Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 8, 2009 July 8, Sporti Noviny (very very roughly translated): Prague - Czech hockey forward Jiri Hudler will not continue his engagement in Detroit. From the NHL he decided to go to the Continental League, and he will strengthen the Dynamo Moscow. The player today with the Russian team has signed a contract for the next two seasons. "I know a lot of people will get their head in a twist about this. But it is because they do not know all the circumstances. Who knows my situation, to understand. I have also personally thought about it but also the question 'why?'--I've considered it for a long time,"said Hudler in the press conference today in Prague. The main reason apparently was that Dynamo offered a longer contract than Detroit, as he terms [has problems with the] NHL salary cap and most do not. "Detroit is not in place. And I have nowhere else in America that I want to go to. That's why I don't want to ask for a trade. But Dynamo came with an attractive offer. I started thinking about it and finally decided to go to Russia. It was difficult decision, but on the other hand, it is not about life drama. It's all about hockey," said Hudler, who hopes to follow in the footsteps of Jaromir Jagr, which last year after stellar career in the NHL went to Omsk. The financial amount of the contract did not want to specify as well as representatives of Dynamo. He only admitted that it is the most lucrative contract in his career. "Překvapilo mě to. "I was surprised by it. You don't get this offer every year. They showed me they want me there, to play on of their main roles," said Hudler, whose services were sought by the Moscow club two years ago. He also also asked Detroit for a new contract and finally agreed. And the year after won Stanley Cup. HUDLER IS GONE FOLKS BYEBYE!!!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I might be the minority here, but I am glad that Hudler won't be back. In the long run, we'll be a better team without him. His size was always a huge concern for me. He's has always been too easy to push around and couldn't handle playing against physical players. Now Holland can move on to finding the right pieces so we can win the cup next year. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Z and D for the C 712 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I'm happy. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I will really, really, really miss him. I don't care what anyone says, he was a darn good player. Fantastic passer, ripper of a shot, money in the shootout and seemed like a great character around the club. He's going to be missed, especially his magic on the PP. In saying all that, call me desperate but I'm not giving up on him yet. Until we hear something from Holland that says it's a done deal and no turning back then I'm not prepared to say goodbye. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 8, 2009 A new accurate, better translation is available: "July 8, Kukla's Korner: In Detroit there is wasn't place for me and I didn't want to go to another club. So i didn't ask for a trade. Then came Dynamo with their offer. I started thinking about it and decided to go to Russia. It was tough but this is not a question of life or death. It is only hockey. The KHL is good league. I should be one of the key players so it could help me in my career. I don't think I will close the door to NHL. I am young and there are still 13 years until the end of my career. I want my career to be more colorful. Hudler did say it is the most lucrative contract of his career and in two years he could return to the NHL. He also said many people will question the move and he thought about it too before deciding to sign with Dynamo Moscow. On a side note, Dynamo contacted him two years ago about joining them and he said he could not leave Detroit without winning the Stanley Cup. Hudler did tell CTK that he informed Mike Babcock and several teammates of his decision, and he claimed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DraperFan MN 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Wow....wish we would have known he was going to do that. Missed out on the F.A. market, and maybe, just maybe, we could have kept Hossa. He really put the screws to the Wings brass. He may play in the NHL again someday, but it won't be as a Red Wing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 (edited) Anyone who is glad he is gone has lost their marbles -- find me another guy who can put up similar points at $3m (and is not on an entry level contract) -- now find me another guy who can put up such points with *less* than 16 minutes of play a game (Hudler gets 13 minutes). Even if Babcock never relented and gave Hudler a shot on the 2nd line, 55+ points on a bottom-pairing line is easily worth $3m+. Easily. There is simply no one in the NHL that did that. And some of you are happy because the Wings now might have a shot at Travis Moen? Sweet -- I have really been looking forward to watching Detroit become a trapping team! That's more than 80 goals the Wings lost from last season. Babcock and Holland screwed the pooch on this one. You have a guy who produced more on limited minutes than anyone in the NHL, whom *only* wants to play for the Red Wings, so much that he would rather play in Russia than another team in the NHL -- and you can't get a deal done somehow? Maybe this is premature -- and I am definitely venting -- but that's a big red mark on Holland there. Edited July 8, 2009 by egroen Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
The Mule 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Good riddance. Bring on Kotalik or Moen. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Anyone who is glad he is gone has lost their marbles -- find me another guy who can put up similar points at $3m (and is not on an entry level contract) -- now find me another guy who can put up such points with *less* than 16 minutes of play a game (Hudler gets 13 minutes). Even if Babcock never relented and gave Hudler a shot on the 2nd line, 55+ points on a bottom-pairing line is easily worth $3m+. Easily. There is simply no one in the NHL that did that. And some of you are happy because the Wings now might have a shot at Travis Moen? Sweet -- I have really been looking forward to watching Detroit become a trapping team! That's more than 80 goals the Wings lost from last season. Babcock and Holland screwed the pooch on this one. You have a guy who produced more on limited minutes than anyone in the NHL, whom *only* wants to play for the Red Wings, so much that he would rather play in Russia than another team in the NHL -- and you can't get a deal done somehow? Maybe this is premature -- and I am definitely venting -- but that's a big red mark on Holland there. Absolutely agree 100%. This whole thing makes little sense, I'm having a hard time believing it's real. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T-Ruff 47 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I dunno why everybody is obsessed over Moen... Nothing special IMO... and he'll no doubt come over-priced.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
StevieY9802 6 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Wow....wish we would have known he was going to do that. Missed out on the F.A. market, and maybe, just maybe, we could have kept Hossa. He really put the screws to the Wings brass. He may play in the NHL again someday, but it won't be as a Red Wing. They wouldnt' have been able to keep Hossa. Hudler wasn't in the plans if Hossa stayed so him leaving now wouldn't have effected that. Anyone who is glad he is gone has lost their marbles -- find me another guy who can put up similar points at $3m (and is not on an entry level contract) -- now find me another guy who can put up such points with *less* than 16 minutes of play a game (Hudler gets 13 minutes). Even if Babcock never relented and gave Hudler a shot on the 2nd line, 55+ points on a bottom-pairing line is easily worth $3m+. Easily. There is simply no one in the NHL that did that. And some of you are happy because the Wings now might have a shot at Travis Moen? Sweet -- I have really been looking forward to watching Detroit become a trapping team! That's more than 80 goals the Wings lost from last season. Babcock and Holland screwed the pooch on this one. You have a guy who produced more on limited minutes than anyone in the NHL, whom *only* wants to play for the Red Wings, so much that he would rather play in Russia than another team in the NHL -- and you can't get a deal done somehow? Maybe this is premature -- and I am definitely venting -- but that's a big red mark on Holland there. I think it's premature. We don't know what exactly the deal is yet from the Russian league or what the Wings offer was. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I dunno why everybody is obsessed over Moen... Nothing special IMO... and he'll no doubt come over-priced.... Yeah, it's going to be so awesome having another over-priced, injury-riddled Draper on the team! Woo-hoo! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RedFX 48 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 If this is true, this offseason just went from "ouch" to "f***!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wingfan1991 221 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 crazy that he did this, im lost for words like most! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Yeah, it's going to be so awesome having another over-priced, injury-riddled Draper on the team! Woo-hoo! They are nothing alike, other then being Canadian. Moen got hurt last year and now he's injury riddled? He'd be a fan favorite in Detroit by mid November, but I doubt we're going to get him even though I wish we would. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zymz 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 This sounds to me like an "out" for both the Wings and Hudler. Neither side wants Hudler to play anywhere else in the League, but the recognition is there that Hudler can't be signed for any deserved amount of money (you have to believe that for the Wings to fit Hudler under the cap, they'd have to go so low that the NHLPA would be screaming about salary implications, even IF Hudler would take the deal...) So Hudler plays in the KHL until a reasonable deal can be worked out (probably summer 2010, when the Wings get cap flexibility back), re-signs with the Wings to a long-term deal, and everybody's happy... Yes the Wings lose a solid PP specialist for a season - but better he goes to Russia then say, the Blackhawks. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest mindfly Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Mod can change the topic now, he's confirmed signing for Dynamo Moscow... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wombat 26 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Babcock and Holland screwed the pooch on this one. You have a guy who produced more on limited minutes than anyone in the NHL, whom *only* wants to play for the Red Wings, so much that he would rather play in Russia than another team in the NHL -- and you can't get a deal done somehow? Maybe this is premature -- and I am definitely venting -- but that's a big red mark on Holland there. How do you figure that the management messed this up? The Wings have under $2 million in cap room with at least 2 forwards needed. A lot of Wings fans have to face the reality of the salary cap and that the Wings simply are up against it and cannot afford the contracts that these guys are getting. Not everyone can or should take huge discounts just to stay with the Wings. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
96warrior 11 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 From MLIVE: Hudler did tell CTK that he informed Mike Babcock and several teammates of his decision, but he also stated that he still wants his North American agent, Petr Svoboda, to take the Wings to arbitration. Whether there's an "out clause," he's doing this as a negotiating ploy, or whether Hudler's really gone remains to be seen. The Russian press will gush like a teenage girl over a Jonas Brother about this over the next few days, but somewhere along the way, the truth will come out. I can at least say that this came as a surprise to the Wings--but only Steve Yzerman and capologist Ryan Martin were in the stands at prospect camp today. Jim Nill and Ken Holland were absent. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 This sounds to me like an "out" for both the Wings and Hudler. Neither side wants Hudler to play anywhere else in the League, but the recognition is there that Hudler can't be signed for any deserved amount of money (you have to believe that for the Wings to fit Hudler under the cap, they'd have to go so low that the NHLPA would be screaming about salary implications, even IF Hudler would take the deal...) So Hudler plays in the KHL until a reasonable deal can be worked out (probably summer 2010, when the Wings get cap flexibility back), re-signs with the Wings to a long-term deal, and everybody's happy... Yes the Wings lose a solid PP specialist for a season - but better he goes to Russia then say, the Blackhawks. I like that reasoning but why if that were true why wouldn't he just sign a 1 year deal worth $1.5 mil and then re-sign a long term deal the following season? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Sounds like he wanted a top-6 role on the Wings. Sorry Huddles. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Snazzy 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 Anyone who is glad he is gone has lost their marbles -- find me another guy who can put up similar points at $3m (and is not on an entry level contract) -- now find me another guy who can put up such points with *less* than 16 minutes of play a game (Hudler gets 13 minutes). Even if Babcock never relented and gave Hudler a shot on the 2nd line, 55+ points on a bottom-pairing line is easily worth $3m+. Easily. There is simply no one in the NHL that did that. And some of you are happy because the Wings now might have a shot at Travis Moen? Sweet -- I have really been looking forward to watching Detroit become a trapping team! That's more than 80 goals the Wings lost from last season. Babcock and Holland screwed the pooch on this one. You have a guy who produced more on limited minutes than anyone in the NHL, whom *only* wants to play for the Red Wings, so much that he would rather play in Russia than another team in the NHL -- and you can't get a deal done somehow? Maybe this is premature -- and I am definitely venting -- but that's a big red mark on Holland there. Clearly a venting post. And that's okay. But you need to realize there is more to hockey than just 'putting in goals'. Hudler was undersized and played like it. He wasn't that good of skater and his defensive game was very unimpressive, especially against bigger guys. Sure he put up a lot of points in the regular season and had a nack for scoring shootout goals, but @ $3 mil (and our current financial situation - along with Hudler's size / defensive game) it's better for the team (overall) that he walks. btw, I'm not a moen fan either.. I'm (probably the only guy on the forum) that thinks Holland should just ride with AHL players till trade deadline and use that money and trade Lebda or Lilja for a forward. We'll be fine. (and better off) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tucker 0 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 I like Hudler, he has a lot of talent but I didn't want him back. We'll find enough scoring. We have as much scoring a most teams in the league but we have to get bigger, it is as simple as that. I watched Hudler in the playoffs and he got knocked off the puck so easily and even when he tried to lay body checks, he never inflicted any damage and just bounced off of the other player. Last year aside, most teams that win the cup have some bigger physical players and even though Samuelson (I wanted him gone too) was big, he wasn't what you would call a pay the price physical player. We need a couple of those types and then we'll be harder to play against and we'll be able to wear down the defencemen on the other teams in the playoffs. Thanks for the past Hudler but I hope you don't come back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Detroit # 1 Fan 2,204 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 You signed in Moscow, like are you going or not? We bring you to arbitration, you get awarded too much, we let you go as a free agent, and then you finalize this thing. See ya Jiri, I hope you do not come back buddy! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
egroen 384 Report post Posted July 8, 2009 They are nothing alike, other then being Canadian. Moen got hurt last year and now he's injury riddled? He'd be a fan favorite in Detroit by mid November, but I doubt we're going to get him even though I wish we would. A defensive guy who's best years are behind him and you might get lucky to get 10 points out of? He missed more than half the season in '06 as well. I'd be excited if he were Tomas Kopecky's replacement - not Hudler's. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
