Jiri Hudler Contract Extension???

[Jacks]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

The Flames have already replaced him with Frolik.

I can see Wideman or maybe Stajan being moved and Raymond or maybe Smid (if he isn't on LTIR) being bought out.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

I wonder how many times ricardo has brought up Frolik in an unrelated thread?

Feels like it has been at least 2 million times.

[Hackey]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Hudler has earned and deserves a raise.

I think everyone recognizes this. That is the dilemma being discussed. Can we afford to keep him?

[IgiTang]

I think 4x5 is what he will stay for. He isn't going to demand a huge raise I think. With his chemistry, the market, weak Canadian dollar he will be happy to stay for a deal like that.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Hudler has earned and deserves a raise.

Nobody is denying that. The discussion is, will it be from the Flames? After Monahan and Gaudreau get their raises, I feel like it'll be hard to fit him in the current cap situation. As much as I would love to see him back, I don't think it'll work unless he signs for a very team friendly deal.

[Cleveland Steam Whistle]

Yup the problem is he's earned a raise and will likely want (and get) term. Not sure the Flames can stomach just one of those, but I can't see how they stomach both.

[blender]

As it stands right now, take him out of the lineup and the Flames are in serious trouble offensively.

I think the team has to look at what he brings and find a way to sign him unless someone steps into his role otherwise it's a step back.

[Calgary4LIfe]

Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix

I wonder how many times ricardo has brought up Frolik in an unrelated thread?

Feels like it has been at least 2 million times.

I've been keeping track. It is still only 11.32% of how many times he has brought up Stempniak.

I would love to keep Hudler on the team, but there is risk. Hudler definitely deserves a huge raise, and will likely get that plus term. I am not sure the Flames will offer both. I do think he is a huge presence on the team. Hope they find a way to get it down without tying their hands too much with term.

There are a lot of pieces that can be moved, but will be difficult. The defensive prospects are starting to nip at Engelland's ankles - notably Kulak, but more are coming along. Smid is at this stage below Engelland as well. Jones and one of Hiller or Ramo will probably be gone after this season as their contracts are expiring. Stajan is safe for now until Arnold or Shore (or possibly even Jankowski) start to make their push. Raymond is definitely an expendable asset.

With that being said, not everyone is easily traded or replaced internally yet. Will still more than likely be very tight up against the cap depending on Gaudreau and Monahan's next contract. Something tells me Treliving will be focusing on those first when December is approaching. Really hope Hudler gets retained.

[Fire of the Phoenix]

Right, Stempniak. It stands to reason we'll be hearing about Frolik for at least the next 10 years. He has some catching up to do but he has time on his side.

[T@T]

He's been awesome for the kids but reality is he's 32 soon and likely will only be effective for 2-3 years, no doubt he deserves a raise but I'm sure he paid attention to a lot of older players being cast aside this summer for cheaper youngsters. Surely he knows he's not Jagr or Selanne

He might take something like:

5.5
3.5
3.0

He gets a raise the first year and gets some old age security the last two.

[Caged Great]

I like Frolik, but he's not Hudler. He is a quality 2nd/3rd line guy, not a 1st line guy.

The Flames need a legit 1st line winger. Hudler is filling that spot now, and if a contract can be worked out that makes sense (6 million or less over 4 years or less) then you go with him. If not, use some prospect capital and target one in trade. A guy like Kyle Okposo might make some sense, but there are quite a few guys out there that would be good options.

[kyuss275]

Personally don't think the flames can affod him. My only hope is that Hudler seems to walk to the beat of his own drum. Maybe he would consider a discount?

What do posters think if he hits UFA he would get on the market? I truly don't know anymore. 2 years ago i would have said 4 year - $24 million, maybe more. After last summer i'm not sure what the market is?

If Flames could get him at 3 year -$16.5 million they should do it. The problem is they probably have to work out Mono and Johnny's contracts first. Can they get all 3 done before trade deadline? That's a tall order for the GM.

[Itse]

If we lose him we only have one real 1st line winger in Gaudreau.
Doesn't mean that losing him would be terrible, but it would certainly suck.

Signing him is doable, but requires shaving off dollars from other places. Like goaltending. (Just to point out something somewhat less talked about.)

[Strange Brew]

In the big picture this is why you need a steady flow of NHL ready prospects. Replace bottom pairing D (Smid) and 4th line forwards (Stajan) with guys making $1 million and you've freed up the money for a 1st line winger like Hudler.

[heep223]

It's doable as long as he's not demanding a huge amount (which is probably what he deserves). He seems to like it here and the Flames are probably one of the best bets to become a legit, rising contender in the next 2-3 years. Like others are saying you can shave in other places to retain him.

[BurningSteel]

Best call Detroit and see what they offer.

[D as in David]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I've been keeping track. It is still only 11.32% of how many times he has brought up Stempniak.

This advanced stat deserves its own name, like an Index or something. If only there was someone to make that name up.

[King Theo]

I like the idea of keeping Hudler, but only after Johnny and Sean have been signed.

[blender]

Originally Posted by kyuss275

Personally don't think the flames can affod him. My only hope is that Hudler seems to walk to the beat of his own drum. Maybe he would consider a discount?

What do posters think if he hits UFA he would get on the market? I truly don't know anymore. 2 years ago i would have said 4 year - $24 million, maybe more. After last summer i'm not sure what the market is?

If Flames could get him at 3 year -$16.5 million they should do it. The problem is they probably have to work out Mono and Johnny's contracts first. Can they get all 3 done before trade deadline? That's a tall order for the GM.

If he has another season in the 65-75 point range this year he will be worth 30 million, IMO. Not saying that is the number for the Flames, but he'd be worth it.

[CroFlames]

Came into this thread thinking there was a news update/release saying they have begun talks. Disappointed.

However, I don't necessarily think Hudler deserves a raise. He'll be 32 when his next deal kicks in and if he basically signs the identical contract he has now, it would be fair for both sides in my opinion.

A 4x4million would ensure the player gets paid and the Flames don't handcuff themselves down the line.