I will fully admit that I wanted the Flames to be trading Hudler last year or this year, and now I've completely had to change my thoughts. It wasn't that I didn't think he was a really good player, not at all, his results this year aren't surprising me. It was that fact that made me think we should trade him and maximise value on return.
What has made me change my tune, is I clearly underestimated where this team might be in the rebuild phase, and specifically how far a long some of our young forwards are (which is likely why we are further along in the rebuild than thought). Hudler has become so much more valuable IMO as a Flame than as an asset because of this.
Specifically, his impact on the young forwards. Don't get me wrong, I think the whole Monahan stayed at his house thing is very overrated for impact on this board, but it's what they can learn from him on the ice, and specifically playing with him IMO that helps develop these young players.
I was fully expecting JG to be in the AHL this year, and if not, figured at most he'd be playing a development role with the Flames. I did not expect him to be an impact player at the NHL level this quick, and him being one has just elevated Hudler's importance to this club. What JG can learn from playing with him, but also how much faster IMO JG's game can develop from getting to leverage Hudler as a tool / asset on the ice must just be amazing for his improvement and confidence.
Given where the Flames are at, where Johnny and some of the other forward prospects are at in their development, really glad the Flames weren't thinking the same thing as me in regards to trading Hudler, I think he's far more valuable on the club than being traded now.
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