Hudler named NHL 1st star of the week

[Split98]

Gigantic part of who we are today. No question that Detroit has been a legend for years at getting the most out of the players they have and Jiri brought that to Calgary. Obviously much kudos to Hartley and all the young guys who bought in, but Jiri really is completely invaluable.

Guy needs to retire here, no question.

[Five-hole]

Originally Posted by IamNotKenKing

Yes. Lots.

I'm not sure I'd say lots. Just the usual "TSN fan era" suspects who want to trade anyone who isn't under 23.

[heep223]

Some people want to trade any player that becomes good in order to "build a contender".

[Nammer403]

Way to go Jiri!!

[Itse]

Originally Posted by heep223

Some people want to trade any player that becomes good in order to "build a contender".

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.

[flamesfever]

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.

They're the "size is everything junkies".

[GioforPM]

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.

It's true, and in a perfect world you trade a player just as they start a downward trend. The Flames did well with parting ways with Bourque and Phaneuf in this regard (though they maybe could have gotten a better return for the latter IMO). I suspect Glencross wll be the same.

I don't sense it's time to trade Hudler yet, even though he may not be around by the time they are cup contenders.

[Kidder]

What's amazing is his production has continued to steadily increase since he arrived here.

He's only 3 goals, and 2 points, from setting new career bests in both categories.

What I didn't remember is he left Detroit to play a season in the KHL in 09/10.

I'm thinking Flames should include a year in the KHL as part of their development process for all players. Look what it's done for Hudler and Gio!

[pylon]

I love this.

At the beginning of the season, critics were saying, all the Flames are is Gio. Now, Hudler, Monahan, Brodie, Gaudreau, Russell, Backlund and and dare I say Bouma, are all getting their props in the media. Pair that with the kudos our balanced goaltending is getting, and this team goes far beyond our megastar d-man.

The future is very bright folks.

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by pylon

I love this.

At the beginning of the season, critics were saying, all the Flames are is Gio. Now, Hudler, Monahan, Brodie, Gaudreau, Russell, Backlund and and dare I say Bouma, are all getting their props in the media. Pair that with the kudos our balanced goaltending is getting, and this team goes far beyond our megastar d-man.

The future is very bright folks.

and no one is talking about the bounce back season Wideman's had.

[codynw]

Originally Posted by shermanator

It wouldn't be a Jiri Hudler thread if this picture didn't get posted.

[jemjey]

Originally Posted by FireItUp

Swish...

Hudler is one of my favorite players. This is one of the many reasons why. Seems like a great dude as well as a great hockey player.

[Barnet Flame]

This is really well deserved for Hudler, but also, combined with the other winners we had this season, it is a real acknowledgement of the actual depth of talent we have here.

It is also nice to see people outside the organisation and the fanbase taking notice of what is going on here.

I'm so proud of this team it is untrue.

[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 understand why though... Everyone wants the jersey of a guy who we know will be here for a long time and until we re-sign hudler - which I hope we do - his jersey won't sell as well as Monohan and Gaudreau jerseys.

Can't say enough about how important he has been to this team... Giordano has been like the dad to these young guys but hudler has been like the crazy uncle to them. Seems like such a great leader and perfect pro for he kids to learn from. Can't wait for Bennett to get the hudler treatment next year.

[slybomb]

Originally Posted by GioforPM

It's true, and in a perfect world you trade a player just as they start a downward trend. The Flames did well with parting ways with Bourque and Phaneuf in this regard (though they maybe could have gotten a better return for the latter IMO). I suspect Glencross wll be the same.

I don't sense it's time to trade Hudler yet, even though he may not be around by the time they are cup contenders.

I hope he is. He is 31 now and the style of game he plays should allow him to be an effective player till he is close to 40. He doesn't rely of fast skating or hard hitting elements to be a good player. He is efficient with the puck and that is a skill that should not deminish when he ages.

[Joborule]

Hudler is my favorite player on the team. What a pickup he's been. Has delivered more than his contract worth.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by slybomb

I hope he is. He is 31 now and the style of game he plays should allow him to be an effective player till he is close to 40. He doesn't rely of fast skating or hard hitting elements to be a good player. He is efficient with the puck and that is a skill that should not deminish when he ages.

Oh, I agree. He could be Selanne light.

[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

[Bunk]

Such an important player on this team. Leadership presence, and amazing performance this year. I was super happy when we signed him and now he's showing he's a top level player.

[Komskies]

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

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