Turn the clock back 1 year ago to July 2010. The Atlanta Thrashers just completed a trade with the Blackhawks which many consider a brilliant move by Dudley. However, Atlanta is considered a small market team and operates with a lower budget than most teams. Colby Armstrong and Clarke MacArthur were not resigned mostly due to economics when both players could come to an agreement with the Thrashers. Toronto was fortunate to acquire both players.
Dudley is no stranger to small budgets during his stay with Tampa and Florida. With Toronto, Dudley is now part of a management team that is not afraid to spend money on players. Although it may seem ironic that MacArthur would have signed for more money than what was offered last year, no one can say Clarke MacArthur did not deserve it. With Atlanta, Dudley had to make tough calls on who would stay or go. The depth with the Atlanta Thrashers allowed the team to let both players walk away and replace them from within. It was a hockey & business decision. Sometimes, business decisions take more precedence over hockey ones. Armstrong and MacArthur should feel safe as long as they can contribute to the team success.
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