[Flames Draft Watcher]

Hudler has always had his size and his skating work against him. Last year he overcame those with extremely intelligent play, good positioning, good smarts, he could win puck battles you'd think he shouldn't. This year it looks like he's lost a step and that has meant he really can't do the same things he did last year.

He isn't getting any younger. He isn't getting any faster. I think we got the peak of his career on this last deal. We can't afford to pay him for the part of his career he's declining, he's just not that critical to us anymore. Love what he brought over this last contract. I was skeptical of the signing but he proved me wrong. That said I think we need part ways and get value for him because I don't think he's in the long term plans. And I don't think our potential lack of a better option is a reason to commit to him long term, we have to realistically assess his career trajectory and unfortunately I think its on the way down.

I think its exactly the same situation as Glencross. A veteran who we got great value out of during the peak of his career but cannot commit to long term as his game is potentially on the decline from here on out. I'd handle him like we handled Cammalleri, set your price and trade him if we get it. The values were so messed up that year with the Kesler non-trade but I think someone will likely meet the value we need this year just like we got last year for Glencross.