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

[Itse]

I don't see a problem with trying Hudler, Cervenka or Cammy at the center.

What I have a problem with is that given their lack of experience, all three are frankly longshots to succeed, and we need at least two to succeed if we intend to not bomb completely.

Even if you include Stajan and Backlund, there's still a realistic chance that all will fail and we will not even have a proper #2 center next season.

[Itse]

Addition: of course trades can happen, in the offseason or later.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by Alberta_Beef

According to some he played center in the KHL, which means he likely played center around the last time Cervenka did and much more recetnly than the last time Cammalleri consistently played center. So whats the difference?

Yes it's an argument not to use him as a center. The same arguement can be used for Cervenka and Cammalleri too, yet ther eis a chance both slot in as centermen for us next year, why is Hudler any different?

It's odd. Any recollection I have of watching Zetterberg and Hudler play, it is that Hudler plays in the middle and Zetterberg does the board work, face off statistics be dam ned.

I don't care where he plays, I just hope he scores goals. He is not a player I like as he lacks any physical game and in my opinion goes down easy.

[May 25, 1989]

Good quote re: a common complaint regarding the Hudler acquisition.


Newly appointed head coach Bob Hartley doesn’t sound overly concerned with their current lack of size, either:

“I believe in team toughness. I don’t believe in stupid hockey. If some teams try to be stupid with us, Jiri Hudler makes our power play much better.’’

“I feel like we’re getting the prime of Jiri Hudler and it’s up to us to maximize it.’’



http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?p...blogger_id=163

[Aeneas]

I believe in "team toughness" too. However I think you need to have a large percentage of your team (say 40-50%) to be somewhat tough to pull off team toughness. Having a good PP is not my definition of team toughness.

My definition is that instead of having 2-3 tough guys, heavyweights, goons; you have 8-12 pretty tough guys, middleweights, guys willing to hit regularly and drop gloves occasionally.

If Sarich does not make the starting six, then you have Giordano on D.
If Aliu is not on the team, then you have Iginla, Jackman, Bouma maybe Comeau and Glencross.

It's July, so who knows how the roster will look in October. But if it looks similar to last year's then team toughness is just not something this group can pull off.

[Five-hole]

How many teams in the league have "team toughness", which ones, and are they any good?

[Husky]

Hudler reminds me of the first time we traded for Cammalleri from LA. Smaller, highly skilled winger...needing additional responsabilities to take the next step in his game.

I want to see Hudler be the main component on the #2 line and command that line and PP responsabilities.

Give me a Glencross - Cervenka - Hudler line and let them fly.

[DeluxeMoustache]

Originally Posted by May 25, 1989

Good quote re: a common complaint regarding the Hudler acquisition.


Newly appointed head coach Bob Hartley doesn’t sound overly concerned with their current lack of size, either:

“I believe in team toughness. I don’t believe in stupid hockey. If some teams try to be stupid with us, Jiri Hudler makes our power play much better.’’

“I feel like we’re getting the prime of Jiri Hudler and it’s up to us to maximize it.’’



http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?p...blogger_id=163

I have to say that I really like Hartley's ideas around recognizing and maximizing the benefits that a player brings, and also that personal rewards and team rewards can coexist.

[Aeneas]

Originally Posted by Five-hole

How many teams in the league have "team toughness", which ones, and are they any good?

The first ones that come to mind are Boston and St Louis, by my definition. Both are good teams.

On quick second thought, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Philadelphia also. They are good teams.

[Psytic]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

The first ones that come to mind are Boston and St Louis, by my definition. Both are good teams.

On quick second thought, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Philadelphia also. They are good teams.

Can't forget the Kings either

[Hells Bells]

Originally Posted by Aeneas

The first ones that come to mind are Boston and St Louis, by my definition. Both are good teams.

On quick second thought, NY Rangers, Pittsburgh, San Jose and Philadelphia also. They are good teams.

I don't really see that much toughness when I look over the rosters of STL, PIT & SJ.

[YYC in LAX]

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

[Gary83]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

What do you think Mueller is going to put up, chief?

His season high is 54 points, and that's going back to 07-08. The guy is the Sami Salo of forwards, never know how much longer another hit is going to put him on the shelf.

Not even a huge fan of the Hudler signing, just dislike reading ignorant posts.

[Kipperking]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

Mueller won't help either. Shell of his former self, he's a hit away from retirement. ( He's still experiencing Concussion issues)

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

Ugh.

Just my opinion here, but if you're not excited about Hudler, why do you watch hockey? He's a youngish, skilled forward who will get an expanded role here. Why anyone would choose to look at that negatively doesn't seem to gel with being a fan. At least have some hope!

Should we not have resigned Backlund? A 23-year old center with offensive upside, our first round pick, and we got him cheap? Yeah. Terrible signing.

Wtf man. You'd rather have a guy with serious concussion issues that NO ONE has taken a chance on yet.

[Rerun]

Originally Posted by Kipperking

Mueller won't help either. Shell of his former self, he's a hit away from retirement. ( He's still experiencing Concussion issues)

I agree. At least Hudler is healthy.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Gary83

What do you think Mueller is going to put up, chief?

His season high is 54 points, and that's going back to 07-08. The guy is the Sami Salo of forwards, never know how much longer another hit is going to put him on the shelf.

Not even a huge fan of the Hudler signing, just dislike reading ignorant posts.

I am hopeful, that hudler, with more ice time will produce more. I think the contract isn't bad when compared to some others....contracts and production are like caselaw...if you look hard enough you can find examples to support any position.

FYI, I agree on Mueller

[flamesaresmokin]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

I see no reason he can't be consistent 20 goal, 50 point guy on the Flames second line....what more are you expecting from the guy (hudler)?

If backlund can hit similar levels the team would be lucky to have two players like that.

[Gary83]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

I am hopeful, that hudler, with more ice time will produce more. I think the contract isn't bad when compared to some others....contracts and production are like caselaw...if you look hard enough you can find examples to support any position.

FYI, I agree on Mueller

I agree on Hudler. I imagine as a low point he'll put up around 40. I expect at least similar production to last year, depending on who he plays with. Last year he played mostly with Zetterberg and Filppula both talented players, obviously he should be leaned on more in Calgary and will get better PP opportunities, i.e not being stuck on the point.

Yeah, I really have no problem with the contract, similar to Wideman, I'm not prepared to call it terrible or a steal until we get some evidence to how they gel with their linemates/team.

[SuperMatt18]

Originally Posted by YYC in LAX

Hudler, Stempniak, Comeau, Backlund. A whole lot of signings I just can't get excited about.

Fully expect Hudler to have a mediocre career in Calgary. 45-50 point seasons.

Gimme Mueller.

50 Points is Mediocre?

Only 90 players scored 50 points last season, 50 points means you are a top line player in this league (30 teams + 3 forwards on top line= 90 Players)

If Hudler can average 50 points a season over his time in Calgary I will be very happy about that signing.

I agree that Mueller would have been a good risk for cheap, but Muller has played 32 games over the last two years, and is 4 years removed from his career high of 54 points. At this point in time due to his concussion history that is a very big risk.