The 2007-2008 season was the kind of a comeback year the Philadelphia Flyers they hoped for. They used the terms "reloading" and "retooling" when they brought in names like Daniel Brière and Kimmo Timonen a year ago, but what is going to happen this summer, after a successful season and a deep playoff run?
The roster situation is now different and trickier than it was a year ago. Some of the Flyers' key players are becoming restricted free agents, and GM Paul Holmgren has to decide who he wants to keep the most. The salary cap forces him to think of priorities, as he may not be able to keep all of the players he'd like.
Jeff Carter, 23, R.J. Umberger, 26, and Randy Jones, 26, are the most important RFA's on the Flyers team. All of them would like to stay, and Holmgren has expressed his interest in keeping them. Signing Carter is likely the first thing on his list. Considering Carter's age and potential, he is expected to be offered a long term contract.
Umberger played a vital role in the Flyers' success this year and would be a valuable member of the future team as well, but Holmgren might listen to trade offers involving Umberger as the Flyers need to strengthen their defense for next season. If you want to get quality, you have to give quality.
Randy Jones developed into an NHL-caliber defenseman this season and still has the potential to become even better. Young, cheap puck-moving defenseman is exactly what the Flyers need, so it is likely he is going to stay.
The most important unrestricted free agents, Vaclav Prospal, 33, Jason Smith, 34, Jim Dowd, 39, and Jaroslav Modry, 37, may all be let go this summer. Simon Gagné is expected to return at 100 percent for next season and take Prospal's place.
Smith was not extended during the season, so it looks like the captain is willing to test the free agency market. Dowd worked well as the fourth-line center and a penalty killer and could be brought back if Holmgren doesn't see any better option for the spot in the Flyers' system. Modry's visit in Philly was less impressive and his days in the NHL might be over.
The Flyers don't have much room under the salary cap, so it may mean trades if they want to add something into the lineup. They have depth at offense and they would likely strengthen their defense, so the possible trades would have to involve forwards leaving and defensemen coming.
So who's going to come and who's going to go? This is the fans' question every summer. Mike Knuble, Scottie Upshall and Umberger might be the names that pop up in trade rumors this year. Pretty much any defenseman around the league could be mentioned as someone the Flyers might want.
There is easily room for one or two solid defensemen on the Flyers' blueline, especially if Smith is not returning. If Smith leaves, there will be room for a fairly experienced defensive defenseman as well as for a smooth skating offensive blueliner.
No matter what is going to happen in the offseason, one thing is certain: the Flyers are already in a better position than they were a year ago. Their many new players have settled in now and the young core players are one year older and experienced. This past season they already exceeded all expectations, so the potential for an ever greater success is certainly there.
comments (0) write a comment »
write a new comment
This article has no comments.