While I agree that Hudler's price and return is probably highest now, my hesitation in trading him is that he is a Cup winner, Detroit had a strong winning culture and right now there isn't anyone in the Flames room that really has that sort of background.
Not trying to rip the entire team, but the Flames locker room is missing guys who have been on Cup runs, playoff runs and in a winning culture at the NHL level. Hudler has. Wideman is the other guy with the most playoff and winning experience and he is the other name coming up as willing to be moved. We really can't afford to lose both of those players.
My preference would be to see Wideman moved and Hudler kept at least a couple more years. He is valuable during this rebuild for his points production, his rookie interactions and I'm sure his insight to having a winning culture like Detroit did. Even if we keep him until the end of his contract, he's only going to be 32 and barring any catastrophic injury, should be able to move for a good return.
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