Quote:
Originally Posted by Red Vinyl
Maybe I'm on my own thinking this, but I get really nervous when I hear about trades like this. To me, Hudler was one of those key guys that helped start the rebuild last year. He was one of those veterans that embraced the new philosophy and winning attitude, and passed it onto the young kids. He seems like a great mentor for all the young talent we had coming up (Monahan), and all the talent coming this year.
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Agreed - There are pros and cons to selling high on Hudler now and there are pros and cons to keeping him a little longer, perhaps until the trade deadline.
It's easy to say what he brings to the team can be easily replaced by a free agent signing or a younger player but I question if the player Hudler would replaced with (Or maybe it will be Cammalleri) will embrace the new philosophy with the same passion and enthusiasm Hudler has brought. The familiarity he has with the culture and direction could be extremely valuable for helping young players (ie. Gaudreau) feel comfortable quickly at the start of this season. If someone like Gaudreau makes the team, I want him to have as much support as he can have because it is extremely important long-term that he enjoys it here and wants to stay here - and you achieve that by filling the room with passionate players who want to win and mentor, not free agent mercenaries who are only signing here because they are getting paid.
With that being said, that's just it - I think what Hudler brings to our team is extremely valuable for just this coming year, I don't see room for him in the lineup by time the Flames contend again.
This should come as no surprise that the Flames are willing to move Hudler and Wideman - they should be willing to move almost everyone (Except for Monahan and Giordano) if the price is right.
I don't think the Flames are actively shopping Hudler and looking to unload him - but if Hudler draws a premium return that improves the team's future then they should trade him.