Archive for July, 2009

First of all, I want to thank “Captain Insano” from the FMB for the title idea. Thanks bud. Marian Hossa’ contract isn’t the only one being scrutinized by the NHL. An NHL source told SportingNews.com that the league is investigating Philadelphia’s 7-year deal with Chris Pronger to see if it circumvented the CBA and salary cap. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed the investigation of Pronger’s contract in an e-mail to SportingNews.com. Daly said Pronger’s contract was being investigated for the same reasons as Hossa’s deal. On Thursday night, the Ottawa Sun reported that the NHL was looking into the [...]

As I sit to write this installment of The New Blood, I have come to realize a couple of things. 1. I’m not sure if Brian Boucher should be considered, “New Blood” since this will be his third tour of duty with the Flyers organization, 2. I honestly never knew that Brian was a 1st round draft pick back in 1995 by the Flyers, 3. Brian Boucher is a pretty darn good net minder. Most people probably missed his second tour with the Flyers since it was spent entirely with the Phantoms (23-16-1, .917 save%, 2.47 gaa). Then we traded [...]

Now as we’ve heard before this move for an affordable defense man is to open up room for depth at right wing. In one of our late night chats, Paul and I spoke about who the Flyers should bring in to fill the position. We mostly discussed Petr Sykora and Miroslav Satan. Paul liked the latter more than the former and I would have to agree for the same reasons but why only look at these two guys to fill that spot? Sykora disappeared in the playoffs last year to the point where Pittsburgh kept him a healthy scratch to [...]

Paul had reported the possibility of the signing of former Colombus defense-man Ole-Kristian Tollefson pending a physical. Today while checking a few of my favorite sites a found a small story. Paul Holmgren was contacted about the trade by a reporter for Philly.com about a possible contract and Holmgren said “He (Tollefson) is only one of many free agents we are interested in.” So much for that. Oh wait, if I recall correctly, almost every free agent that has been signed under Homer’s reign as GM was “one of many we are interested in.” I would still expect to see [...]

When I got on the computer last night and saw the news that former Flyers left wing John LeClair was to be inducted to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame, my only thought was finally. Finally they recognized the amazing things he did in his career and for the city of Philadelphia. I know that I’m not the only person who loved his time here, or the line that he was famous for. Who could forget that massive line of Eric Lindros, 6’4″ 244 lbs, Mikael Renberg, 6’2″ 220lbs, and John Leclair, 6’3″ 235 lbs. There is no doubt the [...]

I was really hoping to hear some news from the Flyers today about Tollefsen, but still no word other than some speculation over the kind of contract he was offered. I’d be happy just hearing whether or not he passed his physical. Also, the Lightning are looking to buy out Vaclav “Vinnie” Prospal’s contract. They’re just waiting to hear if he wants to be put on waivers first. Okay, first of all, who “wants” to be put on waivers? I know some of the Flyers faithful would love to see players put on waivers, cough Jones cough, but noone ever “wants” [...]

I had originally planned to close this series with Mike Richards, but, browsing across the net last night and reading some reviews on the young captain made me change my mind. I decided to do a three part series on him instead. In fact, after studying up on him more and more it actually changed my mind on my favorite Flyer. Ever since I can remember watching hockey, I always loved the scorers so naturally Simon Gagne has been my favorite for a while now. Then along came Richards, full of stamina and spirit for the game, born to lead. [...]

First of all, I have to say I felt a bit of respect yesterday when I browsed in to a thread on the Flyers Official Message Board (where I am a member) and found they were talking about what I had posted. http://forums.philadelphiaflyers.com/index.php?showtopic=13397&st=4040 Of course, it was met with resistance. But, it was just what fellow blogger Justin Everitt and I had chatted about over a late night IM session. It wasn’t a rumor, it wasn’t “insider information” and except for the stats and Kessel’s current availability, it wasn’t fact. Today, however, is another day and this is fact. Free agent [...]