Redwingsfan
Global Moderator
- Jul 15, 2006
- 20,370
- 187
I hope with every fiber of my being this statement is true.
Brad Richards pt 2?
I'd hope your comments wouldn't start a flame war, Ola, but who knows around HF.
I'd disagree. I think the kids got tremendous skill, and is going to succeed at the NHL level far more than Hudler (which isn't to say that Hudler won't eventually get more consistent minutes).
Ask this question when Mueller get's to the big league because for now it's impossibe to answer this.
Hudler dominated every other league he played in outside the NHL, right now he's ok but he's also not getting enough chances, I don't think he'll be a star but I can imagine a career similar to a guy like Ray Whitney or even Martin Straka.
As of now Mueller has a higher value in a trade, but that does't mean he's the better player since we don't really know.
Hudler doesn't have half the drive or tenacity to be a player like Straka. Not in a million years.
Hudler doesn't have half the drive or tenacity to be a player like Straka. Not in a million years.
I totally disagree with your entire first two paragraphs. Hudler was a dominant player last year in Grand Rapids with 96 points. He was the reason MacLean even came close to 60 goals (56 goals I believe). Also look at his previous two years one in which he was brand new to the continent, language and aggresive brand of hockey played here and he still gets 49 points in 57 games in the AHL at 20 years old. His next season he is dealing with injury issues as well as his fathers failling health back in the republic and still manages to put up 34 points in 52 AHL games as well as 7 points in 7 Czech league games while tending to his father. Don MacLean had never had more than 33 goals before and will not ever come close to duplicate the goal output he had with Hudler feeding him in the future.
Hudler has nine goals this year in the NHL (his rookie year) in 49 games while playing only 8:28 average ice time per game. If Hudler was 3 inches talle, 15 pounds heavier this debate would be much closer don't you think?
I have not been overly high on Mueller, but, I would give him the nod over Huds on possible future potential. Mostly because he will be given much more of an opportunity.
Enh, I doubt it. As far as drafted prospects, I'd put Backstrom and Toews ahead of him, and Okposo at about the same level.
Hudler hasn't "dominated" in any North American league. He had three seasons in the AHL, two of which were below a ppg. In this third season, he led his team in points. But, he only had 36 goals and he was on a team with a 50+ goal scorer.
Hudler, IMO, lacks the size, grit, and drive to ever make an impact in the NHL. To me, he looks like the kind of guy who can put up big numbers in the AHL (after a few seasons -when he is older and more experienced than other players in the league) but never do anything in the majors.
Mueller, if the stars align, could be a star.
This is an easy choice. Mueller by a landslide.
im guessing you havent seen him play this.
but dont worry, most wings fan miss it too. If you blink you miss his shifts. He drives the corners, doesnt shy away from the front of the net or physical play given his size. And has 9 goals.
If Babcock didnt think he sucked from the start and limit his ice time, hed be a 2nd liner right now replacing Jason Williams. Who babcock doesnt like either, but seems to reward his crappy play and horrible defensive lapses with Power play time
No way Okposo is at the same level as Mueller. After watching all the WJC USA games in Sweden, there is no doubt that Mueller is a go-to forward type whereas Okposo is more of a cog. No comparison IMO.
And Toews does not have Mueller's offensive touch, although he is all over the ice when he plays.
No way Okposo is at the same level as Mueller. After watching all the WJC USA games in Sweden, there is no doubt that Mueller is a go-to forward type whereas Okposo is more of a cog. No comparison IMO.
And Toews does not have Mueller's offensive touch, although he is all over the ice when he plays.
Brad Richards pt 2?
He's not really much like Richards.
More of a 'B' version of Joe Thornton - nice size, extremely strong on the puck, can slow the game down to his speed and find seams and tear defenses apart with passes most players couldn't even see to make. Can hold onto the puck forever before finding someone in a scoring position, and is dominant on the PP.
I'm probably in the minority but I'd take him over Toews - find him to be a lot more dynamic offensively and a surer bet to be a scoring-line NHL center. Something about Toews has just never said 'elite player' to me, as much as I like his overall game.
im guessing you havent seen him play this.
but dont worry, most wings fan miss it too. If you blink you miss his shifts. He drives the corners, doesnt shy away from the front of the net or physical play given his size. And has 9 goals.
If Babcock didnt think he sucked from the start and limit his ice time, hed be a 2nd liner right now replacing Jason Williams. Who babcock doesnt like either, but seems to reward his crappy play and horrible defensive lapses with Power play time
I totally agree with this. Whether or not Hudler is going to be a scorer in the NHL remains to be seen but for someone to say he lacks drive and grit, you obviously haven't seen him play.
It's not like he's knocking heads out there but this kid is absolutely fearless when going into the corners or against the boards for loose pucks, backing down from noone. I wish half the Wings team played with this fire and desire. Lang would be leading the league in scoring if he played like Hudler.
If Hudler is dealt or is actually given top 2 line minutes it wouldn't be a surprise to me in the least if he becomes a 25+ goal scorer. I actually see him being a grittier, slower version of Slava Kozlov.
Marleau?