Hudler signs contract with Dynamo Moscow

Quick update before I have to attend to some things throughout the day...

Hudler has been rumored to have signed a deal with a team in the KHL. Cause for concern? A little bit. But, all this really does is give Hudler more leverage in negotiating. Another team is not going to trade for him now with this coming out and this forces the Wings into a corner in negotiations. Either they pay him or he has another option and could just leave the NHL. If anything, it is a really smart business move from Hudler's perspective and it shows Holland that he is not going to get low balled during contract negotiations. I originally thought that he would sign for under $3 million. With this coming out, I think it is very realistic to think that he becomes one of the few Red Wings who are overpaid and signs for more than $3 million.

Stay tuned on this developing story.

UPDATE: It looks like Hudler is gone. Abdelkader is all but assured to be on our team now and this opens the door for Ritola, Ryan Oulhaen, Evan McGrath and recently acquired Jeremy Williams to have a shot as the #12/13 forward on the team. I would expect Holland to go out and sign another forward. Instead of the Travis Moen-type that I had been coveting, Holland needs to replace some of the offense he has lost. Look out for a Mike Comrie signing if he accepts an offer of $2 million or a little less. He has plenty of skill and his attitude problems could be fixed with Babcock and our veteran leadership. Plus, he has ties to the area having played at Michigan. For a list of other available free agents, Kyle has you covered.

-I was hoping to start posting regularly again tomorrow, but that is probably not possible with funerals and family gatherings to attend. More than likely, posting will be irregular until Monday or Tuesday with just quick and brief posts on various topics. I have not been able to watch much sports recently and won't be able to for a few more days still.