Holy hockey happenings, Batman!
Today marked the beginning of NHL free agency. And although it took a little bit of time for the proverbial ball to get rolling, the league saw plenty of action. Naturally (as one might assume) one of the league’s busiest teams was the Philadelphia Flyers.
Three weeks ago I was telling everyone that the 2011-12 Flyers would look “eerily similar to last season’s Flyers.”
Boy was I wrong.
Follow me as I recap the happenings in Flyerland along with some commentary. Following will be a breakdown of where the Flyers sit with the salary cap. As always, this is a team that operates up and around the upper limit. There is much to discuss.
* * *
What happened? The Flyers signed RW Jaromir Jagr to a 1-year, $3.3M deal.
My opinion: First, I can’t help but find it amusing that Jagr flew to the U.S. to speak with Penguins GM Fred Shero only to sign with their division rivals. Reportedly, Shero did not take kindly to Jagr talking to other potential suitors. As far as the actual signing is concerned, I believe he is a bit overpaid. Remember that just one year ago the Flyers signed another former NHLer from Europe―Nikolay Zherdev―and at a relatively cheap price. This one makes up for it. Jagr is older now and isn’t nearly as fast as he used to be. For most Flyers fans, that’s all that need be discussed. But Jagr still has great hands, a huge form, and can be an incredible asset to a power play that was absolutely anemic last season. Don’t knock it until you try it, folks.
What happened? The Flyers signed RW Jakub Voracek to a 1-year, $2.25M deal.
My opinion: Much expected. I like this signing, and am generally happy with the price tag. I and many others have been saying for some time now that Voracek and RW RFA Wayne Simmonds would sign collectively for at least $4M. This only confirms my suspicions. Voracek has consistency issues, but he’ll be a solid depth winger; something the Flyers needed to address.
What happened? The Flyers signed D Andreas Lilja to a 2-year, $1.475M ($737,500 AAV) (35+) deal.
My opinion: Solid 6th defenseman. At 6’3”, 220-pounds, Lilja is the third-largest defenseman on the roster behind Pronger and Coburn, respectively. That size helps him to excel on the penalty kill. He is a bit older (36 in a few weeks), but with age comes smarts and experience. A member of the 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks, Lilja is a smart defenseman who is solid on the back end. Injuries are an issue with him, and despite his large stature he isn’t always as physical as he needs to be. He is similar to Sean O’Donnell in a number of ways. But overall I like this signing. I said a few days ago that I didn’t think the Flyers would spend any more than $1M on defense. I’m pretty sure this is it.
What happened? The Flyers signed RW/C Maxime Talbot to a 5-year, $9M deal ($1.8M AAV).
My opinion: The same Max Talbot that shushed the Flyers out of the playoffs just a few seasons ago has now turned to the dark side. Or perhaps he saw the light. I suppose that is a matter of perspective. But in any case, Talbot (henceforth known as The Bot), is literally the “evil twin” of former Flyer Darroll Powe. He’s got energy. He’s great on the penalty kill. He plays bigger than his size. He plays physical with grit and determination. He can play center or the wing, making him a versatile depth forward. That is Powe. That is The Bot. Another role filled.
What happened? LW Ville Leino signed a 6-year, $27M deal ($4.5M AAV) with the Buffalo Sabres.
My opinion: Leino’s deal with the Sabres confirms two things. One, there are a lot of free agents who signed for a lot more than they’re worth. Two, Sabres owner Terry Pegula is not screwing around this offseason. Focusing on the former, Leino simply wanted too much. I said earlier that were I GM Paul Holmgren I may have offered a longer deal with an AAV of $3.75M tops. He ended up being sold for much more than that. Is he worth it? Frankly, no, but don’t tell that to Pegula.
What happened? The Flyers traded LW/RW Kris Versteeg to the Florida Panthers for a second-round pick (2012 or 2013-Florida’s choice) and a third-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
My opinion: This is part one in my two-part “Philly fans never really understood you” series. I liked the addition of Versteeg. But he never caught on. Why? In my opinion it is because of the system run by head coach Peter Laviolette. He runs those boys hard, and if a player doesn’t have an offseason to segue into it the transition is noticeable. Never mind the fact that he was apparently playing with a hernia near the end of the season as well. At the end of the day, however, this was a smart move. Next season’s draft promises to be deep, and the Flyers once again have an opportunity to make a splash while keeping themselves cap-compliant.
What happened? LW Dan Carcillo signed a 1-year, $775K deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
My opinion: Enforcer/agitator/mustache connoisseur Dan Carcillo signed with the Blackhawks on a one-year deal that sees him taking a pay cut. He’ll be a decent depth forward in Chi-town. He plays with grit and energy and is never afraid to take on any opponent. But ultimately he was a liability for the Flyers. One thing will remain true, however: he’ll remain a fan favorite with the die-hard Broad Street Bullies fans in Philadelphia.
What happened? G Brian Boucher signed a 2-year, $1.9M deal with the Carolina Hurricanes.
My opinion: This is part two of my two-part “Philly fans never really understood you” series. Often taunted for his inconsistent performances, Brian Boucher seemingly divided the Flyers fan base between those that loved him and those that hated him. But what most people don’t recall (or don’t care to remember, depending on whose side you’re on) is that Boucher came back to Philly with the intention of being backup goaltender. And in that regard he not only fulfilled his role, he exceeded it. He never complained about what was asked of him and he was a great locker room presence. I am thrilled that he has this opportunity with the Hurricanes. I’m sure he’ll make the most of it. Best of luck to you, Boosh!
What happened? D Sean O’Donnell signed a 1-year, $850K (35+) deal with the Chicago Blackhawks.
My opinion: I have to admit that I wasn’t sure whether the Flyers were targeting O’Donnell this offseason or not. With the signing of Lilja not only did they confirm that they wanted to fulfill that role, they confirmed that it would not be fulfilled by O’Donnell. As a Flyer he had injury and consistency issues, but was still a decent 6th defenseman. And more importantly, he was an exceptional leader and role model off the ice. This was a great move by the Blackhawks. I, for one, am glad O’Donnell got picked up.
* * *
Let’s recap this offseason so far. Who’s in? Bryzgalov, Simmonds (unsigned), Schenn, Voracek, Jagr, Lilja, and Talbot. Who’s out? Carter, Richards, Powe, Versteeg, O’Donnell, Boucher, Zherdev (unsigned), Boynton (unsigned). That’s 15 roster changes so far this season. Overhaul? I think so.
* * *
Cap update: At $61,022,261, the Flyers have the fourth-highest payroll in the league behind the Sabres, Capitals, and Penguins. They currently have the highest-paid defensive corps and the second-highest goaltending tandem behind the New York Rangers.
The magic number you all want to hear? $3,277,739. That’s how much space the Flyers currently have with 21 players signed. Assuming the fact that Ian Laperriere will be put on long-term injured reserve (LTIR) again, the Flyers are looking at $4,444,406 of space with 20 active players.
The X-factor here of course is Wayne Simmonds, who has yet to sign with the club (never fear, Flyers fans; he is close to signing). All signs point to him signing for at least $2M. If I had to venture a guess, I’d say something to the effect of $2.35M. Once Simmonds is signed, the Flyers will have approximately $2M in cap space with 21 active players. That makes for two open roster positions with $1M for each should it be divided evenly.
There is one final move the Flyers could pull, however, which will free up the necessary space to fill the open positions should the team decide to do so. That is to send C Brayden Schenn down to the AHL, freeing up another $3.11M in space. Under that scenario, the Flyers would have $5,204,486 in cap space with 20 active players (assuming Laperriere on LTIR and Simmonds signed for $2.3M). This is the route I see the team taking.
Keep in mind two things, however. First, the Flyers do not have to max out their roster with 23 active players. The NHL rules only dictate that a team must have 18 skaters and 2 goaltenders per game (20 players). This is why you have “healthy scratches” every game. Furthermore, from 1 July through the end of the last day of training camp, the CBA allows teams to go over the upper limit of $64,300,000 by 10%. Only after the last day of training camp are all teams required to be cap-compliant.
This means that the Flyers have options. As far as I see it, they are finished on defense and goaltending. I also think they’re done as far as blockbuster moves are concerned. From this point forth I see the team making maybe one or two more depth forward signings, specifically on the wing.
But if this offseason tells us anything, it’s that you never know what lies around the bend in Flyerland.
The post Free Agency Day 2011: A Review appeared first on The Hockey Guys.
