Well that was certainly an interesting in-depth analysis. A lot of those stats are dependent on other things which means I don't know if you can make such conclusive claims as Kent Wilson does in his conclusion.
I'm just going with an old-school analysis and say that the Flames needed more skill in the lineup and Hudler is a skilled guy. They got him at what turns out to be a reasonable price. On July 2 I wasn't sure it was a good price, but after seeing some of the contracts doled out since then, $4M/year ain't bad.
As a whole, the Flames have become less tough, maybe easier to play against, probably less responsible defensively. But they will be faster and transition better. How it all shakes out in the standings will be fun to watch.
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