Detroit Red Wings: What Should They Do with Jiri Hudler?

Coming into this season, Jiri Hudler was not on many people’s most favored Red Wing list.  After filing for arbitration in 2009, he then signed on to play with a team in Russia. 

A battle ensued among the teams and international hockey federations, but in the end Hudler left the team to play in Russia, which didn’t sit well with many fans.

After one season away he returned to the team, however it was a train wreck.  He scored less than half as many goals as he did the year before he left. 

He was often invisible on the ice and became a healthy scratch.  Fans wanted him traded in the off season or thought that he may get beat out by one of the younger players trying to make the team this year.

This season, though, he has really surprised people.  He already has 17 goals and 34 points on the season.  While still capable of hot and cold streaks, he is growing towards being more consistent.  He has even become a fixture on the team’s shoot out squad.

As he approaches free agency this year, the team needs to decide what to do with him.  Part of that decision is to figure out what he is worth.  As part of his arbitration hearing, he won a two- year $5.75 million contract.  Last season he was woefully overpaid, as players who had similar stats as his were being paid one third of what Hudler was getting paid.  

With Hudler’s resurgence this season and his young age (28), he will likely generate interest from other teams.  Due to this season’s play he will also be seeking a raise.  The Red Wings cannot afford to overpay him again and with the young talent they have in the minors, they do not have to.

The true test of Hudler’s resurgence will be in the playoffs.  He is a small player who plays small.  The league has seen short players in the past, but they seem to have a mean streak or something special that makes people forget their size.  In the past, Hudler has been abused come playoff time.  While regular season play is important, a player is measured by how well they play in the playoffs.

The fear with Hudler is that once the playoffs start, and the referee’s whistles tend to disappear, that Hudler will spend more time on his butt than on his skates.  Many remember a few years ago in the playoffs when Chris Pronger rode Hudler like the kiddie quarter pony at Wal-Mart right into the goalie.  Somehow Hudler was called for the penalty as well.  Will the same happen again this year?

Hudler’s best value to the team right now will be as trade bait.   Teams that are looking at losing higher priced free agents in the offseason may be willing to part with them for a chance to try out Hudler for the remainder of the season.  His size and style will make him a good regular season player but perhaps not for the playoffs. 

It is not likely that he will repeat or even match this season.  He seems to be a 12-18 goal scorer and can be a useful part of a team.  With the players that the Wings have waiting in the minors, and with the salary that Hudler will try to get in the offseason, the Wings would be wise to move him now.  His value will never be higher than what it is now, so it is the perfect time for the team to make a move. 

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1056400-detroit-red-wings-what-should-they-do-with-jiri-hudler

Kerry Wood Francisco Cervelli Chad Moeller Jorge Posada Lance Berkman Reegie Corona