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Originally Posted by New Era
Irrelevant point. The Flames should be thinking long term and whether either fit in the plans down the road. I could see Hudler, but only for a cap friendly deal. I think he is a mentor for the kids on the team and doesn't hurt you up and down the lineup.
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Well, it's hard to have the team fight all the way back into competition and then trade the 1st line RW. It was fine to trade a passenger last season in Glencross because nobody really noticed he wasn't on the team any more. The team would miss Hudler. I think they might trade Russell either way though.
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The way both have played this season, easily. Russell has been horrible. The team has performed much better with him out of the lineup. He should be sold off to the highest bidder. Hudler hasn't been good either, but I really appreciate his leadership and example with the young guys. I could see him being retained, but if he doesn't look to want to sign for a cap friendly amount, send him packing as well. We have guys that can step in and play at the same level as these two, or at an even higher level. Just give them a chance.
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Honestly, I'd rather see the Flames try and acquire a top 4 defenseman through trade or UFA than keep Russell. It would not necessarily hurt for the D-men to get some extra seasoning on the farm next year as well as we wait for Engelland, Smid, and Wideman's contracts to expire. If you get a new top 4 guy, that should be a player that you could rely on being a Flame for at least a few years. That way you could slot some younger talent in the 5/6 spots after that and ease them in.