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Calgary Flames

2014-15 Flames report cards: Jiri Hudler

Today is a special day. Not only is it Jiri Hudler's report card day, but it's also Father's Day. We can't think of anyone who embodies the fatherly spirit more than Sean and Johnny's dad.

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When Jiri Hudler was signed back in July of 2012, it turned a lot of heads. Mostly for the $4M for four years contract, as at the time, it seemed to not address some more prominent issues with the team. Regardless, it didn’t take long for me to admire and really appreciate the type of skill Hudler has: something that is echoed repeatedly among Red Wings fans, writers, and folks close to Detroit.

What stands out more than anything is his elevated role each and every season since coming to Calgary. Within that is a nurturing father figure who has helped transition a number of the rookies on the team into regular members, and helped develop their skills at a pro-level. We saw the effects of what Hudler could bring to Sean Monahan’s game briefly last season making a noticeable difference.

This season? It was with Sean and Calder nominee Johnny Gaudreau. The trio became one of the most effective lines in the latter half of the season. The newly formed top line of the Calgary Flames was led by Hudler’s calm but excited demeanor of enjoying playing with “the kids”. Prior to that, you could see earlier in the season the impact of his play on Josh Jooris, as well as Markus Granlund. His appreciation for playing with and mentoring the kids has been incredibly crucial these past two seasons.

His offensive instincts and playmaking abilities allowed his sons to set some miraculous numbers. But not only that, Hudler set career marks this year with 31 goals and 45 assists. Combine that with eight points in 11 playoff games, and he was the team's leading scorer. Away from the standard stats, he is a driver of play for the team and a large chunk of the offense generated this season happened with him on the ice. All of this great play and sportsmanship earned him a nomination for the Lady Byng this year.

Happy Father's Day, Papa Hudler you had one hell of a season:

arii (A):

Mike FAIL (A):

Jiri Hudler is Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau’s father. The family we are watching on the ice, growing in front of us is a beautiful thing. Papa Hudler took the young boys under his wing and they scored lots of points together. What’s even more impressive is the crime solving abilities they possess. I’ve heard they have solved a number of unsolvable crimes in the Calgary-area so kudos to them.

The dude had a career year playing some of his best hockey and his impact on helping rookies is immeasurable. That is to say that he isn’t untouchable if a trade presented itself, it’s just a cautionary tale of, “He is 30, he had a career year. Maybe it’s worthwhile to explore trading him while his value is at its peak.”

HockeyGoalieEh (A+):

saltysyd (A):

ctibs (A+):

LiamPMcCausland (A+):

cofstats (A):

I think it's really clear how we feel and the A average is completely justified. Next season is the final year of his four year contract, will he stay or will he go? Hopefully he continues to put up great numbers as the youth around him grows. This season it's fair to say he became irreplaceable in the lineup and the Flames benefited from having him.

Seriously, look at this happy little family:

by Mike Pfeil