NHL Free Agents: Jiri Hudler – Rumors, Best Fits

NHL Free Agents: Jiri Hudler – Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits

One of the top wingers among the NHL Free Agents class of 2016 is Jiri Hudler. The Czech forward was a Panthers rental pick-up at the trade deadline, but it doesn’t sound as though Florida or his old team Calgary has much interest in re-signing him.

A down year in 2015-16, Hudler also found his name left off September’s World Cup of Hockey for Team Czech Republic.

Jiri Hudler, 32, was originally taken by Detroit 58th overall (2nd round) back in 2002. He was a Czech League standout as a teenager, and joined Russia’s AK Bars Kazan in 2002-03 before making the leap to North America a year later.

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He saw 12 games with the Red Wings in 2003-04, but spent the majority of the season with AHL Grand Rapids. The 2004-05 lockout forced Hudler to spend the entire year with the Griffins. Hudler spent one more year splitting time between the AHL/NHL before becoming a full-time NHLer in 2006-07.

The next three years, Jiri Hudler saw an increase in production reaching a peak of 57 points in 2008-09. Unfortunately, it sparked a contract dispute with Detroit, which saw Jiri spend the 2009-10 season in the KHL.

Upon return, Hudler re-joined Detroit in 2010-11 and 2011-12 before joining the Calgary Flames during the 2012-13 lock-out shortened season. Having spent the better half of the past three seasons in Western Canada, Hudler was flipped to the Florida Panthers at the deadline in 2015-16.

Over his 11-year NHL career, Jiri Hudler has 161 goals, 256 assists (417 points) in 676 regular season games. He also 16 goals, 26 assists (42 points) in 83 postseason contests.

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Jiri Hudler’s Resume:

– Czech Extraliga Champion – 2000
– Team Czech Republic Junior Appearance – U17 – (’00), U18 – (’00, ’02), U20 – (’02, ’03, ’04)
– WJC All-Star Team – 2002
– AHL Second All-Star Team – 2005-06
– Stanley Cup Champion – 2007-08
– KHL All-Star Game Appearance – 2009-10
– Lady Byng Trophy – 2014-15

NHL Free Agents: Jiri Hudler Rumors/Speculation

via Sportsnet,

The Flames did not make a significant pitch to retain Hudler. Will Florida? Less likely after his no-goal, one-assist performance in the post-season. Hudler appears more expendable now that the Panthers sought out forward Jared McCann from Vancouver. The Czech veteran was also left off his nation’s World Cup squad.

No surprise here – as pointed out – the Jared McCann addition would essentially eliminate any possibility of Florida re-signing Hudler.

As for the Flames, they could use a skilled RW, but Hudler was a streaky player who only showed the occasional spurts of chemistry with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan. He eventually saw his role diminish slightly in Calgary due to his inconsistency.

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Potential Contract for Jiri Hudler

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It’s getting more difficult for 32-year-old veterans to earn contracts, especially coming off a down year (just ask Lee Stempniak or Brad Boyes).

The one thing going for Jiri is the fact that he can find the back of the net. In today’s NHL goals are a luxury, there’s bound to be a team willing to bring in Hudler at the right price.

Given his age, we can expect a short-term contract. Salary should drop slightly from his previous $4 million dollar cap hit.

Projected Term: 2-3 years
Projected Salary: $2 to $3.5 million dollars/year

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5 Best Fits

Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils, New York Rangers, St.Louis Blues