[News] Hudler confirms there hasn't been any contract extension talk with the Flames

[MarkGio]

Originally Posted by Flames Draft Watcher

And none of those guys is a top 6 forward or top 4 defenseman. We need size, strength and power on our top lines and top pairings too. Of those Ferland IMO has the potential to develop into a top two line power forward. To be fair you can add Bennett in the list as he plays quite a physical, gritty, powerful game.

Ideally we add players who are both skilled AND big/strong/physical. We need it to counter the size/strength/skill of teams like the Ducks, Kings and Sharks. You need those types of players to fight through playoff checking in order to contend for the cup.

Luckily the top end of this draft has a lot of big, skilled forwards, power forwards and a big defenseman.

A draft pick isn't going to give the Flames "size and skill" for at least two seasons. Look at Bennett, who was near the top of his class (arguably the best in his class). Next season he might be a legit, top 6 player with some meat to him.

I'm not suggesting that Trevy signs Hudler. I'm just surprised there hasn't been ANY discussions, especially since the free agency isn't offering any sizeable top 6 talents. If nothing else, you can tell your trading partners at the deadline what Hudler is looking for come July by having some negotiations with him first.

[ScorchyScorch]

Imagine if Dougie suddenly became a raging madman? It's too bad.

[Samonadreau]

For everyone saying they should at least try and sign Hudler;

I'm sure if they were even close there would be talks.... Hudler probably wants 5-6M+ with term. Flames probably want around 3 years @ 3M. Each side obviously isnt willing to budge and Huds wants to test the market. Gotta trade him to get a return and If he doesnt get what hes looking for im sure he has a home in summer for what the flames are willing to offer.

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by MarkGio

A draft pick isn't going to give the Flames "size and skill" for at least two seasons. Look at Bennett, who was near the top of his class (arguably the best in his class). Next season he might be a legit, top 6 player with some meat to him.

Every player is different. Bennett also missed also an entire season due to injury so he's basically a season behind. Plus he wasn't the thickest kid. Ekblad became the Panthers best defensemen within a year, so yeah sometimes draft picks do instantly change the fortunes.

Depends on the draft lottery as to how quick the impact should be expected.

The top 3 draft picks this year are already playing well and producing in men's hockey at age 17/18. Some of them are around as big as our biggest forward already. Matthews would instantly step in and produce a lot IMO. Laine will instantly step in and produce IMO. Puljujarvi is going to instantly step in. Within a year or two these guys could be NHL stars.

Chychrun with his size, skill, excellent skating and overall play will step right in IMO.

Tkachuk with his size, skill, pro style will probably play right away unless the organization that drafts him wants to be real patient.

Nylander is a little thin, he might be a guy you want to spend a year in the AHL like Honka did.

Basically if we get a top 5 pick I'd expect the player to instantly step in and within a year become a key contributor. It's a strong top end this year and the players have NHL size already and several of them are doing well in pro hockey already.

[kermitology]

I've loved Hudler the past three years but it's time to move on. That being said.. Who fills that top line RW spot?

I can't help but dream of a top 3 pick this year..

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by kermitology

I've loved Hudler the past three years but it's time to move on. That being said.. Who fills that top line RW spot?

I can't help but dream of a top 3 pick this year..

Getting a top line winger:

Draft: Laine, Puljujarvi, Tkachuk, Nylander, Dubois, Gauthier
UFA: Okposo, Eriksson, Ladd, Stamkos, Backes, Boedker, Lucic
Trade: Hard to predict

Be nice to get a little from the draft aisle and a little from the UFA aisle. Can Treliving repeat his UFA magic from last summer and sign another top two line winger?

[AcGold]

Lucic on our top line would be amazing. Perfect counterpoint to Moneyhands and Gaudreau.

[Poe969]

Okposo would be a great replacement for Hudler and I'll bet Hudler signs with the preds in the off season.

If the flames can trade Russell, engeland and smid is injured long term then that opens up a lot of cap space for the flames moving forward. They could be big players this coming summer

[Roof-Daddy]

You know who else is a UFA?

He's a winger, with a right hand shot.
He's not big, but he's also not small.
He's skilled and can put up points.
He's a pesky, agitating player to play against.
He's still young enough to be effective for several years.

David Perron.

[Cali Panthers Fan]

Originally Posted by Roof-Daddy

You know who else is a UFA?

He's a winger, with a right hand shot.
He's not big, but he's also not small.
He's skilled and can put up points.
He's a pesky, agitating player to play against.
He's still young enough to be effective for several years.

David Perron.

Nope. Tinted visor. Instant disqualifier.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by AcGold

Nope, for second or third liner money sure. He's not a first line player anymore, was for one season and we don't need any more overpriced players.

Is he better or worse than Frolik?

Frolik is making 4.3M for the next 4 years. He is almost dead on meeting his expectations of .5 ppg.

Realistically there is no cap room left to sign Hudler, even at the 4M he is currently making.

Hudler and Russell were basically done as Flames when Hamilton, Frolik and Gio were signed to their big $ contracts.

There is an option... the Flames might play tough with Gaudreau and Monahan and have them sign bridge contracts which would be hard to do after Giving Hamilton his 6 year 34.5M deal.

[devo22]

either Okposo or Boedker would be fantastic.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Poe969

Okposo would be a great replacement for Hudler and I'll bet Hudler signs with the preds in the off season.

If the flames can trade Russell, engeland and smid is injured long term then that opens up a lot of cap space for the flames moving forward. They could be big players this coming summer

They will be big players in the market.... I predict they will sign 2 players better than Hamilton this off season and very likely for more money

[sevenarms]

Originally Posted by ricardodw

They will be big players in the market.... I predict they will sign 2 players better than Hamilton this off season and very likely for more money

Yep, Gaudreau and Monahan.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by sevenarms

Yep, Gaudreau and Monahan.

exactly what I meant.

[Poe969]

If they free up enough cap space, I think they'll sign at least one "big fish" UFA plus their own RFA's

[Caged Great]

Dougie Hamilton has 26 points.

That puts him in a tie for 33rd among all defenders in the NHL, 1 point back of being in the top 30.

He is producing at an elite #2 level offensively.

The argument that he's overpaid or a bad player is ridiculous. He is better defensively than Dennis Wideman and is only being paid more than him by 500K. He's only 21 and is also getting better.

[Samonadreau]

Originally Posted by Poe969

If they free up enough cap space, I think they'll sign at least one "big fish" UFA plus their own RFA's

Just please don't overpay. Lucic or Okposo unless the ask is too high, just worried the ask is going to be too steep. In Lucic' case he may not even want too come here even if we have the best offer.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by devo22

either Okposo or Boedker would be fantastic.

Yep we can trade Wideman for Okposo and come up with the extra million of so that Okposo will get as a UFA.

That and $100 oil will make for a great 2016-17 in Calgary.

[ricardodw]

Originally Posted by Caged Great

Dougie Hamilton has 26 points.

That puts him in a tie for 33rd among all defenders in the NHL, 1 point back of being in the top 30.

He is producing at an elite #2 level offensively.

The argument that he's overpaid or a bad player is ridiculous. He is better defensively than Dennis Wideman and is only being paid more than him by 500K. He's only 21 and is also getting better.

Do you thinks that Hamilton is better now and/or in the future than Monahan or Gaudreau?


Poll would be nice.