Should Calgary Flames Deal Jiri Hudler?

With his Calgary Flames contract expiring at the end of the season, should the team be looking to deal Jiri Hudler?

The worst thing that could happen for the Calgary Flames is for Jiri Hudler to become an unrestricted free agent and sign elsewhere, with nothing by way of compensation for the team.

On the flip, the best result would be to flip him prior to the season end, maybe as teams look for rentals prior to the play-offs, for someone younger that can offer the same offense, or maybe a draft pick or prospect.

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Obviously, for that to happen the stars need to align. Another team needs to decide that Jiri Hudler is what they need and the Calgary Flames management team needs to make the call on what they receive in return.

The best way to shop Hudler is to keep him in his first-line combination with Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau, because that pairing can elevate both his game and his statistics, as well as lead the way for the Calgary Flames.

In reality, he probably isn’t the sort of player most teams are looking at as first-line potential, especially not any team that might seek him as a rental.

However, he has produced five goals and fourteen assists this year so can offer some point production, even if it pales massively in comparison to last year’s totals of 31 goals and 45 assists.

It’s arguable he should have been shipped when his value was at its absolute highest last year, but he has remained with the Calgary Flames and now it seems his value is probably about a second round draft pick. That’s what the minimum value that the team should be seeking should they decide to deal.

In an ideal world I’d like to see someone like Kyle Okposo come across from the New York Islanders or maybe Tyler Toffoli from Los Angeles Kings if a clever deal could be struck. Heck, Michael Grabner from the Toronto Maple Leafs could yet be a trade worth making if he shows he can maintain his current form.

All in all, trading Hudler wouldn’t necessarily be the worst thing the Calgary Flames could do. Turning over first-line players isn’t ideal, but seeing them leave for nothing isn’t either, and cap space is at a premium these days, so they Jiri could be hard-pressed to sign a new deal.

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What do you think is the best option to deal with Jiri Hudler’s contract status? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.