Quote:
Originally Posted by GranteedEV
Congrats on the technical correctness. 
Hudler had 35 points in 53 games as a Flame. Which is a 54 point pace over 82 games. That was a season after scoring 76 points. At no point was he offered a contract extension. While he was traded, he was still a UFA the next offseason.
Last year injuries plagued him, but unless you're implying management has the gift of clairvoyance, that's not something that could have been predicted.
Finally, if Hudler "crashed and burned" out of the NHL (in an injury plagued season), that's still an upgrade on three more years of a "6'2, 215lbs" anvil.
This management absolutely values useless size over actual effectiveness. I wouldn't put it past them to sign Tanner Glass, but that doesn't mean they "should" sign Tanner Glass. |
There are plenty of examples of mismanagement in any organization, including our own, but Hudler is a peculiar choice. It was pretty clear that Hudler was on the decline during his last year with us. Could have been injury, but he simply has never regained his form since, and if it was indeed an injury, some injuries are still career ending. Although he was a legitimate NHL player while he was with us, his stats benefited a great deal during the last year from playing situation and linemates, and was rarely driving the play. That trade was exceptional, especially in context of it being clear that the team would miss the playoffs, and Hudler's follow-up season. Most are not expecting to see him in the NHL this year, at least not in a meaningful role.