2009 - 2010 Philadelphia Flyers
Posted 5:59 PM ET | Comments 1
I know I'm getting ahead of myself, but next offseason is going to be interesting. With the CAP not expected to move much next year and potentially could go down the following year, GMs have to be carful with their money
Forwards
Next year we have Briere, Richards, Gagne, Carter, Lupul, Hartnell, Metropolit, Asham, and Cote signed to 1-way contracts.
Left Wing: Scottie Upshall stands as the only LW whose contract expires after this season. I wouldn't expect Upshall to command a contract more than $2M, and for that price, I would resign him. James van Riemsdyk, assuming he leaves UNH, will contend for a spot in the Flyers top 9, which could send Scottie Upshall to right wing.
Centers: Richards, Briere, Carter (any order), Metropolit. Enough said.
Right Wing: Mike Knuble's contract expires after this season, and giving what he's shown thus far, I would gladly bring him back. Joffrey Lupul's contract extension worth $4.25M per year begins next year, and so far this year, it doesn't seem right for him. What's sad is that he has so much talent and potential, but can't seem to put it all together or play defensively. And with Giroux, Nodl, and JVR pushing for spots in the lineup, it seems Lupul has become expendable.
Defense
We have Timonen, Carle, Jones, Coburn, and Sbisa penciled to the Flyers lineup next year.
Jones: Without seeing him at all this year due to his injury, Jones remains a question mark. With the trade for Matt Carle, Jones might see himself moved before next year starts. That being said, he could also blossom into another good defender for the Flyers. We just don't know yet.
Sbisa: Played well to start off the season, not looking as good right now. However, he can't be placed in the AHL, so he's here to stay. I have a feeling that we got a great sleeper in the draft last year though.
Parent: Unfortunately for Parent, he will probably start this year with the Phantoms because the Flyers have too many top 6 defensemen. Will constantly challenge for a roster spot (BTW, I love that Forsberg Trade).
Prospects: Kevin Marshall looks solid and potentially could challenge for a spot, depending on injuries and trades. GM Paul Holmgren recently said that he believes Denis Bodrov is ready to play in the NHL. Maybe not, but he will probably be in Philly next year (or wherever the Phantoms play).
Free Agents:
Alberts, Kukkonen - I do not believe will be back next year.
Vaananen - I'm liking what I've been seeing recently. Could be a solid defenseman.
Goalies
Biron: Until someone else shows up, he is the starter.
Niitymaki: Until Biron proves he is the starter, we need to keep him (especially for those Atlanta games :])
Forwards
Next year we have Briere, Richards, Gagne, Carter, Lupul, Hartnell, Metropolit, Asham, and Cote signed to 1-way contracts.
Left Wing: Scottie Upshall stands as the only LW whose contract expires after this season. I wouldn't expect Upshall to command a contract more than $2M, and for that price, I would resign him. James van Riemsdyk, assuming he leaves UNH, will contend for a spot in the Flyers top 9, which could send Scottie Upshall to right wing.
Centers: Richards, Briere, Carter (any order), Metropolit. Enough said.
Right Wing: Mike Knuble's contract expires after this season, and giving what he's shown thus far, I would gladly bring him back. Joffrey Lupul's contract extension worth $4.25M per year begins next year, and so far this year, it doesn't seem right for him. What's sad is that he has so much talent and potential, but can't seem to put it all together or play defensively. And with Giroux, Nodl, and JVR pushing for spots in the lineup, it seems Lupul has become expendable.
Defense
We have Timonen, Carle, Jones, Coburn, and Sbisa penciled to the Flyers lineup next year.
Jones: Without seeing him at all this year due to his injury, Jones remains a question mark. With the trade for Matt Carle, Jones might see himself moved before next year starts. That being said, he could also blossom into another good defender for the Flyers. We just don't know yet.
Sbisa: Played well to start off the season, not looking as good right now. However, he can't be placed in the AHL, so he's here to stay. I have a feeling that we got a great sleeper in the draft last year though.
Parent: Unfortunately for Parent, he will probably start this year with the Phantoms because the Flyers have too many top 6 defensemen. Will constantly challenge for a roster spot (BTW, I love that Forsberg Trade).
Prospects: Kevin Marshall looks solid and potentially could challenge for a spot, depending on injuries and trades. GM Paul Holmgren recently said that he believes Denis Bodrov is ready to play in the NHL. Maybe not, but he will probably be in Philly next year (or wherever the Phantoms play).
Free Agents:
Alberts, Kukkonen - I do not believe will be back next year.
Vaananen - I'm liking what I've been seeing recently. Could be a solid defenseman.
Goalies
Biron: Until someone else shows up, he is the starter.
Niitymaki: Until Biron proves he is the starter, we need to keep him (especially for those Atlanta games :])
Great job! i agree with most of your points. the depth and skill at centre is the flyers biggest strength. all of the free agents on D will likely depart. i've heard randy jones may be traded to columbus, and van riemsdyk will likely play on the top six next season. overall nice work and original topic! keep up the good work! here is my forward line combos:GAGNE - RICHARDS - KNUBLEVANRIEMSDYK - BRIERE - HARTNELLUPSHALL - CARTER - GIROUXASHAM - METROPOLIT - NODLextras: Cote, BodrovTIMONEN - COBURNCARLE - SBISAPARENT - FREE AGENT SIGNING?extras: JonesBIRON (is he a bonified starter?)NIITYYMAKIwhat are your thoughts? thanks for the good read!