I don't think the Hudler deal was bad - it just wasn't 'great'. I personally expected more, but it is what it is, and that was what the market was. Since the trades started happening, you see some guys going for much more than what people were guessing, and some going for much less. A 2nd and a 2018 4th isn't terrible, and at least the 2nd is very useful currency entering the draft.
I for one think that Florida got a bargain here. Hudler seemed quite undervalued. I guess scouts are a bit confused on him because of his relatively poor showing during the playoffs last year. I don't know why 4 goals and 4 assists in 11 games has become a 'poor showing', but whatever. We know that Hudler was limping into the playoffs, and he still contributed offensively at a time of the year where offence is more difficult to generate.
This season, he has been 'poor' - which is confusing scouts. Seems like he has been battling a groin injury. Also, it seems like that is finally fixed since the all-star game. Hudler has been on a roll and I bet Florida ends up very happy with him.
Nagging injuries caused Hudler to be viewed as 'confusing' I guess by scouts, but there is no denying it - Hudler was the top scorer last year in the NHL 5on5 - that is not a player that screams defensively deficient. Passes the eye test too. Produces well. Shows leadership. Won a cup. Came from the Detroit program where they preach and instill honest 2-way hockey and relish players that have the IQ to play that game. I think we have enjoyed Hudler for the most part right up until this season (at least I can say that - can't speak for every poster here, but I have thoroughly enjoyed Hudler on the team).
As for re-signing him, I think that it just won't happen. Flames want to get bigger. They want to rebuild. IF what Dreger is saying was true about guys like Colborne available for trade, then it screams to me that the Flames are intent on turning over a larger portion of their roster. They apparently didn't even open negotiations with Hudler. I would assume if they wanted Hudler back, they would have opened negotiations at least, even if it is just to get a sense of what he was looking for REALLY, rather than what the initial demands might have been through the agent.
I will personally miss Hudler - the player on the ice and the antics he did off the ice - and I actually am cheering for Florida now in the Playoffs (though I have my doubts at how far they can go). I was already cheering for Jagr - now I get to cheer for Jagr and Hudler.
|