar has had a front-row seat when it comes to Huberdeau’s evolution as a player, joining the Panthers as the forward was really hitting his stride in the league. Since the 2017-18 season, Huberdeau has seen his points-per-game average go from 0.84 to 1.44 in 2021-22, when he rattled off 115 points through 80 regular-season outings. He has averaged over a point-per-game over the last four seasons and has hit the 30-goal mark twice in that span.
“I’m happy for him, he deserves it all. He’s worked so hard in Florida and I’m glad to see him make a home for himself now that he’s getting a little older and he can settle down in a great city like this. . It makes me really happy to see him (sign an extension) and all the success he’s been having.”
The 28-year-old is also very familiar with the likes of Blake Coleman from the Battle of Florida and newly-signed center Nazem Kadri from his days with the Toronto Maple Leafs.
“What a great group I think we have,” Weegar said. “Obviously, on paper, it looks great.
“We’ve had some great battles (he and Coleman) in the past. I’m happy to be on his team, I’m thankful for that. Same with Kadri, too, we’ve had some great battles in the past . Another great addition to this team.”
Weegar also has skated with Nikita Zadorovwho spends the off-season in Florida, in the past and sees a ton of potential in the Flames group of blueliners.
“It’s a competitive group back there,” he noted. “Everyone wants to play big minutes and that’s what pushes everybody. I think it’s going to be a great group. I think everyone is going to be positive and pushing everybody in the right direction. I think, obviously, Tanev and Big Z (Zadorov ) and those guys are leaders back there … I’m looking forward to just stepping in and joining that group of great, solid defensemen.”
As the summer winds down and his training shifts towards preparing for the physical rigors of the season, his mind is rooted in Calgary and what’s to come.
“I’m anxious to get things going,” he said. “Obviously, a lot of excitement all summer and now it’s time to get our last-minute work in here, really grind down. Then, training camp starts and before you know it, the season opener will happen and you’ve got to be ready to go.
“I’m looking forward to a great opportunity here with Calgary.”
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