The Calgary Flames are getting calls on pending UFA winger Jiri Hudler, whom I don’t think is likely to sign an extension.
The 32-year-old Czech scored 31 goals last season but has struggled with just six so far this season.
Still, for the right price he’d be a nice top-six add for a contender.
It’ll be interesting to see who’s in the mix for Hudler. Panthers GM Dale Tallon is on record saying he wants to acquire a goalscorer by the trade deadline and Hudler’s former team, the Detroit Red Wings, have struggled on offense lately (and were called out by veteran leader Pavel Datsyuk for it.)
Granted, this year has been tough for Hudler. After a very nice start -- 10 points in his first 12 games -- he slogged through November and December, but seems to be rounding back into form, with four points in his last four games.
Hudler’s in the last of a four-year, $16 million deal with a $4M average annual cap hit.