Red Wings Prepared to Offer Hudler Contract

[kipwinger 8,682]

I think Semin is looking to get 6+ million and maybe more. And why couldn't he? Leino got $6million during FA. Semin should get close to $7million by those standards. Leino signed a long contract to circumvent the cap. I really, really hope Holland doesn't do that unless it's for a proven star like Suter.

So the question is do you take Hudler for $4 or Semin for $7?

In that scenario there's no way I'd sign Semin. But I think that he's only going to get that kind of money in Russia. If he signs in the NHL it will be with a contender and at a (slight) discount. 1 year at 5.5 to 6 million, or two years at 5 million.

Here's a link to a real good article about Semin and Detroit.

http://www.wingingitinmotown.com/2012/6/15/3089256/red-wings-free-agent-targets-the-alex-semin-gamble

[Guest Heaten]

In that scenario there's no way I'd sign Semin. But I think that he's only going to get that kind of money in Russia. If he signs in the NHL it will be with a contender and at a (slight) discount. 1 year at 5.5 to 6 million, or two years at 5 million.

Here's a link to a real good article about Semin and Detroit.

http://www.wingingit...ex-semin-gamble

I wouldn't mind Semin for a short (2 year contract) with a cap hit of no more than $5mil per year. I just think he'll get better offers. And like you said, he can go to Russia for a huge payday. If Holland does land Semin, I still hope he can get a gritty top 6 guy to forecheck like a madman and can score the dirty goals. Parise would be ideal, but if they can't get him, I wouldn't mind someone like a healthy Cleary.

[LeftWinger 5,068]

I think Semin is looking to get 6+ million and maybe more. And why couldn't he? Leino got $6million during FA. Semin should get close to $7million by those standards. Leino signed a long contract to circumvent the cap. I really, really hope Holland doesn't do that unless it's for a proven star like Suter.

So the question is do you take Hudler for $4 or Semin for $7?

I'd rather have Semin at $7M than Franzen at $4M and Hudler at $4M...I am just tired of the same old garbage every year...Franzen is oft injured or playing at 60% and Hudler is not worth $4M-$5M on this team. I'd do not want Hudler in a house or with a mouse, I do not want him with a goat or on a boat, I do not want him Sam I Am...

[Hockey13Playa 240]

I'd rather have Semin at $7M than Franzen at $4M and Hudler at $4M...I am just tired of the same old garbage every year...Franzen is oft injured or playing at 60% and Hudler is not worth $4M-$5M on this team. I'd do not want Hudler in a house or with a mouse, I do not want him with a goat or on a boat, I do not want him Sam I Am...

Semin at 7 million? Yikes! If it was 2-3 years ago then hell yeah! As far as Franzen goes we all know you dislike him but I would hate having him, Semin, and Hudler. That I think would be a nightmare. I am with you on that part Sam; no HUDLER!!!!!! You know what my biggest nag about Hudler is? I WILL TELL YOU; WHEN BABCOCK GETS ALL EXCITED AND USES HIM IN EVERY SHOOTOUT DETROIT HAS. The guy is AWFUL on shootouts. All he does is skate in and shoot. Mind you not even a good shot. Damn him lol. There are so many better choices but Babs lovesssss to use him. Anyways enough of my rant. But Franzen at 4m > Semin at 7m > Hudler at any amount lol.

That was kind of a all over the place kind of post, my bad. Bottom line is like I said before: SAY-NO-TO-HUDLER!

[Guest Heaten]

I'd rather have Semin at $7M than Franzen at $4M and Hudler at $4M...I am just tired of the same old garbage every year...Franzen is oft injured or playing at 60% and Hudler is not worth $4M-$5M on this team. I'd do not want Hudler in a house or with a mouse, I do not want him with a goat or on a boat, I do not want him Sam I Am...

$7 million is too much for a player that will likely be a healthy scratch 1/4 of the season and LGWs official whipping boy.

Lol, I'm not sure if your post is serious, though. You are replacing a combination of 50+ goals for 20-something-goals. Tell me you are kidding....

Edited June 15, 2012 by Heaten

[arag 308]

Semin would be a good playing with Pasha. They had great chemistry at the Worlds. Signing useless Hudler will be a step backward. Even if he chooses to play for free for the Wings. .

No to Hudler !

[LeftWinger 5,068]

$7 million is too much for a player that will likely be a healthy scratch 1/4 of the season and LGWs official whipping boy.

Lol, I'm not sure if your post is serious, though. You are replacing a combination of 50+ goals for 20-something-goals. Tell me you are kidding....

Stat-wise, I jest I jest, but I wouldn't miss Franzen/Hudler if they just left for nothing...I simply dislike them both, but I won't argue with their stats...

...why are you so sure that Semin would be a healthy scratch for 20 games or so?

[LeftWinger 5,068]

Semin would be a good playing with Pasha. They had great chemistry at the Worlds. Signing useless Hudler will be a step backward. Even if he chooses to play for free for the Wings. .

No to Hudler !

THIS, but he did have good stats, I just think the mood on the Wings went stale with this group...now they lost their leader PLUS another top 4 defenseman. 50 points or not, this group needs an injection of life and going back to the same players of the last three playoff letdowns would be a costly mistake...IMO. Frankly if Franzen is bored and needs to have more fun, then re-signing Hudler is not going to do that... Signing Parise/Suter, now that would inject some excitement and fun into the lineup!

[Guest Heaten]

Stat-wise, I jest I jest, but I wouldn't miss Franzen/Hudler if they just left for nothing...I simply dislike them both, but I won't argue with their stats...

...why are you so sure that Semin would be a healthy scratch for 20 games or so?

Semin isn't known for his work ethics. He's known to take weeks off. That won't fly well with Babcock. I don't think Semin and Babcock would get along too well... especially if Semin becomes a disgruntled locker room cancer.

[LeftWinger 5,068]

Semin isn't known for his work ethics. He's known to take weeks off. That won't fly well with Babcock. I don't think Semin and Babcock would get along too well... especially if Semin becomes a disgruntled locker room cancer.

Yes, I do remember well when Fedorov went to Anaheim and Babcock called Bowman asking WTF is up with Fedorov, and how does he get him motivated....I could see that happening with Semin too...

[kipwinger 8,682]

Semin isn't known for his work ethics. He's known to take weeks off. That won't fly well with Babcock. I don't think Semin and Babcock would get along too well... especially if Semin becomes a disgruntled locker room cancer.

The flip side of this coin is that maybe a demanding coach with a proven track record would help Semin finally reach his full potential. You have to remember, it wasn't until Scotty came along that Yzerman became a full time, well rounded, player. Obviously Semin isn't Stevie Y, but there's no telling how a guy will react to a coach that holds him accountable. Like I said before, it wasn't long ago that people said that about Cleary, Bert, and Hossa. Semin only ever had one NHL coach to teach him the NHL game, and that was Boudreau, who obviously didn't demand that guys play a disciplined game, but that doesn't mean they can't...especially when they come on to a team full of guys who do go the extra mile.

Again, it's a gamble...but it might be worth the risk if the asking price on Parise is too high and Semin can be had for a reasonable contract.

[LeftWinger 5,068]

The flip side of this coin is that maybe a demanding coach with a proven track record would help Semin finally reach his full potential. You have to remember, it wasn't until Scotty came along that Yzerman became a full time, well rounded, player. Obviously Semin isn't Stevie Y, but there's no telling how a guy will react to a coach that holds him accountable. Like I said before, it wasn't long ago that people said that about Cleary, Bert, and Hossa. Semin only ever had one NHL coach to teach him the NHL game, and that was Boudreau, who obviously didn't demand that guys play a disciplined game, but that doesn't mean they can't...especially when they come on to a team full of guys who do go the extra mile.

Again, it's a gamble...but it might be worth the risk if the asking price on Parise is too high and Semin can be had for a reasonable contract.

...Obviously Babcock is Scotty...

Although I do share your hope for Semin to work out here if he signs...

Edited June 16, 2012 by LeftWinger

[Drake_Marcus 890]

I agree. Plus, at 6'1 and 210 lbs. Semin is ALWAYS going to be harder to play against than Huds. Also, how much of Semin's under performance was himself, and how much of it was Washington's mismanagement. I've said before and I'll say again, Bruce Boudreau was a terrible coach for young players because he's not the type of guy that forces players to work within a system to achieve results. As a result Washington squandered one of the most talented rosters in hockey year after year after year. Get Semin onto a team where he's expected to do a particular job and is held accountable, and I believe he'll be just like the long list of players who have learned how to play a full game in Detroit. Not too long ago Dan Cleary was accused of taking shifts off and not playing defense, so was Bertuzzi, and Hossa. They all did a complete turn around once they came here. No reason to believe Semin couldn't do the same. I consider it a reclamation project, and one that could really pay off, if the reports are true and Semin would consider a pay cut to play here.

Obviously there are question marks with the guy, and he's no guarantee, but he might well be worth the gamble if a more consistently proven scoring winger (Parise) can't be acquired.

Edit: Sniper much?

Do you watch Semin play often? Semin is softer than a bag of kittens.

Also, Hossa was never considered a poor defender. He was lauded for his 2 way play long before coming to the Wings.

[MabusIncarnate 5,355]

Semin disappointed making 6.7 million this past season, i'm not sure how motivated he would be taking a contract for 4-5 mil per.

With that said, and i've made it pretty well known how I feel about Semin, if it came down to Hudler at 4 mil or Semin at 5 mil theoretically i'd probably take the risk on Semin IF it was a short contract. That way if he decides to play lazy we aren't tied up for long.

[under_par_00 45]

Semin disappointed making 6.7 million this past season, i'm not sure how motivated he would be taking a contract for 4-5 mil per.

With that said, and i've made it pretty well known how I feel about Semin, if it came down to Hudler at 4 mil or Semin at 5 mil theoretically i'd probably take the risk on Semin IF it was a short contract. That way if he decides to play lazy we aren't tied up for long.

And at least Pavel would have someone to talk to. Semin would be a much better player on Pav's wing, rather than Hudler.

[Hey man nice shot! 144]

And at least Pavel would have someone to talk to. Semin would be a much better player on Pav's wing, rather than Hudler.

For sure, I am in on semin because i don't see us getting parise. After semin there is a drop that screams bring in the trades. As for hudler i wish him luck on someone elses roster.

Edited June 16, 2012 by Hey man nice shot!

[Krayzie_Bone 58]

No no no. We need size and snarl on the 4th line. Moen or Prust. Both would be great. Parise and Suter are the top 2 targets and then we add the big banger for the 4th line and try to emulate what the Kings have. A 4th line which can play and wear teams down. Hudler wears no one down but the strippers he buys trying to get a red light discount of the day special.

You know what? I agree 100% lol I can't argue with that. Maybe re sign him for a healthy scratch guy. I guess its time to let him go.

Edited June 16, 2012 by Krayzie_Bone

[kipwinger 8,682]

Do you watch Semin play often? Semin is softer than a bag of kittens.

Also, Hossa was never considered a poor defender. He was lauded for his 2 way play long before coming to the Wings.

I lived and worked in D.C. for a couple years so I've seen him play quite often. My assessment of him is that he's a big, strong, fast, and extremely skilled forward with inconsistent work ethic, motivation, and on ice effort. In my opinion Semin's skill set makes him very much like Filppula, only bigger and with a better shot. Sure he's not tough in the way that Getzlaf or Perry or someone is, but he's very strong and very fast which makes it extremely difficult to play against him when he's giving 100 % effort. Which obviously begs the question...will he give the effort?

My personal position is that the problem with Washington's inability to achieve their potential was largely Bruce Boudreau, who was a player friendly coach who didn't expect a disciplined or structured game from his players...and therefore never got it. Signing Semin would essentially be taking a gamble that in a more structured system his talents would be better utilized. I think it would pay off because I think Semin is a textbook example of a guy who needs a change of scenery...or at least a change of coaching. You're welcome to disagree if you want, but I think what I've said here is a fairly accurate description of what Semin brings to the table.

So, as I've said all along, if we can't get Parise and Semin will take a modest pay cut and sign short term, then I think it's worth the gamble.

[kook_10 1,705]

I lived and worked in D.C. for a couple years so I've seen him play quite often. My assessment of him is that he's a big, strong, fast, and extremely skilled forward with inconsistent work ethic, motivation, and on ice effort. In my opinion Semin's skill set makes him very much like Filppula, only bigger and with a better shot. Sure he's not tough in the way that Getzlaf or Perry or someone is, but he's very strong and very fast which makes it extremely difficult to play against him when he's giving 100 % effort. Which obviously begs the question...will he give the effort?

My personal position is that the problem with Washington's inability to achieve their potential was largely Bruce Boudreau, who was a player friendly coach who didn't expect a disciplined or structured game from his players...and therefore never got it. Signing Semin would essentially be taking a gamble that in a more structured system his talents would be better utilized. I think it would pay off because I think Semin is a textbook example of a guy who needs a change of scenery...or at least a change of coaching. You're welcome to disagree if you want, but I think what I've said here is a fairly accurate description of what Semin brings to the table.

So, as I've said all along, if we can't get Parise and Semin will take a modest pay cut and sign short term, then I think it's worth the gamble.

?? Flip is one of the hardest working players on the team and has very little finishing ability.

Edited June 16, 2012 by kook_10

[kipwinger 8,682]

?? Flip is one of the hardest working players on the team and has very little finishing ability.

I agree. As I said, Semin is like Flip with a better shot and a worse work ethic.

[brett 1,029]

id take semins only for 6 mil

i dont want hudler for 4 mil. id rather spend extra 2 and get a right handed sniper

[Red Crazy 201]

I lived and worked in D.C. for a couple years so I've seen him play quite often. My assessment of him is that he's a big, strong, fast, and extremely skilled forward with inconsistent work ethic, motivation, and on ice effort. In my opinion Semin's skill set makes him very much like Filppula, only bigger and with a better shot. Sure he's not tough in the way that Getzlaf or Perry or someone is, but he's very strong and very fast which makes it extremely difficult to play against him when he's giving 100 % effort. Which obviously begs the question...will he give the effort?

My personal position is that the problem with Washington's inability to achieve their potential was largely Bruce Boudreau, who was a player friendly coach who didn't expect a disciplined or structured game from his players...and therefore never got it. Signing Semin would essentially be taking a gamble that in a more structured system his talents would be better utilized. I think it would pay off because I think Semin is a textbook example of a guy who needs a change of scenery...or at least a change of coaching. You're welcome to disagree if you want, but I think what I've said here is a fairly accurate description of what Semin brings to the table.

So, as I've said all along, if we can't get Parise and Semin will take a modest pay cut and sign short term, then I think it's worth the gamble.

Semin is lazy and that is really hard to get out of a player. If the Wings want to gamble I would go after Evander Kane. He needs to grow up but works hard every night and brings some grit. Contract talks with him and the Jets are not going well.

Edited June 16, 2012 by Red Crazy

[LeftWinger 5,068]

Honestly, I'd take Parise/Semin/Moen/Suter/Schultz/Harding as our new players...That's alot of signing and changes, especially for one off season, but Holland needs to make this big splash and prove to the NHL that Detroit is here to stay and will NOT rebuild, just reload! Get these guys signed up for years and then let the likes of Sheahan, Jarnkrok, Pulkkinen etc... slowly make their way into the lineup.

( I still cannot explain how imperative it is to get these kids under contract: Dekeyser, Schultz, Welsh, in a few years when Sheahan in up along with Smith leading the way, this Red Wings team will be young, fast and HARD to play against...Howard will be in his prime and our D will be young and tough along with the O.)

Edited June 16, 2012 by LeftWinger

[kipwinger 8,682]

Semin is lazy and that is really hard to get out of a player. If the Wings want to gamble I would go after Evander Kane. He needs to grow up but works hard every night and brings some grit. Contract talks with him and the Jets are not going well.

He's an RFA. Ken Holland doesn't go after other teams' RFAs.

[Wings4Life19 150]

How do you guys feel about maybe trading Hudler's rights? Seeing as how the free-agent pool isn't going to be very deep, and guys who can score 20-30 goals/year don't grow on trees, you'd think someone would be willing to give a 2nd round pick(maybe 1st round pick if Kenny really works his magic)

EDIT: assuming Hudler has his sights set on $4+ mill/year

Edited June 18, 2012 by Wings4Life19