Quote:
Originally Posted by MoreDrank
This is taking Hudler's career season last year way too seriously. He's good. Not great. Certainly not elite.
The team's already got one risky "leadership" contract in Gio. Can't afford another one, especially with Wideman and Smid and Raymond and Englland still on the books for the near future. Not exactly movable contracts there.
Indeed, the Flames have serious depth problems on the RW, in both the short and long term. Nothing in the prospect system suggests that will change unless something new shakes down in the draft. So the shallow prospect and roster player depth on the RW will likely need to be addressed via trade or free agency. Okposo is out there and he's 27.
Signing Hudler hobbles the team's contract situation and does not really address the problem of depth here. There's no way the team can fit Hudler in at more than his $4 mil cap hit. Dude's going to want a raise and at least a three year commitment.
Trading an expiring contract is not going to net a top five pick but that's fine. Acquiring assets is still better than walking away for nothing. Take a pick, see what works within the roster in the meantime. Address the need during the off-season. Flames aren't going anywhere in the post-season (which isn't close to being a lock at this point) with the goaltending they have anyway.
Build for the future.
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Lots of good points here and I respect what you are saying. I just don't see how the team can address losing Hudler in the off season. If Okposo hits the market he is going to be looking for a huge pay day, more than Hudler for sure. Also, if the team is in a playoff spot at the deadline or really close and you trade Hudler I worry about the message that sends to that group of guys in that dressing room. It is a tough one. I still think if the best offer at the deadline is a long shot prospect or a low ball offer you keep him and at worst let him walk for nothing at the end of the year.