Huberdeau thinks he can score '30, 40 goals' after signing extension

Jonathan Huberdeau is ready to earn his new deal.

The Florida Panthers forward, who signed a six-year, $35.4-million contract that will begin in 2017-18, believes there's plenty of room to grow after recording career highs in goals (20) and points (59) this past season.

"I can score 30, 40 (goals)," he said on a conference call Thursday. "It's all going to depend on how I play, how I shoot. I've got to shoot a little bit more, be a little more gritty in front of the net, probably. You've got to start early, have a better start. We'll see what happens."

That kind of production would certainly provide great value to the Panthers, who have committed $5.9 million annually to the 23-year-old through to the end of the 2022-23 season.

Playing with the likes of Jaromir Jagr and Aleksander Barkov certainly helps the cause.

"I love playing with these guys," Huberdeau said. "Playing with a legend like Jagr, I feel fortunate. He teaches me a lot of things and I can learn from a guy like this. With Barkov, he's such a good player, such a good two-way player and it's fun to play with him. He's got great vision, good hands.

"Every day, I'm lucky to play with these players. We've got to be a good line this year if we play together."

While Jagr won't likely be around long term, Huberdeau and Barkov combine to form one of the NHL's most talented and promising young duos, and the former may indeed reach those lofty goal totals as early as this season.