58Miles2Joe 12 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 (edited) Ok, this took me completely by surprise given the way Babcock seemed to mercilessly ride Hudler before he bolted: "Hudler is a better player than people think," Babcock said. "I missed him way more last season than I thought I was going to miss him. To me, the kid is magic. We're thrilled to have him back. I like our team here. I even said that to my wife." the article does that blow anyone else's mind besides mine? Edited August 3, 2010 by 58Miles2Joe Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edicius 3,269 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 I'm with you on that. I think the general consensus around here was that Babcock was never a Hudler fan. Color me shocked. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Echolalia 2,961 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 Maybe Babs saw a potential in Hudler that most of us never did (except maybe Eva), and got pissed when Huddles didn't hit the mark, thus punishing him endlessly. Or maybe he took tips from Scotty B on how to have at least one whipping boy ala Aaron Ward. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NeverForgetMac25 483 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 I have a feeling its the "you don't know what you've got 'till its gone" syndrome here. Couple that with the devastating amount of injuries the Wings had last year and you've got a recipe for Mike to be excited to have him back. If Modo does in fact sign, and they're able to sign a 3rd pairing anchor on defense either now or at the deadline, this team has as good a shot as any to do serious damage in the postseason. I'm with you on that. I think the general consensus around here was that Babcock was never a Hudler fan. Color me shocked. What pigment is that? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Report post Posted August 3, 2010 (edited) This quote makes me all . It's time for Hudler to show the doubters the reason why he was considered a phenom in his teens. His natural talent level is insane. Edited August 3, 2010 by EZBAKETHAGANGSTA Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest VAL FILPPULA Report post Posted August 3, 2010 This quote makes me all . It's time for Hudler to show the doubters the reason why he was considered a phenom in his teens. His natural talent level is insane. This. If he was a few inches taller he would be an absolute force. As a teen he was an insanely highly touted prospect, but then he stopped growing and there wasn't as much hype as there was. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
titanium2 867 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 He is indeed. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NomadFromKazoo 42 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 With Hudler and Modano (if the rumors are true), it really adds something to our team we missed last year. We just didn't have scoring depth. It's not just the third line scoring more at all, you need that to spread the top D for the other team more. With a little more rest this year and some real injury healing time and some deeper offensive punch, I can't wait for next year to start. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jesusberg 1,256 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 Not gonna lie, the way Hudler was used I really am surprised to see this. They're like a couple who just needed a little break to make things fresh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FedorovGurl 2 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 umm.... body snatchers maybe?? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Yellowknife Redwing 57 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 Hudler is extremely talented, still young, and has improved his point production steadily every year. I think he's really going to prove something in the next 2 seasons. I don't think 80 points is an unreasonable ceiling for his career if he continues to improve the way he has. I'm extremely excited to have him back. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hockeytown0001 7,652 Report post Posted August 3, 2010 Obviously the man crush is due to the fact that Huddles is not American Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
eva unit zero 271 Report post Posted August 4, 2010 Hudler is an incredibly talented kid, in his draft year some scouts considered him to have the most raw talent of any center and the reason he dropped so far, to the end of the second round, in the draft is because of his size. But I do expect Babcock to use Hudler more than 12 minutes per game. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stormboy 47 Report post Posted August 4, 2010 With Hudler and Modano (if the rumors are true), it really adds something to our team we missed last year. We just didn't have scoring depth. It's not just the third line scoring more at all, you need that to spread the top D for the other team more. With a little more rest this year and some real injury healing time and some deeper offensive punch, I can't wait for next year to start. i agree with this, but mainly i wanted to quote you because of your farnk herbert quote. i'm reading through the dune series right now. awesome. sorry, off topic. anyway, i hope this is a genuine statement from bab's, and hopefully hudler is stoked to be back in the best hockey league in the world. could be an interesting year, for sure! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aussie_Wing 354 Report post Posted August 4, 2010 People forget how effective Hudler was. Off the top of my head didn't he record 24 goals, 57 points or something in his last season? I see no reason why he couldn't hit 70 this season given the fact he'll see quality ice time and lots of PP time. I just hope he isn't stuck alongside Modano and Cleary, don't think they're ideal linemates for him. Welcome back Huds, always knew you'd be back. Dominate this season mate. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
