An Open Letter to Flyers' GM Paul Holmgren

Hello Paul,

In the spirit of the "Saw Saga..."

I want to play a game...

The game is called hockey, and the point of the game is to put a black disk into the opposing team's net.

Now that we got that out of the way, what did you go and do?

I know the value of the player we would have got at No. 21 wouldn't have been NHL ready, but come on. As the draft unfolded, I was left scratching my head.

You traded Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, and two—count 'em, TWO—first-round draft picks. You might have been able to package all of that and trade up for an NHL-ready, 20-year-old defenseman in this draft.

Instead, we dump salary to pick up a more hefty salary for a 34-year-old proven defenseman, who by the way, we can't really afford...even AFTER dumping two contracts.

I can't be the only one who feels this way, Paul.

This, coupled with the recent signing of headcase Ray Emery and maybe you know something I don't, (which is very possible) but this looks like one of the worst off-seasons in recent memory.

Sure, Pronger adds veteran leadership, but you gave up a pretty good player in Lupul and a young up-and-coming (if not already here) defenseman in Sbisa.

So now we sit...in salary cap deficit with a 34-year-old overrated defenseman, an average goalie (which doesn't surprise me from the Flyers), and zero first round picks in this year and next years' draft...oh boy.

Hey Paul, hows that rump feel? Anaheim caught you with your pants down. How's that Mighty D(*muffled*) feel?

Signing off,

A disgruntled Flyers' fan