Now that I had a couple of hours to reflect on what has happened in Philadelphia, I still like the deal for all 3 teams involved.
I know, it sounds crazy that the team gets better with trading arguably 2 of their best players, but I still think Flyers will.
Nothing against Carter and Richards ,both top notch talent and a force of nature, but couple of things have happened with these trade.
Flyers:
I heard rumors that there were issues in the locker room between Richards, Pronger and the coach. Never a good sign. So things needed to happen. But who knows.
Flyers free up playing time and salary for their players. They must really believe in JVR and Giroux, they really wanted Briere, Hartnell line to get more time.
Yes they are no longer as deep as they were, but they got a top notch tallent back in Voracek and Schen. I really like Voracek , if not this year, expect the break out in 2012 for sure and Schen according to some, is the next Mike Richards or better. As i said remains to be seen (oh plus they got the top pick - 8th overall this year and there are about 10 quality NHLrs in the top 10). Do not discard Simmonds and Bryzgalov in that mix. And lets not forget about all the salary they moved and how much stuff Holmgren can do with it. He is a risk taker and I respect hm for that.
Couple of thoughts on Bryz: love the guy. What I like: big goalie and I think he is the flyers type of goalie. I like the cap hit, but 9 years is a bit much.
What I am afraid of: if Flyers need a month or 2 to adjust, can Bryz do it by himself to win the fans over.
LA Kings:
got a great 1A center to compliment Kopitar. nice 1-2 punch to say the least. Remains to be seen who will line up with who on the wings.
Blue Jackets:
got a bonifide top Center for Nash. I know both are shoot first players (and that did not work in Calgary before), but somehow I feel we are in for the treat this year, as we watch Cls play.
Amazingly enough all 3 team got what they needed. I am still very excited about this trade and hear more is coming before or on July 1st.
rumor has it Paul Stastny is on the block. Not sure if Rangers are in play, but i am drooling a bit over Gaborik with Stastny line. (well one can dream, cant I?)
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You have to give credit where credit is due. As was just starting to psych myself about Fridays NHL Entry draft, i stumbled on the huge news out of Philadelphia. In the span of 30 minutes one of the top teams in the East, transformed itself into a completely different team. Possibly well suited for a long and healthy runs deep into the playoffs. They send arguably 2 of their best forward out and in return got some of the best prospects in hockey and some picks.
http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=369796It is debatable if these moves are right ones or not. Only time will tell. But you have to admit Paul Homgren got some big kahunas. I do not remember deals of these magnitude done in the NHL at all. These franchise changing deals will be remembered in Flyers's history for the rest of time. Good or Bad.
