[News] Jiri Hudler wins the Lady Byng and Best Acceptance speech

[saillias]

Originally Posted by J79

So for some people it takes a funny speech to realize trading Hudler is a bad idea?

Also, anyone else wonders what the fourth message was on Jiri's phone?

Probably Sean. "Found a toaster in my room but didn't have bread to toast"

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by JohnnyT

If anyone wants more Huds sound bites this is from the morning show with Boomer, Gio & Johnny, starts at around 20 minutes: http://pmd.fan960.com/radio/fan960/p...624-090116.mp3

lol, "How bad is he?" - Johnny with a face full of pizza at the hospital after Gio went down.

"He's a bad man, why is he eating pizza?" - Jiri talking to Stajan after Johnny Fullpizzamouth comment.

LOVE THIS GUY! So funny, like Kipper - should talk more to media lol

[killer_carlson]

Originally Posted by JohnnyT

If anyone wants more Huds sound bites this is from the morning show with Boomer, Gio & Johnny, starts at around 20 minutes: http://pmd.fan960.com/radio/fan960/p...624-090116.mp3

Hudler is really funny in that clip.

Thanks, I would have missed that

[SofaProfessor]

Hudler's short speech provided more comedic value than any of the professional comedians.

[psyang]

Loved when he said that he tells Monny and Johnny that they have to be the best line on the ice at all times - in practice, in games, regardless of who they are playing against. Can't ask for a better mentor.

[SuperMatt18]

They should turn this into more of a showcase of the players personalities.

Get them all hammered like at the all-star draft, get somebody who likes being on the mic (Subban?) to host the thing, and have players introduce the other players and awards.

[codynw]

Most NHL players have no personality.

[codynw]

Huge 2 points! Get pucks in deep!

[Coach]

I can't get over his shout out to Gio and subsequent "Ooooooo!"

So hilarious.

[HartAttack]

Loved the Jiri speech!!!!

Also loved that he called Gio a pigeon. What a beauty!!!

[polak]

He was without a doubt the funniest part of the show.

[Enoch Root]

Absolutely love Hudler.

When you consider his production (elite last year), his leadership, his attitude, and all the other intangibles, he is without a doubt one of the best value contracts of any UFA-age player out there. No question, no debate.

And he is worth more to the Flames than the return he would likely generate in a trade.

So I understand why people are so adamantly against trading him.

But here are the problems:

1) the Flames have to get bigger - and that includes the first line. They need someone who can protect Gaudreau and Monahan (and still be able to score)

2) He is 31. I would expect that he will have a similar year this year to what he posted last year. However, his production is going to decline. Whether it's next year, or 2 or 3 years from now, Hudler is not going to continue to put up 60+ points every year.

3) He is due for a new contract and he is going to get paid. Look at what we're hearing these days for UFA proposals - and it isn't even July 1st yet. It is pretty easy to imagine that he is looking at something like 4 x $6M (and possibly more like $7). And after signing Giordano, that would be problematic.

4) As awesome as he is as a leader, that room is full of top-shelf leaders. Giordano first and foremost. But Russell too. And Stajan. And even guys like Engelland and Bollig - basically, every veteran in that room seems to be a quality guy.

5) And then there is the inevitable transference in the room from the old guard to the new guys. Monahan and (eventually) Bennett are going to take over the room at some point. I would argue that Hudler has already had the desired effect on Monahan - how much more can he teach him? Monahan has to pick up the ball and run with it at some point. (and remember, Giordano, Russell and Stajan are still there).

The bottom line is that, as awesome as Hudler is - and he is flat out awesome - it is only downhill for him from here. Whether that starts in 1 or 2 or 3 years, it's coming.

And it's coming for Giordano as well. Can the Flames afford both of them long term? IMO, no. So which one do you keep? For me, that's an easy choice - you have to keep the defenseman. Giordano is more likely to maintain a higher level of play for longer, than Hudler can.

Also, Hudler's production is easier to replace than Giordano's.

IMO, even though it would be really difficult to do, trading Hudler is the right thing for the franchise long-term.

[CroFlames]

I kinda pictured Hudler being our Hossa while Monahan & Gaudreau are our Toews and Kane. Bennett = Sharp.

Gio can be our Keith.

Obviously it'll be problematic to sign all those guys with a supporting cast.

[H2SO4(aq)]

so after that speech is gio's new handle "The Pigeon, Oooooooo!"?

[dammage79]

Originally Posted by H2SO4(aq)

so after that speech is gio's new handle "The Pigeon, Oooooooo!"?

Does that have to do with Gio calling Johnny a pigeon at the ASG?

[codynw]

Originally Posted by polak

He was without a doubt the funniest only funny part of the show.

Fixed.

[Since1984]

Originally Posted by dammage79

Does that have to do with Gio calling Johnny a pigeon at the ASG?

^^ This, I do believe he was referencing Johnny with the Pigeon Cooing and shout out.

[Finger Cookin]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

IMO, even though it would be really difficult to do, trading Hudler is the right thing for the franchise long-term.

We should trade Hudler. And Giordano. And anyone over 30. And anyone who asks for more than $4M a year. And anyone who has arbitration rights. The returns would be handsome. The Flames could always be part of the way towards something special.

[Izzle]

Doesnt Jiri remind you of Charles Boyle of Brooklyn 99?

After his acceptance speech last night, maybe it IS Charles Boyle??????

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by Finger Cookin

We should trade Hudler. And Giordano. And anyone over 30. And anyone who asks for more than $4M a year. And anyone who has arbitration rights. The returns would be handsome. The Flames could always be part of the way towards something special.

Way to take exactly what I didn't say - and make a sarcastic comment about it