Quote:
Originally Posted by 868904
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.
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I think Gaudreau has proven that he can make others look good. A good example would be in the first quarter to first half of the season in 2014 when he was on a line with Jooris. Gaudreau also made Dennis Wideman look spectacular last season. So, there's no doubt Gaudreau can produce and can make others look good in the same process.
However, Monahan can be a wildcard at times. I think if the Flames gets a big power forward right wing for the first line, that would be totally awesome. Right now, the first line is too small. The Flames needs a power right wing to plow through the offensive zone corners and also into the opposition net. I totally agree with moving Hudler to second line wing. So, with that being said, I think he's definitely expendable, but for a high price for what he brings to the team in terms of leadership, character, and skills.