[Signing] Flames sign Jiri Hudler - 4 Years, $16 Million

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by cannon7

We just spent Jokinen-type money on Hudler and have yet to acquire a legitimate top-line centre. Until then, I have Hudler slotted at centre. I play Hudler at centre before Cervenka or Cammalleri.

Feaster has already said they'll play Cammalleri at Center unless they go out and acquire a legitimate one.

Either way, it's unlikely he slots and center and your opinion on the acquisition seems to be based on putting him there. Just seems strange to jump to that conclusion and judge the signing on it. He's more of a winger than a center.

[cannon7]

Originally Posted by Captain_Obvious

He just reached 25 goals / 50 points. If he does that with us, that is plenty.

If his potential lays somewhere beyond that and he gets there with us it's a home run.

That's interesting, because they also said that he posted 25 goals with the Wings, implying that he would see a drop-off in production with the Flames. Not sur ehow they could possibly know that, thouguh, especially if Hudler actually gets more ice-time with the Flames.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by cannon7

That's interesting, because they also said that he posted 25 goals with the Wings, implying that he would see a drop-off in production with the Flames. Not sur ehow they could possibly know that, thouguh, especially if Hudler actually gets more ice-time with the Flames.

I guess there in lies the problem with judging the signing on something people said on a message board and on a position he's unlikely to play with us.

Again, if some random wings fans say he didn't reach his potential at 25 goals / 50 assists, that's exciting for me. Says he could potentially have a high ceiling for a 4 million dollar 20+ goal scorer we are likely to use as a top six winger.

[cannon7]

Originally Posted by Captain_Obvious

Feaster has already said they'll play Cammalleri at Center unless they go out and acquire a legitimate one.

Either way, it's unlikely he slots and center and your opinion on the acquisition seems to be based on putting him there. Just seems strange to jump to that conclusion and judge the signing on it. He's more of a winger than a center.

I don't think it's biased. We have a lot of smallish forwards. No matter where you slot Hudler.

[GoFlamesGo1989]

Can anyone post a link for audio?

[Bingo Jr.]

Amazing opportunity for the Flames to pick up Hudler and then sign him for 4 years.
Incredible.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by cannon7

I don't think it's biased. We have a lot of smallish forwards. No matter where you slot Hudler.

I didn't say biased. Re-read...

[d_phaneuf]

I like Hudler, he's not a sure thing but he I think he can be like Sammuellson in his first year away from Detroit and put up solid numbers. Reward outweighs the risk and I think it's a good signing

if Cervenka turns out to be good and Sven can have some type of impact I think that forward group is definitely one that can get in to the playoffs

[DazzlinDino]

Originally Posted by FlamesAddiction

If I recall correctly, Hudler was one of those players that some people had projected going in the 1st round but he fell due to question marks about his size. As Detroit does, they took their time developing him and it paid off.

I like this signing for the simple reason that he will bring with him an expectation of winning which can help the culture change this team needs.

I suspect he may share some of ideas about how Detroit raises their level of play and the certain things they do to beat teams. I am particularly happy that we have slowly gotten rid of "lazy, non-impact" players. The idea of adding smart and skilled players may bring this team together with a purpose other than playing for the paycheck. We just haven't had the kinds of players that can (or want to) elevate their games. JBow is a prime example as he seems more about his iron man streak than playing with a tough, physical edge.

[bubbsy]

I'm a bit skeptical of this, as I never saw him a sure fire player in the times i watched the wings (of course this could be of not paying much attention to him and focusing on the stars of the team), but i do think he is an immediate improvement to our top 6.

I'm curious how he fits in, especially when they just signed stempniak. I would think either player has a shot at the 2nd line RW...

One thing i will say about this, nice to inject someone who knows how to win, and comes from a consistent winner.

[CSharp]

Whoa! Is this better than that BJ someone mentioned in another post? Out goes Jokinen and in come Hudler. Wow!!!

[Hockey_Ninja]

[OILFAN #81]

Fair deal IMO. Not an overpayment and not a steal.

Hudler is a good 2nd line forward/#5-6 type forward on the 12 man forward chart.

[Barnission]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

They include Armstrong and Prust for Montreal, but not Whitney and Roy? Was this made prior to the trade?

[Heavy Jack]

Originally Posted by Hockey_Ninja

I know Wideman isn't a free agent aquisition per say, but if you include him in that poll I think it would be hard to say we didn't improve the most out of those choices, aside from maybe other.

lol Shultz has 22 % of the vote, stupid Oilers.

[Barnission]

Originally Posted by Heavy Jack

I know Wideman isn't a free agent aquisition per say, but if you include him in that poll I think it would be hard to say we didn't improve the most out of those choices, aside from maybe other.

lol Shultz has 22 % of the vote, stupid Oilers.

I guess Dennis Wideman would count as half a player since his rights were traded for... which makes him Dennis Slimman.

[Flame On]

Love the signing and can't believe how much consensus there is for it here!
I am a bit concerned with the size and toughness of our team, don't want to turn into Montreal West. Also a bit confused by Feaster who always says he wants the Flames to get back to being that team that "you may get two points out of us, but you're going to pay for it". The size of players and their roles belie that sort of mantra.
However that's more his problem, Jiri in the meantime is a great signing by him and for on the ice.

[GoFlamesGo1989]

Great signing

[Badgers Nose]

I like that Flames are getting guys form winning franchises.

Hudler will be awesome as a Flame - he seems to get points at opportune times, back breaking points.

[JurassicTunga12]

So are there any interviews on FAN960 or anywhere with Hudler or Feaster?