Calgary Flames forward Jiri Hudler has been traded to the Florida Panthers in exchange for a pair of draft picks.
Those draft picks CGY got from FLA for Hudler are a 2016 2nd rounder and 2018 4th rounder.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) February 27, 2016
Flames forward Jiri Hudler Traded to Florida
The 32-year-old Hudler’s name had been in the rumor mill for weeks, with word that the Flames weren’t discussing a contract extension with the Czech center. Hudler is finishing up a four-year, $16 million contract he signed with the Flames prior to the 2012-13 season, and will be a UFA on July 1st, meaning the Panthers won’t be on the hook long-term, while also potentially giving them a leg up on signing him for next season and beyond.
Hudler has proven to be a productive player for Calgary since coming over from the Detroit Red Wings, where he spent parts of seven seasons to start his career. Last year, Hudler set career highs across the board with 31 goals and 45 assists for 76 points, emerging as a force on Calgary’s top line.
Despite struggling at times this year with 10 goals and 25 assists for 35 points in 53 games, the four-time 50-point scorer is sure to be a fine rental addition for the Panthers. Hudler is versatile and can play both centre and wing.
We will have more details on this trade as it develops. Follow @LastWordonPuck and Lastwordonsports.com for all of your NHL trade deadline news and analysis.
Main Photo:
Main Photo Credit: OTTAWA, ON – OCTOBER 28: Jiri Hudler #24 of the Calgary Flames looks on during an NHL game against the Ottawa Senators at Canadian Tire Centre on October 28, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Jana Chytilova/Freestyle Photography/Getty Images)
