Hudler named NHL 1st star of the week

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by Itse

And some forget that it's hard to improve if you always keep everyone until they are no longer good.

It's a balancing act, like everything.

Exactly. It's tough for some people to look at things objectively sometimes. If Hudler isn't signed to an extension he could be our most valuable trade asset next year. To not explore that would be foolish. The guy is amazing and I 100% agree with the people that suggest he is the major reason for Gaudreau and Monahans success. He is 31 though so I don't think there is anything wrong with discussing the possibility of a trade. It's a tough call. The fact that he seems to still be on his A-game is the major reason why I don't see him as a player that needs to be dealt, despite the possibility that he could bring us back a very nice package. I don't really see any signs of him slowing down yet so I definitely could see another 3+ years of quality hockey out of him. That and the fact that replacing him would be tough. At the end of the day though the return is really the biggest factor in the decision. Hopefully next year we are able to sign him to an extension that is reasonable for both sides.

[Huntingwhale]

I love Huds

[FlameZilla]

Originally Posted by the_only_turek_fan

I hope this guy gets extended.

I can't believe folks on this site want to trade him.

I would most definitely keep Hudler around. He's a steady offensive contributor, a real character and by all accounts an excellent presence in the room. He's stepped up with Gio out of the lineup and we tore up the Eastern conference on his shoulders.

That type of player doesn't grow on trees.

[Komskies]

I noticed the article calls him a centreman. Has he played even a minute of centre since joining the Flames?

[codynw]

Originally Posted by Komskies

That was such a joke. He probably would have been the 4th best player on that roster.

4th best? I would have put Krejci and Voracek ahead of him. Who else? Maybe Jagr, he did have a great season.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Komskies

I noticed the article calls him a centreman. Has he played even a minute of centre since joining the Flames?

Nope (other than taking draws when Monahan gets tossed of course) - but I bet they went off the Flames' website which lists him that way.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

Nope (other than taking draws when Monahan gets tossed of course) - but I bet they went off the Flames' website which lists him that way.

Did he play centre at all in the 2013 lockout season?

[Komskies]

Originally Posted by codynw

4th best? I would have put Krejci and Voracek ahead of him. Who else? Maybe Jagr, he did have a great season.

I was thinking Krejci, Voracek, and Plekanec.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by CroFlames

Not good enough for the Czech National team though, so you know... take the first star of the week with a grain of salt

I think we as a Flames fanbase should send a letter of thanks to the Czech National Program.


Since he was cut he has been on a destroying.



Thanks Czechs!

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Hackey

Exactly. It's tough for some people to look at things objectively sometimes. If Hudler isn't signed to an extension he could be our most valuable trade asset next year. To not explore that would be foolish. The guy is amazing and I 100% agree with the people that suggest he is the major reason for Gaudreau and Monahans success. He is 31 though so I don't think there is anything wrong with discussing the possibility of a trade. It's a tough call. The fact that he seems to still be on his A-game is the major reason why I don't see him as a player that needs to be dealt, despite the possibility that he could bring us back a very nice package. I don't really see any signs of him slowing down yet so I definitely could see another 3+ years of quality hockey out of him. That and the fact that replacing him would be tough. At the end of the day though the return is really the biggest factor in the decision. Hopefully next year we are able to sign him to an extension that is reasonable for both sides.

I could see him getting more than just 3 years.

I don't remember him getting any serious injury(s), and his game isn't built on pure physical ability of his body, ie: Speed or Strength.

His is more a skilled game. I liken him to Sakic, in that his fame is based on skills and if healthy they won't erode as quickly as a player that depends on their speed, or a big body than bangs to get the puck.

He playes a "body friendly" (if that is a term) game.

[CroFlames]

I would give him 4 years if he asked for it. He's been invaluable.

Obvioulsy I was be facetious about the Czech Nat'l team, but in all honest I'm happy he didn't go. Risking injury, more miles on the body, no thanks. I'd much rather our top guys take 2 weeks to rest up and come back fresh. All Star game? No bueno.

[Itse]

Originally Posted by stemit14

What a great player and leader he has been. Still under appreciated I think both around the league and within Calgary... Only based on how few hudler jerseys I see people wear I guess.

I'm sure a part of it is that he hates interviews (he pretty much never does those post-game things) and otherwise just doesn't really care for attention. Playing gets you appreciation, but interviews, commercials etc. do a lot for creating a fan following for you specifically.

Too bad his game has been so good it's impossible to ignore him

[Flames_Gimp]

my favorite Flames player! awesome!

please sign an extension!

[soreshins]

I'm one of the relative few who wear a Hudler jersey. Guy is just a boss. Glad to see him get some recognition!!!

[Hugh Jahrmes]

Originally Posted by soreshins

I'm one of the relative few who wear a Hudler jersey. Guy is just a boss. Glad to see him get some recognition!!!

Nice

Hudler is definitely the victim of a fan base who were simply tired of the same old no hope for the future; bring in some veteran presence to make a push; new faces but never really any change Flames we were force fed for a few years there.

The RFA system giving buyers a little mental security as far as player longevity goes, combined with hope in the form of some pretty talented shiny new toys, makes it pretty easy for the casual fan to grab jerseys of newly drafted, 100% unproven kids instead of guys like Hudler (see my Baertschi Heat and Monahan new thirds). I was lucky enough to grab one of the old retros at sport check, and assuming all goes well and Jiri is extended I'll definitely be getting his name on the back.

[Gaudfather]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

I love Huds

Huds was hilarious in the scrum today after practice. Someone asked him if he likes playing with Mony and Johnny and he quips " it's the first time I have line mates that I can yell at after every shift". Great sense of humour.

[northcrunk]

Wasn't Hudler detroits #2 or #3 centre before he became a UFA?

[SOMBRI2]

I can open the Hudler LEGO!!

[Tyler]

Jerrrryyyyy Joooooooodddddllleeerrrr