Hudler is not taking a 2 or 3 year deal coming off the season he had. He is 31 and will be looking for a contract that takes him to 36 - 37 at least, probably 6+ per year. Skilled guy that was top 10 in scoring. We can afford that in the next few years but can't in year 4,5 & 6. Would you sign him to an 8 year deal that gets his cap hit to the low 5's or high 4's, I wouldn't.
Its a great position for the Flames to be in, we signed a guy like Hudler for nothing now he shows what he can do and recoup assets for free. He is a great teammate and mentor, unless he wants to stay on a 2-3 year deal we can't afford him.
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