New Faces on Broad Street!

G.M. Paul Holmgren and his staff have been busy in the boardroom this off season. With the departure of Flyers Legend Simon Gagne, the injured Ray Emery, grinder Aaron Asham and young 'D' man Ryan Parent etc.

The team has freed up some Cap Space and added size and depth to the blue line as well as some grit and speed to the offense. Management did agree on new contracts for Leighton, Carcillo, and Powe.

After having such a dramatic post season and coming within two wins of the Stanley Cup the Flyers have managed to keep the majority of it's players together and have added a few new faces to the existing roster...

Andrej Meszároš

Born - Oct. 13, 1984 - Age 26 - Považská Bystrica, Czechoslovakia

Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Weight 220 lb (100 kg; 15 st 10 lb)

Position - Defense Shoots - Left

Salary - $4 Mill x 4 years

On July 1st, Meszároš was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for a 2nd round pick in 2012.

He played in 81 games with the Bolts last season ending with 17 points and 50PIM's. He played in 82 games in 2008/09

His size and endurance will help give Chris Pronger a bit of a break this season .

Ryan Parent was a great young player but Andrej will add to the already aged experience.

He used to be on a pairing with Chara on the Senators and spent a couple seasons on the Bolts to add to his resume.

Nikolai Zherdev

Born - November 5, 1984 - Age 25 - Kiev, Ukrainian SSR, Soviet Union

Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Weight 203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb)

Position - Right Wing Shoots - Right

Salary - $2 Mill x 1 year

On July 9, 2010, Zherdev signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia setting up his return to the NHL. A very similar situation to that of Ray Emery but Zherdev is less likely to be a risk on or off the ice.

Nikolai played in all 82 games in his last season with the Rangers in 2008/09. He had 24 goals and 58 points and was a +6 on the season.

With Simon Gagne now in Tampa Bay the minutes will be there for him if he can gel with his new line mates, whoever they may be.

Matt 'Sky' Walker

Born - April 7, 1980 - Age 30 - Beavelodge, AB, Canada

Height 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Weight 235 lb (107 kg; 16 st 11 lb)

Position Defense Shoots Right

Salary - $1.7 Mill x 3 years

Another big body on the blue line with years of experience under his jock strap. In 66 games with the Bolts he had 5 points and 90 PIM's.

The Flyers were outplayed physically by the Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final in June.

We have done a good job of improving on the toughness and depth of our defense.

He has played with Meszeros before and they could possibly end up as a third pairing.

Personally I'm not sure why the Flyers currently have 8 defensemen on the roster but moves still could be made before the season starts!?

Sean O'Donnell

Born - October 13, 1971 - Age 38 - Ottawa, ON, Canada

Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Weight 234 lb (106 kg; 16 st 10 lb)

Salary $1 Mill - 1 Year

On July 1, 2010 O'Donnell signed a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers.

At age 38 his role is an obvious one - to be a contributor and a leader.

The Flyers were a young team last season and are now a much more experienced team across the board. He has played 17 seasons in the NHL to date.

A one year deal is a no lose situation for the Flyers and I wouldn't be surprised if he is back next season as well!

Sean O'Donnell and Chris Pronger both won a Cup with the Ducks back in 2006/07. Can they do it again in 2010/11? Here's hoping.

Jody Shelley

Born February 7, 1976 - Age 34 - Thompson, MB, Canada

Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)

Weight 230 lb (104 kg; 16 st 6 lb)

Position Left wing Shoots Left

Salary $1.1 Mill x 3 years

Another big body to add to the checking line and on the penalty kill. Shelley also signed on July 1st 2010 as a free agent.

He is a heavy weight and is not afraid to drop the gloves with the leagues biggest goons. He will take the pressure off of Car Bomb and Lappy in the 'tilt' department.

In 57 games with 2 teams last season he had 9 points and 115 PIM's. He is an ideal candidate to fill the slot of Aaron Asham who will be deeply missed.

Are you starting to get the theme of the Flyers new additions yet? With an abundance of flashy players up front already, size, experience, leadership and good old fashioned gritty players are helping add to the depth!

Michael Chaput - Top Prospect

Born April 9th, 1992 - Age 18 - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Height: 6 ft - 2 in (1.88 m)

Weight: 194 lbs

Position Center Shoots Left

Drafted # 89 Overall as the Flyers 1st Pick in the Entry Draft.

Is projected to have better offensive skills than his older brother Stefan Chaput of the Carolina Hurricanes.

His size, strength, offensive potential and physical play will make him a key attribute to the Flyers team down the road.

Chaput played in 68 games for the Lewiston MAINEiacs, scoring 28 goals and adding 27 assists for 55 points.

He added on 60 penalty minutes for the season. These are all around impressive stats and I think he is a steal at 89th overall!

He will be a threat on the Phantoms this season and may even challenge for a roster spot throughout the season? Lets hope he is not called up due to negative circumstances!

In Closing......

First off the Rollmaster and Flyers Live would like to thank you for taking the time to read my article!

As we are eagerly looking ahead to yet another great season on Broad Street it is time to say good bye to the great players that will be missed.

Simon Gagne (Bolts), Ryan Parent (Preds), Aaron Asham ( UFA) Lukas Krajicek (Not sure where he went?), Danny Syvret (Ducks.)

These players all contributed to an Eastern Conference Championship and an unbelievable regular and post season! I wish them all the best in the future.

Look for my next articles on The Flyers Prospects and my Annual 2010/11Season Preview - both are in the works and coming soon!

Thank - You!

R.  J.C.
CEO / President
Flyers Live Entertainment Group
All Rights Reserved 2010