REPORT: Red Wings Hudler may have signed to play in Russia

July 8, 12:56 PMDetroit Red Wings ExaminerMike Mouat

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Jiri Hudler

Ansar Khan of mlive.com is reporting that there is a possibility that Jiri Hudler has signed a contract to play for Moscow Dynamo of the Continental Hockey League in Russia.

If the report is true, then the Red Wings would have to find a second or third line winger and have approximately $1.5-million to spend to remain under the salary cap. Any amount higher than that would require the Red Wings to move a player off their roster, which is a possibility they faced if they signed Hudler.

In fact a trade is probably the best scenario available to the Red Wings at this point as it would allow them to move one of the eight defenseman on their roster, fill a need on the wing and allow them to determine how much contract they can take back in the deal.

Hudler had filed for arbitration on Sunday, and by doing so negated the opportunity to receive offers from other NHL clubs, and thus indicating his desire to remain with the Red Wings. So the report of his signing in Russia is a bit of a surprise.

The only things left to be determined through negotiation or the arbitration process was the amount he would be paid and whether it would be a one or two-year term. Hudler made $1.15-million last season while setting career high s in goials (23) and points (57). The Wings were reportedly offering $2.5-million and obviously Hudler was looking for more.

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