Never Too Late to Tinker
I know the Flyers are cash strapped and there’s no cap space to sign anyone (not that there’s anyone out there worth signing). That doesn’t rule out the opportunity for trades, however. As you should know, I write once a week for our NHL site, Too Many Men on the Site. My latest feature was about Bobby Ryan, of the Anaheim Ducks. There were whispers of a trade that would bring him to Phillyearlier this summer, but I haven’t heard anything in a few months. As we know, hockey features significantly more trades than the other major sports, and it can happen almost at any time. I want the Flyers to go hard after Ryan NOW!
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How could this guy not be a perfect fit? He’s local, he’s tough as nails, and he can score some goals. I’m really worried about our lack of depth at the wing position, especially with Gagne leaving the team. I do think that Zherdev will provide some offense, but he’s somewhat streaky. Maybe he’s turned a new leaf, maybe he’ll be better. But Ryan is a proven commodity. He’ll average about 30 goals per season, and it worth about $4-5M per season for at least the next 4-5 seasons.
You may be wondering why he’s on the trading block if he’s a good, young player. Well, right now he’s a restricted free agent, who wants to stay in Anaheim, but they can’t agree on a deal. Training camp is getting closer and closer, and still they have nothing. Sure, he can sign elsewhere and the Ducks will receive compensation. They’re better of dealing him for current players, and knowing what they’re getting, rather than hoping a draft pick develops into a good player. So, what do we have the Anaheim would want?
How about Jeff Carter? I like Carter, and I don’t want to part with him him. However, the Ducks could use a center or a defenseman. We’re not giving up any D after spending all summer building that up to cover for our shitty goaltending. Of the centers, Richards won’t be traded, neither will Giroux. Betts and Lappy aren’t the playmakers that the Ducks need, so that leaves Carter and Briere. Danny is signed for a very long time, and the only way I think anyone would take him is if the Flyers agreed to pay, or he if he would renegotiate his deal (both unlikely). Meanwhile, Carts has been productive, has a contract the expires after this season, and will be looking for a longer deal. If we sign him, then we probably lose Giroux, who will be in the same situation as Carter. I think the expectations for Giroux are high, so letting him leave is not an option.
Of course, Carter being a center, and a high scoring one at that, is not an even trade for Ryan, so we’d have to get something else to sweeten the deal. And I’d like to sign Ryan for a few seasons, so the Flyers would need to make sure we have room for that. He’s from Cherry Hill, and grew up a Flyers fan. If not the Ducks, I think it’d be a dream come true to play for the Orange and Black. I’m not going to pretend to be enough of a salary cap expert to suggest how to work out a deal with him. We do have a shit load of useless goons on the wing that can get dropped to the minors or cut after training camp to make things work. Whatever it takes, I’m for it. We’re really, really close to that damn Cup. One more piece here or there could be the final push we need to get the ultimate prize.
Paul Holmgren, please, make it happen.
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