The Dallas Stars have reportedly agreed to a one-year deal worth $2 million with free agent forward Jiri Hudler.
After losing in the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, the Dallas Stars are one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup in 2016-17. They also just added a potentially huge piece, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News, who reports the Stars have agreed to a one-year deal with free agent forward Jiri Hudler. Hudler’s contract is reportedly worth $2 million.
If this is true, Hudler could be a significant piece for the Stars. Despite his age, the 32-year-old forward is still productive, having notched 46 points in 72 games (including 16 goals) a season ago. That’s a decline from his 76 points in 78 games in 2014-15, but it’s still very good. Hudler should be a great fit in the uptempo Stars offense and should thrive playing alongside either Tyler Seguin or Jason Spezza. He could also add some offense to the third line, where he’d help Cody Eakin provide more offense.
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The Stars already have an excellent offense, leading the NHL in goals scored last season. Adding Hudler should make an already explosive offense even better. Hudler should be able to fill in on any of the Stars top three forward lines as one of the NHL’s best playmakers. And while he likely won’t repeat his numbers from 2014-15 anytime soon, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he passes the 50-point plateau.
Hudler has 417 points over 676 career games. He has played seven seasons for the Detroit Red Wings, four seasons for the Calgary Flames, and one season with the Florida Panthers. He has 42 points in 83 playoff games, including 14 points in 22 games during the Red Wings’ Stanley Cup run in 2008. Hudler had eight points in 11 games during the Flames’ playoff run in 2014-15. He also had one point in six playoff games last year with the Panthers.