Things are really starting to heat up around the NHL now.
The Florida Panthers have acquired forward Jiri Hudler from the Calgary Flames for a second-round pick in 2016 and a fourth-round pick in 2018, per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.
Hudler has 10 goals and 35 points in 53 games this season. He’s in the final year of his contract.
The 32-year-old has put up some decent number (10 goals, 35 points) this season, but he’s just one year removed from a terrific season that saw him score 31 goals and 76 points in 78 games.
Put this trade in the category of deals that make sense for both sides.
The Panthers, who are first in the Atlantic Division, add some more scoring to their top two lines and they didn’t have to mortgage much of their future to do it.
Florida will be without top line forward Jonathan Huberdeau (upper body) for the next little while. He’s been moved to the injured list and is still day-to-day right now.
The fact that Hudler and Jaromir Jagr are both from the Czech Republic is just an added bonus.
The Flames, who probably won’t be in the playoffs, were able to ship out Hudler’s expiring contract while adding a quality pick in 2016 and another pick down the line.