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.
