Flyers will NOT send Stamkos an Offer Sheet, Exploring other Options

2nd Time using this Picture, stay quiet!

T Panotch just let the air out of the tires letting every eagerly, excited Flyers fan know that the Flyers are not going to send Steven Stamkos an offer sheet. The offer sheet was rumored to be for 12 years banking Stamkos $115,000,000. Holmgren told Tim that the Flyers would not be submitting an offer sheet, rather that they would make moves when free agency starts tomorrow at noon. Peter Luukko also backed up what Homer said saying that the Flyers will not

Stamkos's most obvious suitor, other than Tampa, looks to be the Toronto Maple Leafs who just two years ago went after Phil Kessel around this time of year.

The Flyers agenda going into free agency remains unknown, however there are thoughts that Erik Cole is one their radar. Cole won the cup in Carolina with Laviolette at the helm.

Another name is Mike Ryder of the champion Boston Bruins. Ryder is a good depth scorer who can play on the powerplay. He made $4,000,000 last season, a contract signed just one year removed from when the sniper notched 30 goals. This season Ryder tallied 18 goals and 41 points in 79 games.

The Flyers may look at an old face to fill a spot down the middle. Michal Handzus's name has been buzzing around lately. Handzus is a strong checking line center who has spent the last three seasons with the Kings.

Eklund just tweeted that the Flyers may be in on Jaromir Jagr, and with that we have the Free Agent Frenzy that is the reason for the season. Enjoy All!

Free Agent Sleeper: Kyle Wellwood

Say that Stamkos is not in the Flyers future and Ville Leino is not re-signed. The team sits with four centers in Daniel Briere, Claude Giroux, Brayden Schenn, and Blair Betts. Schenn, despite his talent, has not played a full season in the NHL and Betts has faltered in the faceoff circle of late. In the minors the team has Ben Holmstrom, Jon Kalinski, and late bloomer Matt Read. But this team needs experience upfront badly and there may be one guy who can bridge the gap and fill the holes that come.



That answer may lie in Kyle Wellwood of the San Jose Sharks.Wellwood is set to become an unrestricted free agent after making less than 700k last season. He is leaving the Sharks after just one season since signing as a free agent after playing two seasons in Vancouver.

Wellwood started his career in Toronto, where he spent three season registering over 100 points. The 28 year old plays a two way game and is plenty capable of scoring, tallying 18 goals during the 2008-09 season. He can also log time on the penalty kill to fill the void left when the Flyers traded Darroll Powe.

Signing Wellwood to a multi-year deal would work out great as after next season the Windsor native could take over as the Flyers fourth line center when Blair Betts's contract expires. Kyle's younger brother Eric is a Flyers prospect, he played 3 games with the Flyers last season logging 1 assist. Eric could play along side his brother to form a shut down pairing on that 4th line.

Wellwood seems like a great fit, he can play most situation, cut down Schenn's workload and be yet another scoring threat for this team. His price tag should be low considering he only played 35 games with the San Jose Sharks last season, not because of injury rather he wasn't signed until the 17th of January. He still went on to log 13 points and put up an astounding plus/minus rating of + 10.

Rumor: Steven Stamkos spotted in Sea Isle Yesterday

There is a rumor flying around that EA Sports' cover by, Steven Stamkos, was in Sea Isle, New Jersey yesterday looking at houses. This news coming just hours after the Flyers mulling over whether to give Stamkos a 12 year $115 million offer sheet as he sets to become a restricted free agent.

Sea Isle is located just over an hour from Philadelphia and merely 50 minutes from the Voorhees Flyers Skatezone, where the Flyers practice. The city was in the headlines recently as Jeff Carter boarded up the windows and doors of his house in Sea Isle after being traded to Columbus. Many Flyers players reside in Sea Isle during the offseason, even Dennis Seidenberg of the champion Boston Bruins kept his place down there after leaving the team.

The area is great in Sea Isle very little distractions and right on the beach. Stamkos could just be looking for a vacation home, but remember his resides in Tampa Bay right now. Doesn't make sense right?

Story originally broke on 610 WIP, a radio station out of Philly. Let me know what you guys think/hear, either comment below or tweet me @FlyersFire

Flyers to Offer Stamkos a 12 year deal

Reports are now blooming about the Flyers prepariong to offer Tampa Bay's restricted free agent Steven Stamkos a 12 year deal worth $115,000,000. If signed the deal would have Stamkos's cap hit sitting around $9,580,000 per season. Remember if Stamkos signs the Flyers offer Tampa Bay still has a week to match or decline the deal.

As of right now the Flyers have upwards of $6,700,000 dollars in cap space and during the offseason they can go 10% over the cap. Leaving the team with over $13,000,000 in cap space as of right now. With Stamkos deal against the cap the team would be about $2,800,000 over the cap.

Answers to Stamkos, Leino, Schenn, Homer and More

There is a lot of questions being asked ever since last Thursday's blow up, when Flyers GM Paul Holmgren traded away what was formerly the club's core in Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. In this post I will attempt to give you answers to all the questions I've heard since that cloudy June day turned bright for some and putrid for others.

If Holmgren can trade Jeff Carter and Mike Richards away without warning, after signing them to long term deals, why would any free agent ever want to sign in Philadelphia?

I don't see these deals a rupturing any kind of reputation that the Flyers organization or Paul Holmgren has built. Multiple time there had been reports on how Mike Richards was separating himself from the team, and along with him, his best friend Jeff Carter. In a championship locker room that does not happen. Multiple reporters covering the Flyers came out soon after the trades saying that the locker room atmosphere got a lot better. (Sam Carchidi)

Players and more importantly their agents understood why the Flyers made these moves. There should not be the slightest shiver as a free agent puts pen to paper to become a Flyer.

Why does Ville Leino want so much money? He's not worth $4 million.

Leino is set to be an unrestricted free agent on Friday, the Flyers eagerly want a contract done by then. There were reports that Leino's group turned down two offers from the Flyers during the season, also reports of Ville wanting around $4,000,000.

The Salary Cap just jumped up $5,000,000 and players are taking advantage of it, look at Brooks Laich and Kevin Bieska's new deals. Leino has been a valuable piece to this team, both during the regular season and the playoffs. That combined with his attitude and work ethic, versatility of playing any forward position; and you have a guy who could easily grab upwards of $4,000,000 on the open market.

Can we trade Shelley already?

I understand where you are coming from Shelley has not been a vital piece to this organization and he does have a cap hit that looks larger under the microscope the Flyers are dealing with. Shelley is a respected player both in the locker room and on the ice. He won't be leaving town until his contract is up, and don't ask if he can play in the Phantoms.

Are the Flyers after Stamkos?

Yes, they will fight it out with just about 29 other teams to get the talented 21 year old sniper. Stamkos is a generational talent that now team can afford to pass up on given the chance to get him. Already a Richard Trophy winner Stamkos is a restricted free agent and head to free agency. If he signs an offer sheet, and Tampa declines to match, the likely compensation a team would pay is 4 1st rounders.

How are the Lightning going to handle Stamkos heading into July 1st?

Sides aren't close on reaching a deal with just 2 days remaining until Steven Stamkos hits the open market. While Tampa Bay Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is ready for anything he will not lose Stam without a fight.

In a talk with the Tampa Tribune's Erik Erlendsson, he had pointed out that Yzerman and Stamkos's group are in what seems to be a "chicken fight." Stamkos's agent is holding the massive offer sheet deals rumored as a wedge to prop the soon to be free agent's price up as high as he can get it. He also mentioned that Yzerman has gotten the green light to match any offer, if he sees it as acceptable of course.

Will Brayden Schenn play in the NHL next season?

Brayden Schenn is currently entering the second year of his entry level contract worth $3,100,000. The 19 year old, 5th overall pick in the 2009 draft spent all of last season with the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL. He did fit in 7 games with the Manchester Monarchs of the AHL tallying 7 points in 7 games, along with 2 points in 8 games with the LA Kings.

The question of if he stays with the team of not depends solely on what they do over the course of the next few days. If a new free agent center comes into town be prepared to see Schenn, Adirondack. If not he has a great shot of making the team with Darroll Powe gone. He does have the skill to make the jump.

Can Couturier compete for an NHL spot this year?

Falling to the Fyers at 8th overall many see Sean Couturier as the steal of the draft. Set to go number one overall, Sean was stricken with mono and lost some of his strength. Then sure-handed Ryan Nugent-Hopkins emerged and stole his spotlight.

Couturier is listed at 6'3" 193 lbs, with makes him a frail center with a big frame and plenty of room to grow. His skill level can only grow in the next few months as he gears up for his shot at making the club, right now his level stands around code dirty. He will compete and most likely stick around for a cup of tea in the orange and black but then be sent back the the QMJHL for the duration of the season.

What's going on with Sean O'Donnell?

He was set to retire at the end of last season but Pronger talked him back into playing, Being a key contributor on the blueline this season OD is either pumped or worn out. There is interest around the league in his services but at 39 the journey-man will want to stay put. The Flyers know this and so he is most likely the least of their worries.

What is the value of our goalies?

Since Bryzgalov is signed away for nine years there is a lot talk about clearing cap to improve other positions. One way to do this is to trade away Leighton or Bobrovsky or both.

I doubt any team is ready to jump on Leighton, after all he did clear waivers without any takers. He could play a back up role or hang around in the minors like last season. Bobrovsky should have several suitors if his name were to be put on the trade block. Tampa Bay and Florida are both in need of a top goaltender and have plenty of cap space to delve into. Those would be my top two place to look.

Photo: 3 of a Kind

New Flyers: Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and Jakub Voracek try on the Orange and Black.

Flyers Sign Nodl & Sestito, Trade Powe

Today the Flyers sign two upcoming stars, Tom Sestito and Andreas Nodl to new deals. Both were set to be restricted free agents, if unqualified today would have become unrestricted free agents come July 1st. These two are expected to make up the Flyers 4th line along with Betts next season. The Flyers currently sit with over $6.7M in cap space after Nodl's deal. (Cap)

Darroll Powe, also a RFA, was sent to Minnesota today in a trade that had to be done as the Flyers hoped to get any value they could for their soon to be UFA. The team got great return on Powe getting a 3rd round pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Powe was a 4th liner capable of play center or winger and also a top contributor on the PK.

Sestito was acquired in a trade last season that sent Flyers first pick in the 2010 draft, Michael Chaput, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sestito is a big 6'5" guy who can drop the gloves and score goals. Nodl played throughout the line up nearing 20 goals, he can also play on the PK.

The Flyers also sent qualifying offer to Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds and Jon Kalinski; meaning they stay RFAs. Offers were not sent to Dan Carcillo, Stefan Legein, Garrett Klotz and Brain Stewart making them all UFAs.

Newest Flyers pick their Numbers

Yzerman Handcuffed by Tampa Bay's $30 Million Lost

On May 2nd Forbes released an artice entitled "Tampa Bay Lightning To Post Huge Loss This Year Despite Stanley Cup Run". Where Mike Ozanian breaks down how Tampa went so far this year and still will post a pre-tax loss of $30M. Here's a piece from that article.

But the Lightning will still post a pretax loss of around $30 million even if they reach the finals, according to a person familiar with the Lightning’s finances. In large part this is because the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, which began with the 2005-06 season. Playoff teams must pay the N.H.L. a low six-figure fee to help cover the league’s costs to produce the playoffs, including expenses for travel, marketing and officiating. The fees increase each round. Also, teams are required to contribute part of their playoff ticket revenue to the N.H.L.’s revenue-sharing program, which redistributes money to the financially weaker teams.

This puts sophomore GM Steve Yzerman in a tough position. Although his team has upwards of $23M to spend before hitting the new $64.3M salary cap ceiling, the contracts he has to sign may not go over well with the people whose money he's spending.

It came out a few days ago that the Lightning were not going to be able to re-sign Simon Gagne, despite reports all throughout the year that they were planning on it. Now they have to turn their attention to Steven Stamkos, who is said to want around $7M per season. This is something that the Lightning clearly cannot commit to, they already give too much money to too many players on the team.

Lightning's highest paid players by 2011-12 Salaries:
Vincent Lecavalier - 10M
Martin St. Louis - 5.5M
Ryan Malone - 5.5M
Mattias Ohlund - 5.5M
Eric Brewer - 3.85M
Pavel Kubina - 3.5M

Also factor in that they Lightning have just 13 of the 20 players they need to fill their NHL roster signed. Lightning free agents include Stamkos, Ted Purcell, Simon Gagne, Sean Bergenheim, Adam Hall, Bruno Gervais, Matt Smaby, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Randy Jones, Mike Smith and Dwayne Roloson. The next thing to look at is 2012 free agents, for Tampa this list includes Victor Hedman, Pavel Kubina, Steve Downie, Domonic Moore, Dana Tyrell and Brent Clark.

If this organization is losing money and soon all of its players if Stamkos is signed to a deal worth $7M per, why would they sign Stamkos?

The question sounds stupid but this game is more than just cap space and how many stars a team can fit within their share. There are teams in the league not as lucky as they Flyers, Tampa is one of them. It is unknown what kind of budget they are working with right now, but there is a chance that Stamkos and a 20 man roster may not fit together.

Tampa Bay has to be in a bit of a crisis already without a goalie with significant NHL experience signed for next season. Add a 50 goal scorer's reluctance to sign and Yzerman may do something drastic. The Lightning are in a position where Stamkos leaving on an offer sheet only hurts them. With a majority of their team in the ladder years of their careers Tampa needs players who can play in the league now to stay competitive.

This plays right into the Flyers' hand. The Flyers have two NHL ready goalies, Leighton and Bob, who won't be put to much use while Bryzgalov is manning the pipes. They also have prospects down the middle out of nowhere, in the acquisition of Schenn and drafting Couturier and Cousins. Add that with the ownership of all their future first round picks and the Flyers could put together a solid offer to send Stevie Y before July 1st.

Don't rule out the chance of getting Stamkos, Philly.
And god bless Cap Geek.

Flyers Draft Day 2

68th Overall Nick Cousins // Center // Sault Ste. Marie // OHL
Cousins was the first of many St. Marie's stars to go in the third round. At 5'11 Nick is average size for a center man. He plays a pesty game but also posted 68 points in 68 games, also scratching out 5 points in 7 games at the World-U18 games this year. His game could use some work but he is a stellar pick in the 3rd round.  Follow him on Twitter @Cous27. Yahoo Q&A: Link   NHL Profile: Link 



116th Overall Colin Suellentrop // Defense // Oshawa // OHL
Suellentrop is a 6'2" defenseman who plays a gritty defensive game. He is not scared to drop the gloves either, but Suellentrop is responsible averaging 70 penalty minutes in his past two years of junior play. Scouting reports suggest he needs polish.

118 Overall Marcel Noebels // Left Wing // Seattle // WHL
Noebels had a great first year of junior with Seattle registering 28 goals and 54 points in 66 games. The -11 suggests he needs to work on his game at both ends, keep in mind his team was the 3rd worst in the WHL last season. Noebels will continue in juniors next season.

176th Overall Petr Placek // Right Wing //  Hotchkiss // CT High School
Placek has the potential to be a huge steal. The young winger stands in at 6'4", 200 lbs and plays a smart game. Scouts rave about his intelligence and mentality. Some even saw him going in the first round, luckily he feel to Philly in the late 6th.

206 Overall Derek Mathers // Right Winger // Peterborough // OHL
Mathers is known for being a fighter with Peterborough. At 6'3" 226 he is NHL ready size-wise. Without any further ramblings, THIS:

Couturier talks with NHL Hot Stove

This is from a conference call last night with the Flyers 8th overall pick, Sean Couturier. Article by Dave Strehle.

Cout has a great mentality and wot a great frame at 6'3" and hockey sense he could make this team right out of the gate. It's a wonder why this kid fell, not only the steal of the draft but possibly the bes player in the draft.

Flyers take Sean Couturier with the 8th Overall Pick

Once thought to be the number one pick in the draft, Sean Couturier fell to the 8th overall pick in the NHL draft and the Flyer bit. Couturier logged two consecutive 96 points seasons in the QMJHLfor Drummondville.

When asked if he thought the center man would be available at their pick Homer said: “No, we didn’t,” Holmgren said. “But it’s certainly something we thought about. We’re excited. We’re happy we were able to draft Sean.”

Couturier will look to fill the role left by Carter in the years to come. He is a two-way center with great offensive potential and speed.

Reports

MyNHLDraft.com's Ryan Jaret
One of top player makers in this years draft, Speed and stick skills make him a threat to score whenever hes on the ice. Solid 2-way player who shows commitment to defensive end.


NHL Central Scouting's Chris Bordeleau
“At his size, he'll be hard to pass up in the draft. He possesses a very good work ethic and he's out there for every important faceoff. He's very responsible in the defensive aspect of the game -- a rare quality for such a young player in junior hockey."

NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards
“Sean has excellent puckhandling and playmaking ability; he sees the ice and reads the play very well . . . He's extremely smart and gets himself into good scoring position. He plays a solid two-way game and is very responsible defensively.”

Flyers eying Tampa Bay's Steven Stamkos

He's practically already in with the Flyers. harhar.

Without cap space or without Stamkos? This is a question that we should have the answer to soon. Tampa Bay GM Steve Yzerman is faced with potentially losing his star center, Steven Stamkos, and he may look for a good return as soon as tonight.

One thing that really took me by surprise is that Eric Brewer was signed to an extension today before Stamkos. Look at the way that Holmgren handled Bryzgalov, nothing else went forward until a deal was reached and signed. Look at the way Montreal went after Markov first and foremost. Now Yzerman has seemed to move on and is now going after some of his other free agents.

I can only see this meaning one of two things: Stamkos is signed and they are waiting to announce it or a deal between the two sides cannot be reached and Yzerman and his staff have moved on.

I have also heard that Stamkos does not want to re-sign in Tampa Bay. I am unsure of why that is. Could be because of the team's direction or the weight he carries there. Sources are disclosed.

If it is the latter of the two cases above, who and what will the Flyers likely have to give up for the 21 year old sniper? Brayden Schenn's name has been thrown around, after all the Lightning will have to fill his position as the second line center. Sergei Bobrovsky seems like the obvious guess, the Lightning need a goalie and Bob is clearly available now that Bryzgalov is signed for 9 years.

Draft picks will also play a big role if a deal is made. The Flyers currently hold the 8th overall pick in this year's draft, along with all of their future 1sts. There has been talk of the Flyers moving up into the top three and with that then moving their potential top three pick in a deal that would involve Stamkos.

The Tampa Bay fan is looking at this situation saying "we have over $23M -with Brewer signed- what is everyone making such a big deal about? Stamkos will sign and then we'll get to the rest of the team."

Who is the rest of the team? Tampa Bay's defense, though heroic in the playoffs, lacks stability and has little potential outside of Hedman. The goaltending is a huge question mark with both Dwayne Roloson and Mike Smith set to be UFAs.

If Holmgren has said anything in the past two days it's that there is no quick fix that lasts for years. Tampa sees this and thinks they might have to sacrifice now to make a better team for the future. Yzerman is at a crossroads knowing that he does not have many prospects and may see Stamkos as a way to build his team up at every position.

Claude Giroux reacts to the Trades

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The Hangover Part 3: Flyers Edition

What happened?
Why is Mike Richards wearing a Kings jersey?
Don't freak out, but Ilya Bryzgalov is handing out free money.
WHAT?! Jeff Carter's highlights hardly go with that Blue Jackets jersey!

Here's a look at yesterday's moves the Flyers made, in case you feel like you were roofied.

The Flyers blew the house down yesterday making three blockbuster deals in what seemed like 10 minutes. It started with Jeff Carter being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, then out of absolute darkness the Flyers captain Mike Richards was sent to the LA Kings, all followed by Bryzgalov signing a deal that will keep him in Philly for his career.

Jeff Carter to Columbus

Around 4pm et yesterday, new broke that the Flyers had fianlly moved the former 40 goal scorer, Jeff Carter, to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Carter will take on a huge roll with the team, he will be their top center and looked at to help propel them into the post season for only what would be the 2nd time in franchise history.

Voracek is known for is Blonde Locks

In return the Flyers got exactly what they needed, a young winger in Jakub Voracek and two draft picks. Voracek was drafted 7th overall in 2007 by the Blue Jackets, since he has played four season gathering 134 points in 241 games. The Slovakian winger plays a play-making style similar to that of Claude Giroux. Voracek a logged 95 of his career point by way of the assist. He will play great aside a group like JvR and Giroux similar to the role that Zherdev held in the playoffs this past spring. He will be 22 in August and is a restricted free agent.

The Flyers also acquired the 8th overall and 116th overall picks in this year's draft. There is also much rumor that the Flyers are very keen om Gabriel Landeskog a winger who resides as the captain Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. He is set to go in the top five, one if not both of these picks could go by 8pm tonight.



Mike Richards to Los Angeles

Just minutes after the Carter deal rumor broke the Mike Richards was being sent to the Los Angeles Kings. This became true as soon as it was rumored. Richards, like Carter, will take over a the top center in Los Angeles and likely play aside Dustin Brown, who plays a similar style to Richy.

The Flyers got great return on the 26 year old, they grabbed highly touted prospect Brayden Schenn who is the younger brother of the Leafs Luke Schenn along with Wayne Simmonds who plays one of the most fun games to watch in the league. Brayden at just 19 is heavily compared to Richards in the he plays a two-way game and scores a ton. Drafted 5th overall in 2009 by the Kings, Schenn has played 9 games in the NHL registering just 2 points. His upside is astounding however, he tallied 99 points in 59 games in his last season of juniors, 2009-10. He is signed for 3 years at $3.1M.

Teammates Status

Wayne Simmonds plays an in your face, all out, Philadelphia style of hockey. He doesn't get on ESPN's top ten but he will win you games.Simmonds was drafted 61st overall in 2007 by the Kings and has played 3 seasons with the Kings logging 93 points. The Ontario native is an ideal 3rd liner who excels at both ends of the ice and can play on both the penalty kill and the power play. The soon to be 23 year old is now a restricted free agent due for a raise from his $800K he made last season.




Ilya Bryzgalov Signs on for 9 years

Just after the two deals put many fans in a tizzy, the Flyers went ahead and secured the net minder of their future. Bryzgalov had finally signed his deal netting him $51M over 9 years, at a great cap hit of just $5.6M. Holmgren on Bobrovsky's Future: "Last time I checked you need two goalies to play."

The RFAs
 
This leaves the Flyers with over $7.5M to spend getting this team signed. Ville Leino, as addressed last night by Holmgren, is the Flyers main target - he will be an unrestricted free agent come July 1st. While the newly acquired Simmonds and Voracek are both looking for new contracts as they are set to be restricted free agents. Don't forget about Powe, Carcillo and Nodl who all seem like they will re-signed as restricted free agents as well.

Leino, Simmonds and Voracek all seem to be around the $2M+ range. Powe, Nodl and Carcillo sit around $1M. Meaning signing all won't fit. Another move could be made, all is spectulation now but the Flyers may move another forward to move up in the draft and snag Landeskog.

Here's is the RFA Compensation Bracket. If any team signs a Flyers RFA based on the contract signed - if the Flyers decline to match it - this is what the Flyers would receive.

The Draft is on VS tonight, don't miss out by drinking anything Alan gives you.

Flyers Lock Up Ilya Bryzgalov for 9 Years

The deal is worth  $ 51M a cap hit of $ 5.6M for all nine years.

Bryzgalov is entering his seventh full NHL, but at 30 years old this may be his biggest yet. There are huge expectations and demands for this team who won't settle for anything less than a cup. Many feel the Russian goaltender has all the answers.

In his past four seasons in Phoenix, Bryzgalov stunned critics and his former team - the Anaheim Duck - who put him on waivers back in 2007. Last season his number fell a bit but so did the play of the Yotes defense. Regardless Bryz managed to put up a goals against average under 2.5 and tied his career best with a .921 save percentage.

In the past two seasons Ilya's Coyotes were dismantled by the always ready Detroit Red Wings. Don;t blame Bryzgalov, his defense was reminiscent of the Flyers versus the Bruins this past May. With a new team in front of him watch out for Bryzgalov as he attempts to set new career highs and tear down already sky-rocking expectations.

The Flyers have some moves to make now. Expect a trade to happen at the draft on Friday. Until then tweet me @FlyersFire, Comment in the box below or on the sidebar of every page, or send me an e-mail at Codywilliamgray@gmail.com.

Mike Richards traded to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds

Just after Carter was traded, rumors busted that Mike Richards was headed to Los Angeles. The deal involving the Flyers captain brought back a polished return.

Stolen from Selver :3

Los Angeles gets
Mike Richards

Philadelphia gets
Brayden Schenn
Wayne Simmonds
2011 2nd round pick

Schenn is making 3.1M while Simmonds is another restricted free agent. Schenn has always been compared to a younger Mike Richards. The Flyers have gained 3 picks today, they could be moved.

Jeff Carter traded to Columbus for Voracek

Around 4pm news broke that the Flyers had traded their star center Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a trade that was rumored to happen for months.

Columbus gets
Jeff Carter

Philadelphia gets
Jakub Voracek
1st round pick (8th overall)
3rd round pick

Paul Holmgren made his first of many deals moving Carter and his 11 year $5.272M contract.

Voracek is set to be a restricted free agent making $1.25M last season. The Flyers can protect him by filing for arbitration. With the 8th overall pick the Flyers will likely go after a defensman.

Rumor Round-Up: Top Flyers Rumors entering the Draft

This Friday Minnesota will hold the NHL Entry Draft where as the league says stars of tomorrow are born. But this Friday be sure to look out for more than just the draftees. Multiple trades may go down including a possible 5 in the top 10 picks, not including the teams trying to squeeze into the top 10.

The Maple Leafs have said that they want to move up from the 25th pick in the draft, they also hold the 30th. Ever since the Oilers nabbed the 1st overall pick there has been rumors that they may look to trade it. The Isles (5th overall), Sens (6th) and Blue Jackets (8th) are both are thought to want to move their top 10 pick. While the Jets may want to move up from their seat at 7th overall to grab a Canadian-born offenseman such as Ryan Strome or Jonathan Huberdeau. At 10th overall the Wild are in defenseman country, but as GM Chuck Fletcher has said, he does not like taking defenseman high in the draft.

The Flyers have been all the talk as of late, Bryzgalov is signed/unsigned and overpaid/under-appreciated and everyone knows Jeff Carter sucks/is one of the most gifted players in the game. So who will be in and who will be out?

First let's analyze what was said above. The Flyers have not been rumored to have been talking to the Isles, Sens, Wild or Oilers. While they have history with the Leafs, who hold the Flyers first overall pick at 25, and rumors have been flying round about a possible trade with the now-or-never Columbus organization.

The Jets are rumored to be looking to move defenseman Zach Bogosian, he could be in a package deal for someone. The 21 year old is set to make upwards of 3 million next season so he is most likely not on the Flyers short list.

The Wild are rumored to be shopping defenseman Brett Burns, who could fly onto the Flyers radar if the team sends away Matt Carle. Carle is rumored to be an option that the Blue Jackets may explore.

Columbus is looking for a big splash this summer, their GM has already announced their want for a solid defenseman come July 1st , when free agency starts, and a bolstered offense. Earlier in the offseason a deal involving Jeff Carter was being tossed around and so far nothing has stuck, but sides are said to be very close. As I said earlier Matt Carle is on Columbus's radar, the team needs defense and he may be on guy who they could be able to get out of the Flyers, if not Carter. The Flyers have interest in moving up in the draft, they stand to have their first pick in the 3rd round, they are looking into the 8th overall pick which would land them a top-notch defensive prospects.

Braydon Coburn is hailing a lot of attention, as he should. Cobi is set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer and the Flyers will have their hands full with Versteeg, JvR and Carle all become free agents as well. I don't Coburn being moved for anything less than an outstanding offer, like that of Carter.

From my friend at @HockeyBreak, when I asked what was happening with Leino and if it all depended on Bryzgalov, he responded that yes it did in fact rely on Bryzgalov. Expect if the Flyers have the money and make a move at the draft or by July 1st that they will pursue Leino.

Bryzgalov's deal is very unclear at this point. Many speculating that it will around 6-7 million and a length upwards of at least 5 years. The deal is set to be done by July 1st, no worries.

This undoubtedly throws Bobrovsky's name into the rumor mill. Speculation is that Florida, who will lose Tomas Vokoun this summer, and Columbus, who is not pleased with Steve Mason at the helm. More will come as the details to Bryzgalov's deal are released.

Laperriere among Finalists for Masterton Trophy

Each year the NHL awards the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the sport of hockey. The award is named after Bill Masterton, who died from an injury he suffered during a game and is the only player in NHL history to die as a direct result of an on-ice incident during a game.

The Flyers Ian Laperriere was announced as a finalist for the Bill Masterton Award. He was award the nomination as well as Ray Emery, who returned to net this season after a potential career ending hip injury, and Daymond Langkow who missed a year due to a spinal cord injury after being hit with a shot by his on player in the 2009-10 season.

Every Flyers fan knows about what Lappy gave to the team on and off the ice. Lets hope this one goes out to a guy who gave his all, even when he had nothing left to give.



Predictions:
Hart - Perry
Vezina - Rinne
Selke - Kesler
Adams - Trotz
Calder - Grabner
Byng - St. Louis

Shut Up and Watch This

If I must reiterate the goal of this Flyers team is to win the Stanley Cup. Let's look back on how this team hasn't accomplished this in recent attempts. 2010 the Flyers make it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, and their goaltending fell apart.

NHL Salary Cap to Tend to Flyers Needs

It's been reported through out the past month that the NHL salary cap may be raised greatly from where it now sits at 58 million. Today endless tweets are raining down that the cap will be bumped up to 64 million, a increase of 5 million. And what team does this help the most? How about our Philadelphia Flyers who are struggling to move salaries to make room for Ilya Bryzgalov. Not anymore?

This helps the Flyers out in every way. Now they can sign Bryzgalov to what is expected to be a 5 million dollar contract - the two sides meet again tomorrow - and still be cap compliant. However, tight up against the cap is not where the Flyers want to be this season. Jvr, Coburn, Carle and Versteeg all need new contracts next summer. And this summer Leino, Nodl, Powe, O'Donnell and Carcillo are waiting on their renewals.

Seeing this situation someone still has to be on the move, but there is a bright side to this. The salary cap bumped up 5 million meaning the cap floor - how much a team must spend- also raised. Now teams must spend 48 million on their players salaries. Right now there are 19 teams whose players payroll is under the league minimum 48 million, list at bottom.

Moving players with big contract gets that much easier for the Flyers as now teams have to bulk up their salary responsibly. This could mean jumping on some of the Flyers who are on the trade block and whose value just went up.

Many are speculating that Nodl, Powe and Carcillo will now be in the team's target as they look to lock up some of their own free agents. Leino has also gained some steam as the team can now consider bring back their first line winger, who already said he would take a pay-cut to hang around Philly.

Teams Under 48M: Kings(47) Canucks(45) Sabres(44) Sens(44) Habs(42) Rangers(42) Leafs(41) Predators(40) Blues(39) Stars(38) JACKETS(37) Oilers(37) Lightning(37) Islanders(36) Jets(35) Avs(32) Coyotes(31) Hurricanes(31) PANTHERS(18)

Keep in mind these teams do not have a full 20 man roster, most teams around 40M+ should reach 48M by signing a full 20 man roster. Still look at Columbus at 37M and Florida at just 18M.

With the 8th Overall Pick in the 2011 Entry Draft the Flyers Select

If the rumors are true that the Flyers are considering a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets that would send Jeff Carter to Columbus for playmaking-winger Jacob Voracek and the 8th overall pick in this year's draft, this is who the Flyers might target.

First we need the first seven picks out of the way.
1) Edmonton selects Ryan Nuggent-Hopkins
2) Colorado selects Adam Larsson
3) Florida selects Ryan Strome
4) New Jersey selects Gabriel Landeskog
5) NY Islanders select Dougie Hamilton
6) Ottawa selects Jonathan Huberdeau
7) Winnipeg selects Sean Couturier

And with the 8th overall pick in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in Minnesota the Philadelphia Flyers... are looking at a few good defenseman who are still one the board.

Ryan Murphy - Kitchener - an offensive defenseman whose game is comparable to Mike Green.
Nathan Beaulieu - Saint John - an offensive defenseman much like Murphy, comparable to Dan Boyle.
Duncan Siemens - Saskatoon - stay at home defenseman who compares to a young Jay Bouwmeester.


After much deliberation the Flyers select 6'3" defenseman Duncan Siemens. Siemens fits well into the group of prospects the Flyers have in their system right now. The Flyers have seen a lot of Siemens as they have sent scouts to see Adam Morrison, their first pick in 2009 who also plays in Saskatoon.

Now the Flyers have three solid two-way defensemen Erik Gustafsson, Joonas Lehtivuori and Kevin Marshall; a promising offensive defenseman in Marc-Andre Bourdon; and now stay-at-home defenseman Duncan Siemens.

Right now the Flyers have 6 defenseman on their roster: Pronger, Timonen, Carle, Coburn, Meszaros and Bartulis. However, go a year into the future and Coburn and Carle are free agents. Another year, Bartulis and Timonen are free agents. Three years from now, Meszaros will be a free agent. Prospects are at a premium for the Flyers in the next few years.

Siemens could play right away, he has a great frame and plays a smart game. He is considered a stay-at-home player but he did rack up 43 in 72 games last year in the WHL. He possesses a great shot and can play all special teams.

The NHL draft is June 24th on VS USA.

Has Bryzgalov been Signed?

Don't hold your breathe waiting on the answer.

Not because the Flyers don't plan on signing him. In fact it has been reported that the negotiations are going smoothly and Bryzgalov looks to possibly already been unofficially signed. Here tpanotch giving a great look into why we won't know about a deal between the Flyers and Bryzgalov before June 30th.

Here’s the rub: it’s entirely possible that the Flyers already have the framework for a deal with Bryzgalov, but it’s unfinished. Even if the deal got done this weekend, the Flyers can’t announce it until June 30.

Why? Because this is where the tagging issue comes in under the CBA. The new salary cap is slated to be announced on June 30. At present, the Flyers have less than $450,000 in cap space for next season under the current cap ceiling of $59.4 million.

Once Bryzgalov signs the contract, the Flyers have to move players and money because they would exceed the tagging space for next season. It has been reported the cap will rise to between $62.2 and $63.5 million for next season.

Also, it’s to Holmgren’s advantage not to announce a deal until he trades a player or players. That way, other clubs don’t hold the Flyers up to ransom, knowing they have to be cap compliant.

Stop me if I'm going too far but a deal may very well already be in place and the Flyers now hold the ultimate advantage in the trade market. As now they will be the only ones knwoing their cap situation, while other teams will not know if Bryzgalov is even signed.

Maybe I'm losing my mind. Maybe all these capgeek cap calculator are taking their toll. But here are some of @BryzGoalie30's tweet translated to English: (Both Today)


"Negotiations, negotiations, negotiations."

"Wait for the news! Soon, soon"

More to come...

Flyers brass meeting with Bryzgalov a Success

Despite the shot to their reputation.

Yesterday the Flyers top target, Ilya Bryzgalov, flew in from his native Russia. He was quickly greet by Ed Snider's personal jet which was flown to Washington to greet the goaltender. The Flyers organization met with the 30 year old Bryzgalov and his agent Rich Winter today.

Of the first to met with Bryzgalov was goalie coach Jeff Reese. Reese has dealt with Boucher, Bobrovsky, Leighton, Johan Backlund and Ray Emery over the course of the past two seasons - I'm sure he's glad to see an accomplished goaltender walk though his doors. Reese had this to say about Bryz.

 “He seems like a really pleasant, easy going guy and he has very good perspective on the game,” Reese said. “If we sign him, I think we’ll be able to get along great. I was impressed with him.”

According to Tim Panaccio the meeting between the Flyers and Bryzgalov went into the night, ending recently inferring that all was going well and Bryzgalov will hopefully be signed by draft day, June 24th.

Many proposed trade rumors circle around picks in the is upcoming draft, making the Flyers deal with Bryzgalov rushed at the moment. Bryz has to be signed before any of the other wheels start moving, wheels that will likely include one of Matt Carle, Jeff Carter, or Kris Versteeg.

This may be premature but my guess would be if Bryzgalov isn't signed by June 24th the Flyers will move on. This could mean the Flyers shifting their attention to a Jonathan Bernier or Steve Mason, both of whom have been rumored to be just outside the Flyers target which now rests on Bryzgalov.

More to come...

Congratulations to Mark Recchi on an Amazing Career!

First off I should congratulate the Boston Bruins in their great resiliency this playoff run and winning Lord Stanley.

Recchi, thank you for all you contributions and play over your 22 years in the National Hockey, including your 10 seasons with the Flyers where you set the single-season points record with 123 points in '92-'93.

Through out my childhood, in my eary days as a fan, I remember watch guys like Recchi, Roenick, and LeClair. What a great time it was to grow up a Flyers fans. Here's to the glory days.

Flyers Sergei Bobrovsky now Caught in Swirling Trade Rumors

Just as recent as this winter, Sergei Bobrovsky was touted as the Flyers goaltender of the future. However a treacherous spring campaign seemed to completely relinquish and hope the Flyers brass had that Bob would be their starter come October.

This is an unfair picture.

Only a month after the Flyers were swept by the Boston Bruins in their second round playoff match up the organization took a step in solidifying their presence in net. The team traded for the rights of the top free agent netminder in this year's market, Ilya Bryzgalov, who spent four seasons with the Phoenix Coyotes.

From an instant everyone wondered how the Flyers could manipulate their roster to allow room for Bryzgalov to fit soundly seeing as he wants to be paid upwards of 5 million. Then the question of length wore on, how long will Bryzgalov want or more important how long do the Flyers want him in Philly?

Here is a quote from Bryzgalov's stolen right from the recorder of Sam Carchidi himself:

"I am pleased the Flyers thought enough of me to make the trade with the Coyotes," Bryzgalov said in a statement. "Philadelphia is a great city, a great organization, and a great team with a rich history. I am looking forward to meeting with Paul Holmgren to discuss the possibility of us working together for many years to come."

So say both the Flyers and Bryzgalov decide that a long term deal is for the best, what will happen to young 23 year old Sergei Bobrovsky?

Bobrovsky had a stellar rookie campaign clocking out with 28 wins and a 2.59 goals against average. (It wasn't until Bryzgalov's eighth year in the league that he reached that plateau.) There is always a market for a young goalie with stellar potential, so if the Flyers decide to move him there will be plenty of suitors making for a hefty return.

Up until I started writing this I could not find any reason why the Flyers would start picking away at their core to sign this Bryzgalov fellow. But as I sit back and think about Bryzgalov's gaudy numbers, excellent positioning and above average speed, I can only wonder how long it would take young Sergei Bobrovsky to get to his level of play.

The Flyers organization, as I criticized in my last post, has been completely neglecting their future. Maybe this will be the start of them dishing out the present and reaching for the always uncertain future.

Florida Panthers

Tallon as GM of the Hawks.

If Bobrovsky goes their will be plenty of suitors, as stated earlier. The main team I look to is the Florida Panthers. The Panthers and new GM Dale Tallon have been accurately or inaccurately  connected to the Flyers Kris Versteeg. Tallon traded for Versteeg and watched him grow into the player he is today. Florida also does have a former Blackhawk on their roster, Jack Skille.

The second reason I would expect Florida to be in the running, their star goaltender Tomas Vokoun is set to be an unrestricted free agent. The Panthers have Scott Clemmensen signed but he's a backup at this point in his career, they also have their top prospect Jacob Markstrom signed, however he has just one game of NHL experience. Bobrovsky would undoubtedly become the top goalie in Florida for years to come.

The potential deal may include Sergei Bobrovsky and Kris Versteeg for a young defenseman, given the 2012 Flyers free agent class, and a draft pick Florida a top pick, which I would be shocked if they moved. The Flyers need any draft picks at this point with their first pick coming in the 4th round of this year's draft.

Columbus Blue Jackets

A team the continues to come up in Flyers trade rumors is the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Blue Jackets are and have been since drafting Rick Nash in 2002 searching for a top line center man to compliment Nash. The rumor of Jeff Carter heading to the Columbus Blue Jackets came about ast offseason and is back again this one.

Now Bobrovsky's name is coming up in the rumor as well. Last week it came out that the Flyers top target was Steve Mason, Columbus's goaltender, but they could not reach a deal with the team and decided to move onto to Ilya Bryzgalov. As the chain continues the Flyers may send both Jeff Carter and Sergei Bobrovsky to Columbus for what presumably would be Jacob Voracek, Steve Mason, and a 1st rounder.

I will cover this rumor and any others further as more develops.

Letter of Complaint to Paul Holmgren

Holmgren served as Assistant GM from 1999-2006.

The Flyers had until June 1st to sign many of their prospects to deals to keep them within the rights of the organization. Of those left unsigned were Joacim Eriksson, Simon Bertilsson, Nicola Riopel and David Labrecque. This cements the theory that Paul Holmgren has very little clue of how to develop talent.

It is very hard to be angry at a guy who has brought in guys like Chris Pronger and Andrej Meszaros and re-signed core players like Claude Giroux, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. But this is getting old.

The depth in the Flyers Organization is nearing an all time low. Paul Holmgren has traded 27 draft picks in just five years since becoming general manager. Through sell on young talent and consistently neglecting the draft the Flyers prospects system has become one of the worst in the league.

A small bit of confusion was planted in Flyers fans minds when Paul Holmgren traded Micheal Ratchuk, a captain at Michigan, to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Stefan Legein, who quit hockey after being drafted. The next season he traded his top pick in the 2010 draft Michael Chaput, also to Columbus.

Even trades at the NHL level have been suspect at times. The trade that sent Scott Upshall and a 3rd round pick to Phoenix for Dan Carcillo was absolutely terrible and reared it's head to hurt the Flyers as they fell in the first round to the Pittsburgh Penguins later that year.

Once again, it is very tough to call Homer out on anything. After all, he took a tragic situation and turned it into a perennial winner. The one problem, and I'm sure I'm not alone on this, would be his constant neglect to the farm system.

Off of Broad: Ryan Kesler was a Flyer

Off of Broad is a section where Ice on Broad Street leaves it domain and wonders onto other teams avenues. In this section news from throughout the NHL will appear. Look for the title and tune in.

Ryan Kesler has shot up the ranks and become not only a top scorer but also one of the most recognized two way players in the game. Now playing in the Stanley Cup Finals with the Vancouver Canucks, Ryan has tallied 19 points in 23 post season games this spring. But at one point the Flyers had signed Ryan Kesler to a contract.

On September 12th 2006 the Flyers had announce they had signed a young center man, then a restricted free agent, by the name of Ryan Kesler to an offer sheet. Here's some of the Flyers release that morning. From the Flyers official Website post on 9/12/06.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced that they have signed 6'2", 195-pound center Ryan Kesler to a one-year offer sheet, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke. Per club policy, financial terms were not disclosed.

"The Flyers have signed a one-year offer sheet with Group Two restricted free agent forward Ryan Kesler," said Clarke in making the announcement. "The Vancouver Canucks have the option to match the offer or to take a second round pick from the Flyers in next year's NHL Entry Draft. Obviously, being a Group Two free agent gives Vancouver a week to decide whether or not they want to match our offer."

At that point Kesler was just 22 years old and fighting for a chance in the NHL with only one season under his belt. Kesler accepted the offer sheet and was just a week away from becoming a Flyer and completing a trio of center men that would also include Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. Everything was going smooth, the Flyers had signed the potential all-star center to a one-year deal and only had to spare a 2nd round pick.

Kesler was drafted 23rd overall in 2003 by the Vancouver Canucks

There was very much uproar from around the sporting world. Hockey fans everywhere doubting the salary cap error and asking for justice. Some fans even calling for the Canucks to do fight fire with fire and sign Joni Pitkanen or Jeff Carter (down the road) to an offer sheet.

Many Canucks fans feared that Kesler would get away from the organization as the Flyers signed him to a 1.9 million dollar deal. A deal that may though Nonis and the Canucks would be reluctant to match. But just days later Nonis fired back matching the Flyers offer on one of his top commodities for the future.

This was the first time that this was utilized in great extent and therefore there was a large backlash for the Flyers as they were labelled as attempting to "steal" Kesler. Even though they were playing within the rule set by the NHL and the NHLPA.

We've seen this recently, as just a few years back, as the then financially hand-cuffed Buffalo Sabres were forced to spend top dollar to match the Edmonton Oilers off sheet to young winger Thomas Vanek. The move was just about as well played as can be, Tambellini took a shot just as the Sabres were losing Drury and Briere. This was thought to be the start of something big, bidding wars for RFAs.

Sadly for some and happily for others the NHL owners and general managers aren't that conniving, or they just haven't seen the benfits. One or the other.

Back on topic, Kesler has since signed a six year extension and is set to be with the potential cup winning Vancouver Canucks for another five seasons after this spring's run ends.

Flyers Power Rankings 6/12/11

I'm going to start doing this every couple of weeks. I'll rank the Flyers individual members in different categories depending on the season.

For the offseason I rate the players on:
Fans Support
Most Previous Season
Trade Value
Situation*

Flyers Free Agency: The Case of Darroll Powe

Darroll Powe is factor at both ends of the ice.

Name Darroll Powe
Age 25
Position Winger
Roles Penalty Killer
Status Restricted Free Agent

Cases For:
Top penalty killer
Lead energy player
Explosive Speed
Can play with any line
Can play against any line

Cases Against:
Lack of points production
Wealth of replacements
Could sign for more in open market
Tightness of Salary Cap

If you recall Powe was a restrict free agent last years as well. The Flyers worked a deal for $725,700. There are two thing iI look at that could stop them from doing that again this summer.
1) Powe's one year deal was to see if he would develop further.
2) Powe will seek a bigger paycheck.

The easiest option is to try to get Powe on another one year deal. At that point his and Betts's contracts will expire at the same time and the Flyers can make a complete decision on to where to go and who with on that 4th line.

If re-signed, Powe would fit nicely aside either Giroux and Van Riemsdyk or Richards and Versteeg/Carter. He may have to due to the free agents.

Flyers Combos As of Now
Hartnell -- Briere -- Leino(UFA)
van Riemsdyk -- Giroux -- Carter
Zherdev(UFA) -- Richards -- Versteeg
Powe(RFA) -- Betts -- Carcillo(RFA)


Fan Vote: "Would You Re-Sign Darroll Powe?"60% Yes  40% NO

If not Carter then Who?

In my last post I talked about the possibility of Jeff Carter being traded away to make space for Ilya Bryzgalov, who was acquired on Tuesday. Several reporters have said what many Flyers fans hate to hear, and that is the Flyers organization will try their best to not trade Carter.

Holmgren has said in the past when these rumors had come up that Carter is part of the core of the team and he will not look to trade him. Right now is the biggest test to those words. The Flyers are in huge need of a goalie and some salary cap relief. But if Homer stands by his words who or whom may be destine for another team?

1) The easiest guy to pin is winger Kris Versteeg. He has only been with the Flyers for half a season, and a somewhat disappointing one at that. Steeger is set to make 3 million next season in the last year of his contract with the Flyers. Given the small chance that the Flyers will be able to resign him makes him an easy out.

2) Running in a close and very similar second is Matt Carle. Carle had a great season this past year but he failed to set himself apart from Meszaros or Coburn. Next summer Carle and Coburn will be free agents, given that Coburn is younger and has more tenure he will likely be the one they decide to keep a hold of. Meaning Carle may be in his last season as a Flyer, much like that of Versteeg.

3) Set to be an unrestricted free agent, Ville Leino wil most likely not be coming back. This won't provide any cap relief but is a glaring side-effect of signing Bryzgalov and trying to keep Carter. Leino made under 1 milliom the past two seasons.

4) Another option to explore is the cap relief that the retiring of Ian Laperriere would bring to the Flyers. It sounds sad, but that's the NHL that we live in today. One of the most loved Flyers may be asked to hang up the skates in order to give his team a better chance at a championship. Lappy is in the last year of his contract set to make 1.15 million.

More rumors will undoubtedly come out as time progresses and headlines set away from the Stanley Cup Finals. I did read an article in my last post that the Carter for Voracek deal would happen, if at all, at the draft.

Rumor making Jeff Carter blue as Bryz joins the team

What seemed like just minutes after the Flyers acquired Ilya Bryzgalov, Jeff Carter's name was already swirling around in endless trade rumors. Many of which did not withstand through any pressure. But there is one that has risen to become a legitimate possibility if the Flyers have to trade their star center.

Background
The Flyers have 5 centers on contract right now: Carter, Briere, Richards, Giroux and Betts. Even though Giroux and Briere have been known to play at the wing they are both much more effective in the middle.

Then the salary cap. Bryz apparently want to be paid at least $6,000,000 and the Flyers only have very little to spend without any free agent -such as Leino Nodl or O'Donnell- signed.

Carter is set to make 5 million each season for the next 11 season if the Flyers retain him. However they only have until July 1st to move him as his No Movement Clause kicks in then.

Rumors
Here we are at last, faced with the actual possibility that Holmgren may send Carter packing. The one rumor that keeps coming up is Jeff Carter to Columbus.

Philadelphia Gets:
Jakub Voracek - 21 year old, Right Winger
1st round pick in 2011 Draft (8th Overall)

Columbus Gets:
Jeff Carter - 26 year old, Center

The Flyers would get a restricted free agent who is set for a pay raise, but on the flip side Voracek has a wealth of potential. Drafted 7th overall in 2007, Voracek is a 6'1" winger with a great frame and an admirable playmaking ability - logging 95 assists in his three professional seasons.

This may be hard to imagine but Homer may actually trade for a draft pick. Considering he's trade 27 of them away since become GM this is news-worthy material.

News
CBJ GM has top target on Carter
Carter to Columbus

Flyers Acquired the Rights to Bryzgalov

The Flyers have trade Phantoms' enforcer Matt Clarkson and their 2012 third round draft pick to the Phoenix Coyotes for goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov. Bryz is set to be a UFA on July 1st, a deal must be reached before that point or Bryzgalov will become available to sign with any team without any compensation.