While the season enters the final stages, for some teams the preparations for next season are well underway and the Red Wings are already making themselves better. According to Chris McCosky at The Detroit News, Jiri Hudler is officially returning to North America for at least two years.
General manager Ken Holland confirmed Monday afternoon that Hudler will earn $2.75 million next season and $3 million in 2011-12, making his salary cap hit $2.875 million.
As for the expectations from Hudler, head coach Mike Babcock is setting them pretty high.
“Well, I think it’s 70 points. That’s 70 points we didn’t have. That’s a second power-play unit that can score. It’s more goals for everyone because of the plays he can make."Huds is gonna be committed. He’ll go and he’ll train all summer long, and he’ll come back in great shape, and he’ll be all fired up. We’re going to give him an opportunity to be a top-six forward. He’s gotta show he can be one, and we’ll see what happens.”