
From the Detroit Free Press:
“That’s 70 points we didn’t have. That’s a second power-play unit that can score. It’s more goals for everyone because of the plays he can make. Huds is gonna be committed. He’ll go and he’ll train all summer long, and he’ll come back in great shape, and he’ll be all fired up. We’re going to give him an opportunity to be a top-six forward. He’s gotta show he can be one, and we’ll see what happens.”
Hudler highest total before leaving for the KHL was 57 in 2008-09, but he was averaging under 14 minutes per game at the time. Aside from his game evolving since then and that he is entering his prime, a spot in the top six likely means a spot on a line with either Datsyuk or Zetterberg.
In past years, Hudler spent most of his regular shifts on the third line, mainly with Filppula at centre and either Cleary or Samuelsson on the other wing. He was always one of their key power-play players, but always on the second unit.
The thing with this prediction is that I’m still not sure if Detroit has plans to add some more offense through free agency. That decision will depend on what happens with UFAs Tomas Holmstrom and Todd Bertuzzi, and RFAs Drew Miller, Patrick Eaves and Darren Helm. I think Helm, Holmstrom and Eaves are locks to return, while Bertuzzi has stated he wants to, but it’s going to depend on cash. I don’t think Drew Miller should be the shoe-in that everyone in Detroit thinks he is; he was good, but the Wings need more scoring from their third and fourth lines.