[Rumour] Spector: Flames are willing to move Hudler and Wideman

[Bar-Down]

With the rumours of the Flames still negotiating with Cammy it makes sense.

We have to many small forwards and the return on Hudler would be very good.
Keeping Cammy around as a vet for the rebuild is fine by me.

[Vulcan]

It reads to me like a lot of speculation on Spectors part, just more polished than one of us posters.

[Read Only]

Originally Posted by Badgers Nose

This rumour is dumb. Every player should be available, duh. Even Moneyhands.

What does advertising this serve?

Who replaces Hudlers 54 pts on this team ?

If we get a good return back who cares who replaces his 54 points? It got us to 4th last in the league last year so not like we are giving up a Superstar ready to lead us to the Stanley Cup.

I would classify this report under 'Duh' as of course the Flames should be willing to move 30+ secondary pieces.

I would also say that willing to move is a heck of a lot different that dumping them for crap, so not sure what the big complaint would be and are the Flames advertizing this or is Spector just reporting what every team in the league should already have figured out on their own?

[sun]

I like Hudler and would prefer him to stay, but I get the rationale behind moving him.

[Hot_Flatus]

Hudler has the highest value he ever will at this point. Although it would suck to lose him, he could probably play a huge part in rebuilding if moved in the right deal.

[Anduril]

There's a difference between willing and actively shopping. The way this team is, anybody should be available for the right price. Trying to pawn off assets isn't the same.

[StrykerSteve]

People bash on Wideman, but he had an injury-plagued season and he was terrific In stretches early on when healthy. Go re-watch the Vancouver game where Torts lost it, Wideman played 30+ minutes and led all players from both teams in ice time. He was a warrior on that night and I'd have no issue with him staying a Flame.

[dino7c]

Why not trade Hudler? he is not in the long term plans and the team needs some size in the top six

[Mass_nerder]

Hudler seems like a good leader, and a great team guy. Lots of reports of him taking rookies into his house, and showing them the ropes. That's an important element to have.
That being said, if we can cash in on a good season from him and get a good package back, it would make sense to do so.
He's not going to be here when we're back to being competitive, so if he can help build for our future through picks and prospects, it's a good move.

[Locke]

Originally Posted by JiriHrdina

Sell high on Hudler and get bigger. Makes sense.

Pretty much. I like Hudler and would prefer to retain him as hes one of our few skilled players, but at the same time, if the price is right then you have to sell.

Is he going to be a key piece of this team in the future? Probably not, so move the pieces around.

[Pierre "Monster" McGuire]

Originally Posted by StrykerSteve

People bash on Wideman, but he had an injury-plagued season and he was terrific In stretches early on when healthy. Go re-watch the Vancouver game where Torts lost it, Wideman played 30+ minutes and led all players from both teams in ice time. He was a warrior on that night and I'd have no issue with him staying a Flame.

Actually, I'm pretty sure it was 40+ minutes he logged that game because Butler was ejected and SOB was in the box numerous times.

I too wouldn't mind keeping Wideman around to start the year. His trade value is low right now and if he has a great start to the season, the Flames might be able to get something nice for him at the trade deadline. Plus, it's not like we're super deep on the blueline either and he's really not taking a spot from a younger d-man. While Wotherspoon was outstanding and got better each game, it can't hurt to spend another year in the AHL. He's really the only one truly knocking on the door. Other than that, we've got maybe three "injury replacements" in Cundari, Billins and Smith.

Can't hurt to keep Wideman.

[Locke]

I said it in a different thread: Keep Wideman.

He isnt hot garbage, hes a professional, hes a leader and he logs minutes, despite being overpaid.

If someone comes by and makes you an offer you cant refuse then of course, but until then theres a floor to hit and games to play.

[#-3]

You know we went from all wanting to run Bouwmeester out of town or buy him out to being disappointed in 1st round pick and two prospects a year later. Additionally he was extended at pretty much the same amount.

Lets not be too quick to forget that Wideman was an allstar two years ago, and he certainly earned his keep the first year here. Also on the UFA market there is 1 note worthy Right handed d man. I think Wideman has been getting a bad wrap around here and probably holds positive trade value on his own right. There really shouldn't be a big need to retain salary if they are moving him, unless its a clearly lopsided trade in favour of the Flames.

When his current contract expires he will be 34 and will probably get $5m somewhere again.

[getbak]

Originally Posted by Pierre "Monster" McGuire

Actually, I'm pretty sure it was 40+ minutes he logged that game because Butler was ejected and SOB was in the box numerous times.

38:05: http://flames.nhl.com/gamecenter/en/...?id=2013020735

[Dion]

I don't expect that either player will be traded. Flames will want a significat return, especially with Hudler and I doubt teams will be willing to cough up what the Flames will want. Besides we need to take on some more salary to reach the cap floor and losing one or both will make that task much more difficult.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by MisterJoji

I'm very optimistic about our prospects especially Johnny and Sven, but thinking they can easily replace Hudler when they've accomplished almost nothing at an NHL level is crazy. Hudler is a bona fide top 6 NHLer and none of our prospects outside of Monahan have shown that they are bona fide NHLers yet. Pump the brakes a little.

Gaudreau and Baertschi are two of our best prospects in what is the deepest our system has ever been in my 20 or so years of following the Flames. Throw in Granlund and yes, I think it's safe to say that one of these kids will pan out and be able to replace Hudler within 1-2 years. Gaudreau has a higher upside than Hudler IMO if he can reach it. Baertschi has a similar upside and so does Granlund. Notice that I never said they'd replace Hudler immediately.

Pump what brakes? Is it a crime to be optimistic on our best prospects? Guess I'm guilty. Rather be that than a debbie downer pessimist.

[Sylvanfan]

Yeah, lets face it Hudler is essentially a 2 year asset. So if there is a way to sell him now, than it's worth exploring. Don't get me wrong, he was great with the younger players last year, and really did provide what appeared to be some good leadership. But he's not really a cornerstone guy, and chances are that 2 years from now will be looking to move elsewhere.

[gvitaly]

Originally Posted by dino7c

Why not trade Hudler? he is not in the long term plans and the team needs some size in the top six

One reason I don't want to see Hudler gone is his attitude towards our younger players.

Watching over the kids includes having prized Flames rookie Sean Monahan living at his home.

“He eats a lot — that’s for sure,” Hudler quipped. “I liked him since I met him in training camp. He’s a good guy. He’s an honest person and fun to be around, too. He’s funny, and he makes me laugh. I’m glad that he’s on the team.

“I lived in Robert Lang’s basement for a couple of months (when he joined the Detroit Red Wings). His kids were jumping on my bed at 7 in the morning every day and wanted to play. It’s a lot of fun. It’s the same with Mony. I love to have him in the house. I like to have fun — we’re playing pool and talking about hockey all the time.

“When I get sick of him, I’ll find a place for him.”

Hudler recently brought a puppy into the house, too, so Monahan — whose 19th birthday Saturday included a shaving-cream pie to the face at the end of Saturday’s practice — knows his rent may include an extra chore.

“I think I’ll be walking (the dog) here or there,” the teenager said after showering up and getting the shaving cream out of his nostrils post-practice. “I get treated well.

“It was good to get out of the hotel and get some home-cooked meals. It was a couple of weeks in there, and you get tired of it pretty quick.”

Full Article

I know its not a huge deal, but it makes a difference in building the culture in the dressing room... a culture that was lacking before in my opinion. Details like that really help in better development of young players and help build winning teams.

Aside from that you can always rely on Hudler to go get that one extra goal when the game is tied or the team is trailing by one, which relieves the pressure from all the young guys we are planning to have around.


As for Wideman, I was actually really a fan of his game in the beginning of this season... especially the addition of hip checks into his arsenal. I think this poor season was largely the result of injuries, and bad play resulting from being off the ice for large chunks of time. However, we do have too many defenseman in need of powerplay time, and Wideman doesn't get to be too effective on the 2nd powerplay unit. I think if he starts the year on the second pairing with Russell, he will come back to his old self.

So yes, its great everyone is in play, and it makes sense because we finished 4th last. Just please don't trade them for the sake of making a trade(*cough* that's how we got stuck with Jones and SOB *cough*).

[Caged Great]

If you can get max value for Hudler, you'd be stupid not to. You can replace him by throwing his $ at someone else.

Nobody over 25 at this point matters at all for the long term.

[Read Only]

Originally Posted by Monahan23

Detroit could use Wideman, they'd pay a 2nd for him retained

Detroit usually likes smart, two-way players, why would they want to overpay for Wideman who is pretty much the opposite of that?