Jiri Hudler Contract Extension???

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by 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.

You have already replaced Stajan as 4th line C.... But Backlund is making even more!!

There is a way to keep Hudler.

Either Monahan or Gaudreau or both could take a 2 year bridge deal similar to Elias Lindholm's extension: 5.4 for 2 years.

Huberdeau (rookie of the year 2013) got 6.5 on a 2 year deal after wanting the 6 year deal after his elc.

Trouble is that Gaudreau/Monahan are more likely to be worth the compensation on a RFA offer sheet and force the Flames to match.


The 6x6 worked with Toews and Kane but not so much with Eberle/Hall and RHN and a lot of the guys that signed the 6 year longterm deals as RFAs

[Hackey]

Stajan and Raymond are eating up around 6.3 million. It will be hard to move these contracts though. Jones 4 million is done. Russell is done but I think you'd hope to resign him. Our tending is also an obvious place to save money. 8.3 million tied up in Hiller/Ramo. Wideman will be in the final year of his deal so maybe a trade option. Some options are there but none are great really. Having Ortio break out this year sure would help.

[Wastedyouth]

We should re-sign him. I am unsure about resigning him.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by 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.

Prior to last year no one called Hudler a first line winger, though. Plus, I'm not convinced that a first line needs two first line wingers, if you know what I mean. The history of the league has more pairings of an elite centre and winger (Trottier/Bossy; Gretzky/Kurri; Hall/Oates; Toews/Kane; Hull/Mikita; Getzlaf/Perry; Sedins (gag); , plus a very useful other winger (Gillies, for example).

So as long as you have Monahan and Gaudreau plus a guy who can keep up and pot a few, you are OK. It might be Frolik or it might be someone else. But at Hudler's age you just can't assume he is a necessary peice for the years to come. And don't get me wrong - I love him and he's a key reason Monahan and Gaudreau are where they are now.

[Gaudfather]

I doubt Treliving will do anything here until we get closer to the trade deadline next March. If the Flames are not contending Hudler likely becomes trade bait - if they are contending the Flames might work harder on an extension.

Gotta love what Huds has brought to the team thus far, it would be tough to see him go, but hockey is still a business.

[Riles]

Count me among the "don't" re-sign Hudler group.
I hate watching him float like he did tonight in Winnipeg, scared to get hit, etc. He made Raymond look like a blood and guts player.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Gaudfather

I doubt Treliving will do anything here until we get closer to the trade deadline next March. If the Flames are not contending Hudler likely becomes trade bait - if they are contending the Flames might work harder on an extension.

Gotta love what Huds has brought to the team thus far, it would be tough to see him go, but hockey is still a business.

I think you nailed it. BT proly wants to see what Klimchuck and Porier do this year as well and how close they will be to filling a top 6 spot next year. Would also be nice to have some more size and grit on the top line as good as it is.

Edit: that being said this line is electric when they are buzzing. So much chemistry.

[Iggy Snipe]

I still think Hudler and Calgary will part ways, as Hudler will probably expect a raise and it will be tough to pay a guy more than 4 million per. Honeslty, I think the flames can find someone cheaper to play with Monahan and JG, who has more speed and size.

Early on this season Hudler is looking slow, and he is definitely shying away from going to get the puck.

I guess we will see. I wouldnt pay him though.

[1_Flames_Fan]

He will be too expensive and the Flames will have enough big fish to pay.

[heep223]

So who's going to play top line then, and replace his 76 points and 77 games of playoff experience? Frolik, Jones, Colborne or Jooris?

This would leave a massive hole.

[Crumpy-Gunt]

I never expected Hudler to be here on our top line for the next 5 seasons. We need to develop a top line rw. It may be our most glaring need now that we've addressed defense. Top end rw talent. I think we have Poirier smith and carroll. Would be nice to trade wideman or Hudler for a young rw with size and skill.

I think it would be a blessing in disguise if we are nowhere near the playoffs come trade deadline day and we end up moving some players for assets. We have 2 top line players coming off elc's and I'd love to see what wideman and Hudler could return