Archive for the ‘Flyers’ Category

30 NHL Players To Watch As Trade Deadline Approaches – Part Three

February 22nd, 2012 by JimmyStizzle | No Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

Buffalo's Paul Gaustad Would Add Size and Grit To a Playoff Contender

With the NHL trade deadline now just 5 days away, I have provided a chronicle of the top 20 players who could be on the move by next Monday at 3:00 PM eastern time.  I have gone deep into the NHL trade market with information, speculation, and well-informed insights into the key players driving the market, where they could end up, and how everything could play out over the next few days.  I have broken this down into a three-part piece, sharing the first two parts yesterday.  I hope you will enjoy the final part of this piece, as we take an in-depth look at players 21-30 for this year’s NHL trade deadline.  Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter @JimmyStizzle for continued information, insights, and breaking news into the world of Philly sports.

21.  Marek Zidlicky – Minnesota Wild, 34 years old, 4.0 million cap hit

Zidlicky has struggled with injuries and poor play over the last two seasons and is rumored to want out of Minnesota.  With a history of stellar play on special teams and a right handed shot he is likely to be on the move before the deadline.  Zidlicky has a full no trade clause and one year remaining on his contract so he would have to approve any potential deal.

22.  Nikolai Khabibulin – Edmonton Oilers, 38 years old, 3.75 million cap hit

It’s difficult to imagine that this pending UFA has much left in the tank at 38 years old.  With a couple of contending teams looking to upgrade innetl someone could take a shot that this former cup winner has one more playoff run left in him.  Chicago is said to have interest in the “bulin wall” and it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the Flyers took a look at acquiring him.

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30 NHL Players To Watch As Trade Deadline Approaches – Part Two

February 21st, 2012 by JimmyStizzle | No Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

See Where The Flyers Latest Addition Pavel Kubina Ranks On My List

With the NHL trade deadline just 6 days away, I will be providing a chronicle of the top 30 players who could be on the move by next Monday at 3:00 PM eastern time.  I will go deep into the NHL trade market with information, speculation, and well-informed insights into the key players driving the market, where they could end up, and how everything could play out over the next few days.  I have broken this down into a three-part piece, with all three pieces set for release throughout the day.  I hope you will enjoy part two as we take an in-depth look at players 11-20 for this year’s NHL trade deadline.  Don’t forget to follow me @JimmyStizzle for continued information, insights, and breaking news into the world of Philly sports.

11.  Jonathan Bernier – Los Angeles Kings, 23 years old, 1.25 million cap hit

Bernier is a young goalie with a very high upside stuck behind one of the best goalies in the NHL in Jonathan Quick.  If Los Angeles wants to make a big splash and acquire a forward talent like Rick Nash or even Jeff Carter they will likely have to part ways with the talented young net-minder.  If Bernier is traded expect the Columbus Blue Jackets to make him their goalie of the present and future.

12.  Evgeni Nabokov – New York Islanders, 36 years old, 0.570 million cap hit

Nabokov is enjoying a very solid season on Long Island.  The Islanders are making a playoff push and there is even word that former goalie and general manager Garth Snow is working on an extension for Nabokov.  While it isn’t likely that the Islanders would trade him, a team like the Flyers or Blackhawks could make an offer than Snow at least needs to consider.

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30 NHL Players To Watch As Trade Deadline Approaches – Part One

February 21st, 2012 by JimmyStizzle | No Comments | Filed in Flyers, Hockey

Blue Jackets Captain Rick Nash Is The Prize Of This Year's Trade Deadline

With the NHL trade deadline just 6 days away, I will be providing a chronicle of the top 30 players who could be on the move by next Monday at 3:00 PM eastern time.  I will go deep into the NHL trade market with information, speculation, and well-informed insights into the key players driving the market, where they could end up, and how everything could play out over the next few days.  I have broken this down into a three-part piece, with all three pieces set for release throughout the day.  I hope you will enjoy part one as we take an in-depth look at the top 10 players for this year’s NHL trade deadline.  Don’t forget to follow me @JimmyStizzle for continued information, insights, and breaking news into the world of Philly sports.

1. Rick Nash – Columbus Blue Jackets, 27 years old, cap hit of 7.8 million

Nash is clearly the prize of this year’s trade deadline.  However, Nash’s 7.8 million cap hit, full no trade clause, and general manager Scott Howson’s asking price could prevent a deal from happening.  If Nash is traded, the most likely destinations are the Kings, Leafs, Canadiens, Flyers, and Rangers.

2. Jeff Carter – Columbus Blue Jackets, 27 years old, 5.275 million cap hit

It’s easy to forget that Carter averaged 38 goals per season with the Flyers over the last three seasons before being dealt to the Blue Jackets last summer.  Reports were that Carter was not happy about the trade and that has reflected in his play.  Carter has only 12 goals and 22 points and has also missed time due to injuries.  Look for the same teams interested in Nash to pursue Carter as well, minus the Flyers of course.

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Breaking News: Flyers Trade for Pavel Kubina

February 18th, 2012 by Johnny G | No Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

Early reports are saying the Flyers gave up two draft picks in exchange for the Tampa Bay Lightning Defenseman. More to come as details emerge.

Source is here.

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TRADE ALERT: Flyers acquire Nicklas Grossman from Dallas

February 16th, 2012 by Manayunk Mike | 1 Comment | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

The Flyers have acquired 6’4″, 201 lb. defenseman Nicklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a Second Round pick in 2012 and a Third Round pick in 2013.

Grossman, 27, is a stay-at-home guy, just what the Flyers needed most. While most of you probably haven’t heard of him, I can tell you with certainty that Philly fans everywhere will love him. He plays a gritty, hard-nosed style of play, and with only 5 points on the season, it’s clearly evident that he’s more of a defensive defenseman.

Nicklas Grossman has a cap hit of $1.65 million, and is a UFA at the end of the season. For now, it looks as though Nicklas is nothing more than a rental, but depending on his play for the rest of the season, that could change.

The Flyers still have roughly $3.2 million in available space, plenty of room to add another defenseman, or even… dare I say… Rick Nash.

 

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NHL Trade Rumors: Rick Nash Saga Continues; Flyers In or Out?

February 16th, 2012 by Manayunk Mike | 8 Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

Let me first start off by saying a few quick things.

My job, as a writer/reporter, is to dish out any info I can on whatever team I’m covering. Yes, I spew out a lot of rumors regarding the Philadelphia Flyers, but nothing I report is “made up” in any way. I simply report whatever I can to my readers, and I haven’t really given anybody any reason not to believe me. In fact, I’ve broken a few trades in the past year or two (most notable the Kris Versteeg to Flyers trade), but I never try and claim credit, because to me, it’s all about having fun. I break trade RUMORS. If you don’t know what the definition of rumor is, please look it up before criticizing me or my fellow colleagues work.

Now, onto the rumors.

There have been mixed reports surrounding Rick Nash. Just about every beat writer, blogger, reporter, analyst, or insider seems to have a different story on where Rick Nash will end up. The truth is, Rick Nash has full control over where he goes, and there’s not a damn thing Columbus or anybody else can do about it. It’s that simple.

I reported yesterday that the Flyers were indeed interested in Nash, and that they have had some discussions, contrary to what other reports may say. A source told me that Columbus was looking to acquire Brayden Schenn as the centerpiece of the deal, while other prospects/picks were to be included. There is no word yet on whether the Flyers agreed, but as of now, there is nothing new to report. If you truly believe Howson and Holmgren had an extended meeting last week just to talk about puppy dogs and ice cream, you’re insane. It’s not coincidence the two had such a long meeting DAYS before it was announced that Rick Nash was available.

Sam Carchidi of The Philadelphia Inquirer tweeted today, “Source: #Flyers have not had any conversations with Columbus about Rick Nash.”

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NHL Trade Rumors: Rick Nash Availability; Flyers looking to McCabe?

February 14th, 2012 by Manayunk Mike | 12 Comments | Filed in Flyers, General, Hockey

Just some quick hits here today.

As some of you may know by now, word around the NHL is that Rick Nash is indeed available, and there are already clubs pouncing on the Blue Jackets for him. Contrary to certain reports, there doesn’t appear to be any front-runner as of now, although some have speculated that the Rangers are strongly involved. I, for one, don’t think New York is dumb enough to mess up any team chemistry right now to acquire Nash, which they would almost certainly have to do in order to bring him in.

Just out of sheer speculation, I wondered if the Flyers may be interested. Philadelphia is always interested in bringing in new talent, even if it doesn’t exactly make sense to their needs. What makes things really interesting was that long meeting that Holmgren had with Scott Howson the other day. What was that all about? Obviously, the Flyers need defense right now, and not offense, but when a guy like Nash becomes available, you need to at least do your due diligence and kick the tires.

Maybe a package of Danny Briere, JvR, and Sergei Bobrovsky could do the trick. Would open up tons of cap room for the Flyers, without hurting them too bad. In return, the Flyers would get Nash, and maybe a top pick/prospect. Hell, maybe even a defenseman, haha. Again, just speculation, but it would be interesting to see happen.

In other news, the Flyers may not even need to make a trade to acquire a defenseman.

I wrote an article a few months back about Bryan McCabe and why he might be a good fit in Philly. Yes, he’s old, but he’s still a capable defenseman who can also put the puck in the back of the net, as well. Well, since I wrote that article, his name sort of faded away, but just this past week, I’ve been hearing his name more and more. The chances of Philly making a “major” acquistion at the deadline is slim, so McCabe could make a lot of sense. The Flyers would not have to part with anything, as he is a free agent, and I’m sure McCabe would command a high salary.

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