Hudler Gets Offer From European Team

[Stripe]

"Holland said forward Jiri Hudler has received an offer from a Russian team. The Wings, however, tendered Hudler, a restricted free agent, his qualifying offer and expect him to sign a one-way contract.

"We'll get him signed and make a decision on him in training camp," Holland said. "Because of waivers, he'll probably start the season on the (Wings), but can play his way off the team, too."

Hudler is out of options, meaning the Wings can't assign him to AHL affiliate Grand Rapids without going through waivers (he'd surely be claimed by another NHL club). So he'll either play in Detroit or get traded, unless he signs with a European team. "

www.mlive.com/sports/statewide/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/1151403020199570.xml&coll=1

[triple]

now that we have news on Hudler, has anyone heard if Kopy, Booter & McDonell recieved offers?

[Glistening Wings]

I figure he'll sign with a European team if he plays himself off of Detroit. I'm with triple, any news on the other three? Not sure about this but does Lebda have to clear waivers to be sent down?

[Stripe]

Lebda does not have to clear waivers this season. No word yet on the other three. Detroit is notoriously tight lipped about announcing transactions.

[titleist]

the other 3 were made offers as far as NHL.com is concerned

[Stripe]

Titleist,

Bootland and Kopecky received qualifying offers, but McDonell fell into a new designation, group VI. As such he was not entitled to a qualifying offer and became an UFA.

[griffan]

What of the possibility of Hudler signing and playing in Europe for a season or 2 and then coming back to the Redwings?

I think it's a step backwards but there have been a few players who have benefitted from it.

Problem I see is Jiri needs to be more physical and better defensively and the European leagues aren't exactly known for developing the defensive forwards.

But, it may be an option if the Wings don't think he can make the roster this season.

Brian