To compete for the cup, we probably need at least one more top-grade veteran winger MORE compared to what we have now, assuming our kids keep developing well. I'm worried that just replacing Hudler would prove to be borderline impossible, as UFA's generally speaking will still rather sign in California or East Coast. We essentially struck gold with Hudler.
If we trade Hudler for picks and prospects, we'll lose the only high-skilled veteran forward on the team, so who are the next batch of rookies going to learn from? Gaudreau?
I think the playoffs again also showed that in tough spots it's mostly veterans who lead the way and turn tides.
Besides, Hudler is only 31. With his style, he could still easily play a top level game for 3-4 years and a 40-50 point game until he's 40.
Of course it all depends on how you see what we have. If the management in it's analysis secretly agrees with media pundits that last season was mostly a fluke, then yeah, you try to cash out by selling.
Or if you get a serious overpayment.
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