| NAME: |
Jiri Hudler |
| NHL/AHL: |
Detroit Red Wings / Grand Rapids Griffins |
| POSITION: |
Center |
| HT: |
5-10 |
| WT: |
180 |
| BIRTHDATE: |
January 4, 1984 |
| BIRTHPLACE: |
Olomouc, Czech Rep. |
| MLN FAB50 RANKINGS |
2005 FAB50: 23 |
| DRAFT: |
Detroit Red Wings , 2002, 2nd Round, 58th OA |
| SHOOTS: |
Left |
It's not a question of "will" Jiri Hudler (No. 23 in the 2005 MLN FAB50) eventually play for the team that drafted him, the Detroit Red Wings. It's more an issue of when, with the proof lying in his dynamic production.
Now in his third season with Grand Rapids, the Red Wings' 2002 second-round selection (58th overall) has taken the American Hockey League (AHL) by storm, making it his personal playground.
Through his first 54 games this year, Hudler has toyed with opponents by racking up 28 goals and 73 points, a total that ranked third in the league at the time.
"There's never been a question about his talent or abilities," Griffins coach Greg Ireland said. "The organization is just looking for that consistency out of him. He has minimized his down periods, and that's the whole key to being a pro hockey player. I really like the maturation that he has shown, and he definitely has come a long way."
Hudler's dominance was magnified in a game against the Cleveland Barons in mid-February when he notched an eye-popping five assists, tying a franchise record. The performance epitomized what is in his offensive bag of tricks -- slick skates, soft hands and a vision of the ice surface few possess.
"He's a guy that gets excited about offense and putting points up," Ireland said. "He likes to be the go-to guy."
This breakout season has been helped immensely by a clearer focus, something that was lacking last year when the Czech Republic native was pre-occupied with his father's health issues, as well as his own ankle ailment.
"I feel more confident this year," said the 22-year-old Hudler, who is on pace to eclipse the Grand Rapids franchise mark of 101 points set in 1996-97 by Michel Picard. "I'm able to just concentrate on hockey. That's all I care about now."
The left winger got his first taste of the NHL in 2003-04, collecting three points in 12 games for Detroit. He also played in four games with the Red Wings earlier this season when forward Robert Lang went down with a groin injury.
Those brief appearances helped Hudler realize that he could compete at a high level if he improves his play in the defensive end, and becomes even more aware of both offensive and defensive responsibilities.
"I'm getting better with all of that," Hudler said. "Now I know what's going on."
A knock on Hudler has been his grit and determination, but Ireland refutes that, saying the 5-10, 185-pounder hasn't shied away from any rough stuff this season.
"Sometimes where people miss the boat on the size issue is how well you compete," he said, referencing successful but diminutive New Jersey Devils forwards Scott Gomez and Brian Gionta. "The most important thing for Jiri is to go to the hard areas, and compete in those areas to produce points."
Hudler scored his first NHL goal against the Buffalo Sabres in 2003, and still has the puck commemorating the accomplishment. He is hoping more rubber disks will be making their way to his mantle soon.
"I need to compete every shift, but I also need a bit of luck," he said with a slight wink and nod of the head. "We'll just see."
- Bob Matuszak
