[wingmaker]

I will certainly be in the minority on this but I think Hudler should be re-signed. If the Flames want to accumulate assets, I think they should trade: Russell, Wideman (if possible), Jones, Colbourne, Backlund, Smid (if possible).

I know people love Backlund and he is still fairly young, but the Flames need point producers. Desperately. Hudler, even with a terrible first half, is once again putting up points. Even if Treliving brings in another point producer first line talent, they still could use Hudler's offence. Backlund does not put up points. With Bennett possibly moving to centre, Granlund, Stajan, Jooris, and one of the farm hands moving into a fourth line centre role, you can replace Backlund's minutes far more easily than you can replace Hudler's offence. There is absolutely nobody currently in the system that can step in, and with every other team looking for offence, it is not going to be easy to win trades or win over free agents to fill Hudler's role.