Quote:
Originally Posted by codynw
He's older and not as good as Hudler.
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I agree, but his contract situation is much more appealing though. We need the services of Hudler (or similar) likely beyond next season, but not for multiple seasons. Sharp being on contract for 2 years including the next is actually pretty optimal for the Flames needs right now. Hudler expiring at the end of next season, coming of his best career years is very sub optimal because we likely would like to benefit from Hudler for more than next year, but likely won't want to pay the price or term commitment he'll get on his next contract.
I'm not convinced we want Sharp regardless, or in place of Hudler, but I do think the Flames still need a Hudler type for a few more seasons to help round out the roster. Hudler is likely not a good options after next year because he'll likely be priced out of the Flames long term plans in both price and contract term after this year (he'll get to much money for too long for the Flames to pay a 33 year old declining player at that point).
Makes you wonder if the Flames shouldn't be exploring something like swapping Hudler for Sharp if you can get Sharp for cheap due to the Hawks cap woes and if you can maximize Hudler's value right now with him coming off his best career year. Lots of downside to a move like this in the short term too, but long term you have to think the Flames are thinking about these types of things.