The Detroit Red Wings have lost forward Jiri Hudler to Moscow Dynamo of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League

The Detroit Red Wings have lost forward Jiri Hudler to Moscow Dynamo of Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League. The 25-year-0ld signed a two-year deal for a dollar amount that the Red Wings could not meet. The 25-year-old scored a career high 23 goals and 57 points last season and will be missed by a Detroit team that also lost high-scorer Marian Hossa.

Details about the move from Detroit beat writers can be found by clicking here and here.

This certainly appears to be a move that was unavoidable by Detroit due to the team’s proximity to the salary cap ceiling. Will be interesting to see if more players head to Russia in future seasons as teams run out of space to sign their RFAs to fair deals. For now, do you have any ideas about how will the Red Wings fill the whole (or holes, counting Hossa) in the lineup?

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun ponders futures for Sergei Zubov, Anton Babchuk

ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun’s most recent article focuses heavily on the Ducks’ signing of Saku Koivu. However, if you keep reading, there is some discussion regarding Sergei Zubov. LeBrun says that Zubov is being considred by as many as six or seven teams, possibly including the New York Rangers.

LeBrun also says that the Carolina Hurricanes are not close to a contract with RFA Anton Babchuk (the defenseman quietly netted 16 goals last season – I’m surprised, to be honest). The stalemate may lead the team to seek a trade of the 25-year-old.

Anaheim Ducks keep core in place, bring in Koivu to play with Selanne

NHL.com has a feature story explaining how, with the Chris Pronger trade coupled with moves like the recent signing of forward Saku Koivu, Anaheim Ducks GM Bob Murray is reshaping his team while keeping most of the core in place. Check out the article by clicking here. (As an editorial comment, I’m not sure if I agree completely, as Pronger was a huge piece of the Ducks puzzle and I think he’ll be missed next season.)

Another NHL.com article (click here) explains that although the general thought was that Koivu would sign with the Minnesota Wild to play with younger brother Mikko, Koivu instead decided to play alongside longtime friend and countryman Teemu Selanne. The article also notes that Koivu turned down a reported multiyear offer from the Wild.