Forward Jiri Hudler isn't expected to return to the Detroit Red Wings next season, but that doesn't mean the team isn't making an effort re-sign him. The Red Wings would like to bring Hudler back, but he seems set on hitting free agency and getting a big payday.
According to MLive's Ansar Khan, Red Wings general manager Ken Holland spoke to Hudler's agent on Monday. Holland also spoke with Hudler's agent during the NHL Draft, but it doesn't sound like any real progress has been made on a new deal.
"He's interested in staying. We're interested if a number works," Holland said. "We're not where he wants to be (salary-wise)."
Probably the only scenario that would see Hudler re-sign with the Red Wings is if he hits the open market and doesn't get an offer with the kind of money he is looking for. The Red Wings don't want to overpay to keep Hudler, which is why he is expected to land elsewhere. If something happened where no lucrative offers came his way, then perhaps he could re-sign, but that is really an unlikely scenario.
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