Quote:
Originally Posted by icarus
I think Huds has great chemistry with Monahan and Gaudreau and that's not something that you can just export or import. It's a bit of a tale of caution to both the Flames and any potential trade partner. Superb line chemistry doesn't just grow on trees. A trade might not benefit either team.
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If Monahan and Gaudreau can't produce without Hudler, then they are not the special players that we think they are.
Hudler, and more importantly, his game won't be there forever so those two will have to produce without him.
You don't just hand out a big contract to a "post apex" player because he has good chemistry with your young core forwards, because that money has to be allocated to those said core forwards.
It might be a great time to unload Hudler and see if Monahan and Gaudreau can produce without him. Because they have to negotiate a new contract after next season so you better find out if they can do it without Hudler.
Even if you don't deal Hudler, you should at least move him off of Monahan and Gaudreau's line and see if these two can do it.
Hudler should be Bennett's linemate and mentor next year if he is still around. Stick Ferland on the LW (to protect these two and to see if he can play with skill guys) and see if Hudler can do for them what he did for Monahan and Gaudreau.