NHL Trade Rumors: Top 10 Forward Options for the Philadelphia Flyers
The way the Flyers are rolling, it does not appear that they need to add a forward. However, rumors persist that GM Paul Holmgren is looking to do just that.
Perhaps he is ready to give up on Nikolay Zherdev, move Andreas Nodl to the fourth line for the playoffs, or trade James van Riemsdyk to make big deal. In any case, here is a list of forwards the Flyers could be pursuing with name, age, and 2010-11 salary cap number listed.
10. Brian Rolston, 37, $2.5M (Re-Entry Waivers Number)
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Although it is unnecessary, Rolston is a center. He has looked bad this year but most of the Devils have, as well.
Rolston scored 20 goals last season, can kill penalties, and still plays 17 minutes per game. The Flyers could do a lot worse than adding this Stanley Cup winner to their roster, even if it is two years.
9. Alex Tanguay, 31, $1.7M
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After a sub-par year in Tampa Bay, Tanguay is having a decent year in his return to Calgary. He has always been more of a play maker than a scorer and he plays well with the Flyers.
The soon to be unrestricted free agent (UFA) is certain to get a pay raise next season, and the Flames have salary cap issues so he may be a casualty.
8. Ales Hemsky, 27, $4.1M
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Hemsky played just 22 games last season, injured his groin this season, and suffered a concussion on Tuesday so he has reason for pause. However, he is a point a game player when healthy. The Oilers may have to dump some salary, and Hemsky may be the most trad-able high salaried player on their roster.
7. Erik Cole, 32, $2.9M
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Cole is healthy and likes to hit people, which could benefit the Flyers' top three lines. His numbers have never been eye popping, but he is good in the locker room and has a knack for scoring big. Four of his 12 goals this season have been game winners for Hurricanes.
6. Cory Stillman, 37, $3.5M
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Stillman is in the twilight of his career but has won two Stanley Cups and is a solid penalty killer.
He will be a UFA next season with a goal and five assists in his last six games. He is heating up at the right time if the Panthers decide they are out of the playoff race.
5. Marco Sturm, 32, $3.5M
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Sturm returned from injury on 12/21 and only played in 19 games in 2008-09. However, he scores a goal every three or four games when healthy. The Kings may be willing to part with this pending UFA if they fall out of the playoff race, even thought they probably need this.
4. Matt Moulson, 27, $2.5M
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The relatively young Moulson scored 30 goals last year, but is a UFA next season. One has to question whether the cash strapped Islanders will pay the $10-12 million over three years it will probably take to keep him.
3. Jochen Hecht, 33, $3.5M
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Hecht’s scoring is down this year but he has scored 20 plus goals in two of his last three seasons. With leading scorer Derek Roy out for the season, it could only be a matter of time before the Sabres look ahead to next year.
2. Andrew Brunette, 37, $2.3M
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If Brunette is slowing down, it is not showing on his stat sheet. He has at least 19 goals and 50 points in each of the last five seasons and an affordable price tag. However, the Wild may look to get something for him since he will be a UFA this off-season.
1. Jarome Iginla, 33, $7.0M
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Iginla has often been heard in trade rumors and the Flames performance this year only makes them more prevalent. He has scored at least 28 goals in each of his last 11 seasons and is always willing to drop the gloves if needed.
The Flyers would probably need to include van Riemsdyk and Braydon Coburn just to get the talks going, but imagine putting Iginla on Mike Richards’ line with Briere-Leino-Hartnell on another, and Carter-Giroux on the “third line”. We can dream.
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