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Jiri Hudler talks about the Red Wings

Thanks to a fantastic interview by Sovetsky Sport's Pavel Lysenkov (and translated by Dmitry Chesnokov, who also blogs for Puck Daddy), we know how the Wings and Jiri Hudler left things through this whole fiasco. Please head over to Puck Daddy to check out the entire interview (it's definitely worth it), but I've highlighted a few quotes below.

I think the interest was generated, first of all, because Jiri Hudler became sort of a rope that the KHL and the NHL management started pulling. Because of you there is a real war!

It wasn't my fight. In my opinion, I know I didn't do anything wrong. I signed a contract with Dynamo. Nobody was cheating. I didn't lie. Detroit was understanding made it easy. They wanted me to be happy and wanted me to be a better player. But the NHL came up with this fight, not Detroit. They started fighting against Dynamo, and not Detroit.

I think it had become clear to Wings' fans that it was the NHL who filed the grievance rather than the Red Wings' organization. I understand why the NHL would want to complain about the KHL signing because of the repercussions it would have for all of the NHL's other restricted free agents, who have filed for arbitration but not yet signed a deal. But it was nice to hear from Jiri that it for sure was not the Wings who initated this fight.

You traveled to Detroit to pack your things etc. How did you say goodbye to the Red Wings? Did they wish you luck?

Ken Holland, the general manager, texted me and said: ‘Good luck this season. We are happy for you. Make sure you work hard every day and improve as a player. Have a great season and life there.' They treated me very good for a player who left. They understand [me]. And they believe I can be a better player.

WIM has given plenty of examples over the last year alone of the classy things this organization has done and this is just another example. I think people would understand if Holland was just pissed off and didn't want to talk to Hudler, but he showed his support and thus preventing the relationship from worsening.

The Q&A I just posted above was followed up by this one:

So it is true then that a lot of players are willing to play for Detroit for less money they could have got elsewhere? Like Datsyuk, for example, who could have made more at another club?

Yes, it is possible, and it has been heard before. They treat players really good there in Detroit. That organization is one of the best in the hockey world. They are classy people. They are no fake. They show great respect for everybody. They do what they say. They treat everybody really good. That's why players like it there and want to be there for a long time.

Need I say anything more about the DRW organization?

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Jason Williams signing!

Good signing He`ll be good on the power play. He can play the point with pretty good speed. That was an area that we could improve upon this year. He is also very good in the shootout something that will help the Wings out this year.

by Jim G Killer Coop on Aug 7, 2009 8:16 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I am still a fan of Hudler. In reality, the offer he got from the KHL was too good to turn down. He’s never going to make $10 million in 2 years untaxed in the NHL. It is still a business, and good luck to Happy. I hope to see him back on the Wings in a few years.

by dewman8810 on Aug 7, 2009 12:38 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hudler

Is probably going to stay in the KHL for a long time until he sees that Kenny Holland has enough salary to pay him the same amount Dynamo is giving him. Otherwise, he’ll stay in the KHL or move to another NHL team. I think signing Williams again will really help us fill the holes of having no Samuelsson and Hudler.

by forever_rednwhite on Aug 9, 2009 11:37 AM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Much love Huds!

I believe Huds is taking the offer for two plain reasons. One – he will be exposed to a different brand of hockey, where he will be surrounded by high-priced talent from the all over Europe. Of course, the second reason is money. He’s won a championship already, why not go make some extra dough while playing in a league like the KHL.

To disagree with dewman8810, I think he will return in two or three years. I think he needs and wants a break from the NHL (reasons stated above), but loves the Wings! This passion for his former team, that treated him with respect and dignity during a tough decision, will grow on him.

by LionsNTigers on Aug 10, 2009 1:19 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Hudler will come back

I think that he will come back, but I think that he could develop more in the NHL (or even AHL) than in the backwards KHL. The level of competition is not as high.

by The Admiral on Aug 11, 2009 2:52 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

This was kind of relieving to read. I like Hudler, and I think he’s a great player. I hope he comes back.

And… o.O Ken Holland texted him…?

Am I the only one struggling with this mental image?—Not just because it’s hard to picture him texting, but doesn’t that seem very impersonal? Like he should have at least called instead?

"Be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness and some have greatness thrust upon them." - (Twelfth Night; Act II, Scene V).

by Hockeytown_ice on Aug 11, 2009 10:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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