Quote:
Originally Posted by ricardodw
Gaudreau is as sure a thing as being a top-line NHL player not in the NHL as there is outside of maybe Mackinnon. The problem is that the Flames have to be big enough (grit and size) for him to maximize his potential.
To the list of Flames top 3/6 forwards in 3 years you have Baertschi, Grandlund, Klimchuk and you have to add Hudler who has 3 years left on his contract
A successful team like Chicago has one smaller guy in their top 6 - Patrick Kane. LA has Williams as their softest top-6 guy.
Will the Flames be successful with Baertschi and Gaudreau?? That is a bit of a stretch but seems possible...... Grandlund and Klimchuk are good insurance if something goes wrong with the golden 2.... but if nothing happens they will be Byroned * and/or traded...
* moved to the AHL and not given a real chance to prove they are NHL calibre players.
Horak has been adding weight but is also a bit small but may be gritty enough to play on a 3rd line.
Hodgson is obviously a top talent and will be top-6 player for a long time.... a much surer thing than Kassian.... Canucks could not make a small spot for him with the Sedins and Burrows in their top 6 so they traded him for someone who has much less star potential.
Hudler is just taking up a spot.
Small talented guys that are looking for a NHL job - Mason Raymond, Kyle Wellwood, Brunner
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My point was just about drafting a core. Hudler is not part of the core.
However, Hudler is not simply taking up a spot. Everyone knows your fixation on size, but size isn't everything. Believe it or not, a player like Hudler can make some room on the ice through his skill and vision. Defencemen will have to be a little closer to him. I am not a fan-boy of Hudler, but he is a skilled player that is not 'just taking up a spot'. I don't particularly like the term on his contract, but I like his game.
Flames are not like the Oilers - they have signed a multitude of larger forwards to surround the kids with. Oilers were just able to do that on their bottom line for the most part - usually by signing a goon or two who was usually a detriment on the ice. Flames have McGrattan - and though there will be moments where he gets caught and costs the Flames a goal against - he is one of the better heavyweights not just in terms of fighting ability, but also at being a smart player on the ice who plays with composure, doesn't get goaded into taking bad penalties, and plays a 'safe' enough game for his role
In addition, Flames added some larger bodies to crash and bang, and make the team more difficult to play against, and thus hopefully create a bit more room for the prospects coming in.
Hudler being on the team is not a detriment at this point. I am actually quite happy he is here. This team will need experienced skilled players to help create and sustain pressure, as well as big bodies.