Jiri Hudler Watch Thread

[Broken 16 381]

I've been wondering if having Hudler on the team is affecting other players. I mean think about it. Here is Hudler who is making 3 million a year. He plays lousy and yet he still gets playing time and power play time. I think it's sending the wrong message to all the other Wings players. I know the Wings have one of the most (if not the most) solid locker rooms in the NHL. But it's human nature. If you see someone at your workplace screwing the dog and not contributing, it does have an effect on the other workers. It creates a bad and toxic atmosphere. I think the longer this goes the more it will affect the Wings as a team. The Wings did great in October and November but are off to an average start to December. Is Hudler's presence one of the reasons? I'm not saying if it is or isn't but I belive it's something to think about. FWIW, I don't see Hudler turning it around. I really don't. A quarter of the season has been played and he is not getting any better. The ones who believe he is showing improvement are likely seeing what they want to see. Holland is showing alot of patience with this guy. Holland is the best GM in the game but is he afraid to admit he made a mistake bringing him back? Trading him would in essence be admitting that but you have to cut bait at some point. The bigger mistake would be to keep playing him and getting nothing. Hudler needs to go. Whether it's for a draft pick, a minor league player or even waivers. He needs to go.

Totally agree with the sentiment, but I would give him till the end of Jan or so to see if it's just a matter of conditioning. He's obviously done very little while he was away, I'd give him a little more time to catch up.

[jmad 18]

Totally agree with the sentiment, but I would give him till the end of Jan or so to see if it's just a matter of conditioning. He's obviously done very little while he was away, I'd give him a little more time to catch up.

I disagree that Hudler is bringing down the locker room because of his contract. Everybody in that locker room wants him to go on a huge goal scoring binge as much as he does. I think he's working but is off right now. Give him time.

[Broken 16 381]

I disagree that Hudler is bringing down the locker room because of his contract. Everybody in that locker room wants him to go on a huge goal scoring binge as much as he does. I think he's working but is off right now. Give him time.

Actually, I was responding more to the idea of trading him. I don't think he is bringing down the locker room either.

[sputman 1,268]

56pts in 46 games isn't too shabby, guys.

if only we could get that hudler out of my iPhone NHL 2K11 game and onto the ice..

[Broken 16 381]

Just sucks cuz I seriously believed Hudler was gonna be a stud this year. He seemed to have a great attitude coming back and Babcock seemed to be happy to have him back... wft happened!?!

[jmad 18]

Luckily Cleary has picked up the production we expected out of Huds. But he's been slowing and there's no way he keeps up his pace. Now is the time for Huds to relax and start shooting. He had chances early in the season and was just unlucky, much like Bert early last year but he needs to get confidence back in his shot.

[Konnan511 1,736]

We need Hudler and Franzen to be consistent threats.

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

We need Hudler and Franzen to be consistent threats.

? Need? I am not sure about that. We are the "Best in the West" right now and Hudler has not done a damn thing to help that cause.

like someone said he's managed to be a -8 on a 1st place team....

Franzen on the other hand... It would be nice for him to heat up and stay hot for a run like Clears did.

[Konnan511 1,736]

? Need? I am not sure about that. We are the "Best in the West" right now and Hudler has not done a damn thing to help that cause.

like someone said he's managed to be a -8 on a 1st place team....

Franzen on the other hand... It would be nice for him to heat up and stay hot for a run like Clears did.

I think we need him to be, but I guess we can replace "need" with "would appreciate"?

[LOredwing248 7]

I think we need him to be, but I guess we can replace "need" with "would appreciate"?

Your signature has a typo, you're not exactly a grade A Grammar Nazi, eh?

Edited December 16, 2010 by LOredwing248

[Hockeytown_Ryan 122]

I think we need him to be, but I guess we can replace "need" with "would appreciate"?

agreed! it would always be nice.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

For once this season, Hudler didn't look useless.

He actually had a great game, and probably had more chances than anyone else on the team.

Hopefully, it carries over and he can start finishing those chances.

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

For once this season, Hudler didn't look useless.

He actually had a great game, and probably had more chances than anyone else on the team.

Hopefully, it carries over and he can start finishing those chances.

He's gotta get it up.

And stop being so slow.

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

He's gotta get it up.

And stop being so slow.

From what I've heard, Hudler has never had a problem getting it up?

[titanium2 867]

From what I've heard, Hudler has never had a problem getting it up?

Yes he has. That's why he hired those hookers. Remember?

[Guest scottj]

Either way he was faaar from invisible tonight

If he keeps it up he'll probably get goin

[Doc Holliday 1,888]

Yes he has. That's why he hired those hookers. Remember?

Beat me to it.

[Guest Crymson]

Luckily Cleary has picked up the production we expected out of Huds. But he's been slowing and there's no way he keeps up his pace. Now is the time for Huds to relax and start shooting. He had chances early in the season and was just unlucky, much like Bert early last year but he needs to get confidence back in his shot.

Cleary would score FAR more goals were he on a line with Datsyuk and Zetterberg. Babcock rotates Cleary so that each line will have a scoring threat.

[egroen 384]

Last two games he has been making a difference.

Keep it up, and he'll get the points.

[Echolalia 2,961]

Last two games he has been making a difference.

Keep it up, and he'll get the points.

Both games I've noticed him making chances and working for it. I'd say the points should start coming if he keeps it up.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

Looked very, very good tonight. The points will come soon, and will flow when he gets his first.

[cjm502 165]

I was at the game and along with his penalty I saw Huds get knocked on his ass a few times and make several bad passes. Im not sure what they showed on tv but he looked horrible to me.

[Broken 16 381]

If you starve someone for 10 days and then finally give them a Ritz cracker, it will be the best thing they ever ate.

Hudler wasn't that good tonight.

[clutchngrab 12]

Jiri's weak spot is skating and always has been. During his first shift in Detroit he worked really hard to improve his skating and defensive abilities such that Babcock would give him some ice and it was nice to see him improve over the course of a few years. The old Jiri had some grit and went to the net despite his size. I became a Hudler fan because of his work ethic, pluckiness and puck abilities - all with limited ice time.

Now, today it seems that his skating has taken a step back, he's a perimeter player and his confidence is pretty much shot. It's pretty tough to make a career in the NHL with good hands, vision, shot, but no size and skating ability. Maybe he will turn it around, but I think he's cooked ala Jason Williams.

Edited December 16, 2010 by clutchngrab

[Konnan511 1,736]

Your signature has a typo, you're not exactly a grade A Grammar Nazi, eh?

Guess I'm lost, i don't see any. Is Facebook two words?