Jiri Hudler to miss 1 week

Jiri Hudler missed Monday’s practice and Tuesday night’s game against the Tampa Bay Lightning with an undisclosed “lower body injury” that he received in Calgary’s 4-0 win at Colorado. Sportsnet’s Roger Millions was at Flames practice today and got the info on what’s ailing Hudler:

Jiri Hudler’s groin injury will sideline him for a week. Says Bob Hartley.. Will watch his progress. #Flames

— Roger Millions (@RogMillions) January 6, 2016

Jiri Hudler has been struggling this season and maybe a little rest time will help Hudler reassess his game. Jiri is in the last year of a contract that pays him $4 million dollars and his production has noticably slipped. Hudler started the season on the top line with Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan, but has since found himself skating on the third line and even abscent from the power play. Mason Raymond stepped into Hudler’s place in the lineup Tuesday night and played very well. Expect to see a lot more of Raymond in the next week. Hudler’s groin injury could be beneficial to both players as Hudler gets some time to think and Raymond gets a chance to show what he’s got.

The Flames next play on Thursday night at the Saddledome against the Phoenix Coyotes.

by Mark Parkinson