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Old 05-13-2015, 03:09 PM   #79
tvp2003
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Don't know if Hudler can maintain a PPG pace next year, but he is only 31, which means he still probably has at least 3 (possibly 4, if not more) good seasons left in the tank. He doesn't play a reckless style of game and has been extremely durable (excluding the lockout season, all 7 years he's played in the NHL have been 73+ games a season).

I think you can bring him back on a 3-4 year deal; probably starts off on the top line with Monahan and Gaudreau next year but I can see him eventually moving over to play on Bennett's wing (Ferland/Bennett/Hudler would be an interesting combination). That top line is too small with both Hudler and Gaudreau -- ideally Colborne would be able to take Hudler's spot but that might be wishful thinking. Poirier is still a year away IMO.

The wildcard next year will be how Bennett progresses -- might be optimistic to have him finish the year as the #2 centre but I can see him staying on the wing given we have Backlund, Stajan, Jooris, Granlund and Shore who can all play centre.
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