As the Detroit Red Wings prepared for this season it was believed their offensive depth would be significantly improved by the return of former Wings forward Jiri Hudler.

The 26-year-old Czech winger had spent last season playing in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) due to a contract dispute with Wings management but after his KHL team folded Hudler accepted the terms of a two year, $2.875 million per season deal and returned to Detroit.

Optimism over Hudler's contributions were justified entering this season. He'd made steady improvement since joining the Red Wings full time in 2006-07, from 25 points in his rookie year to 42 in his sophomore season (helping the Wings win the Stanley Cup in 2008 with 14 points in 22 playoff games) to his 23-goal, 57-point effort in 2008-09, his final year with the Wings prior to his one-year sabbatical in the KHL, where he netted 54 points in as many games.

Red Wings head coach Mike Babcock last summer suggested the returning Hudler was capable of reaching the 70-point range this season, but thus far Babcock's prediction has been well off the mark.

In 27 games this season Hudler has managed only one goal, 7 points and a plus-minus of -7, the first time in his NHL career he's been a minus player.

More than a few folks, including Babcock, GM Ken Holland and Hudler himself, are baffled by his poor performance.

"The concern for me when players go to the KHL is, it's different ice, different work habits, games are not as intense," general manager Ken Holland told The Detroit Free Press. "You have to work harder here. Mike Babcock and I felt there'd be a bit of adjustment for him to come back. Huds didn't have a very good start, and then things just kind of snowballed."

Yes, the KHL game is different from the NHL's, and Hudler would have to adapt to the Red Wings style, but it's not as though he's never played the Wings system before. More than one observer, including yours truly, suggested Hudler would have no problem because he'd played their system for three years and knew what to expect.

Whatever the reason, Hudler's performance thus far has fallen well short of expectations.

To their credit, Holland and Babcock both expressed confidence in Hudler, expressing their shared opinion he should regain his form as the season progresses, although making him a healthy scratch in four recent games suggests their patience may be wearing thin.

The Wings of course can afford to be patient. They're current battling with the Dallas Stars for top spot in the Western Conference, their roster is healthier than it was a year ago, and despite a ten-game stretch where they've gone 4-4-2 in December could be considered a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.

If however Hudler woes continue and the Wings should also find themselves struggling near the trade deadline it's possible he could become a trade candidate.

For now the Wings will continue to be patient with Hudler and hope for a strong second half turnaround.