July 11, 2009
In what always equals some offseason excitement and drama, the NHL’s 2009-10 schedule is set to be released next week. According to Mike Harrington, hockey writer for the Buffalo News, the NHL will announce the release on either Wednesday (July 15) during the press conference at Fenway Park for the Winter Classic, or Thursday (July 16).
What makes this year different from most is the three week Olympic layoff in February. Harrington expects the league to compress the schedule before February, adding more games and less breaks. That should make the Flyers’ fans happy, who had to endure three to five day layoffs between games early in the 2008-09 season.
UPDATE: Schedule released
July 10, 2009
After days of speculation that former Flyers’ goalie Antero Niittymaki was headed to Tampa Bay, on Friday the Lightning made it official, they have officially signed Niittymaki. The deal is for one year, just under $600,000.
“We fully recognized the need to add an experienced back-up goaltender this summer and today we feel we’ve accomplished that goal,” said Tampa General Manager Brian Lawton.
Niittymaki had not signed a contract with a Russian team, unlike what was reported.
For more on the Niittymaki situation click here
July 9, 2009
According to an overseas source and now this NHL free agency site, the Flyers may have come to terms with 6′2, 225 lbs., Czech forward Lukas Kaspar. Kaspar was drafted 22nd overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft by the San Jose Sharks.
Due to some inconsistency and forward depth on San Jose at the time, the power forward played just 16 games with the Sharks, scoring four points during that span. Primarily an AHLer with the Worchester Sharks, Kaspar verbally agreed to a deal with Dynamo of the KHL after the 2008-09 season in which he tallied 17 goals and 27 assists in 65 games. However, sources say that Kaspar couldn’t deny the offer the Flyers made. Terms were not disclosed and official word could be pending a physical.
As per a rough translation…
“(Kaspar) had already decided to continue a career in Europe and in particular the KHL. But then came to Philadelphia “Flyers’ offer, which Kaspar was unable to refuse.”
Kaspar is known for his ability to use his large frame, as well as possess a decent shot and some passing ability. He isn’t likely in the Flyers’ plans for this year, as he could be another low-risk, high-reward type acquisition that General Manager Paul Holmgren likes to make. However, if Holmgren dares give him a one-way contract, which would keep him from being sent to the AHL without permission, he could be placed on the wing of a scoring line and could potentially be a 15-20 goal guy considering his skill set.
But if the contract is two-way, the Flyers, who do not have a lot of forward size in the system, could use Kaspar as a player who could can step into the lineup in case of emergency.
I’m working to confirm this rumor and will have more hopefully soon.
July 9, 2009
It slipped under the radar for most, but the Flyers have signed 6′6, 220 lbs., AHL defenseman Joey Mormina. Mormina was originally drafted out of Colgate University by the Flyers in the sixth round of the 2002 NHL entry draft. His rights were not retained at the time and he hopped around the AHL, going from the Manchester Monarchs to the Albany River Rats and eventually the WBS Penguins. Mormina played one game in the NHL for the Carolina Hurricanes.
27-year old Mormina is a shut-down defender with a mean streak and physical presence. He registered over 200 penalty minutes from 2006-07 to 2007-08. When he was signed by Pittsburgh last season, he was touted as a poor-man’s Hal Gill. He scored 48 points in his four season in the minors.
This move is simply depth for the Flyers, who still have Danny Syvret, Michael Ratchuk and Kevin Marshall still high on the defensive depth chart.
July 9, 2009
With former Flyers’ backup goalie Antero Niittymaki ready to pull the trigger on going the KHL in Russia, Tampa Bay writer Jon Jordon is reporting the Lightning swooped in and have made him an offer.
“Lightning GM Brian Lawton has declined to say who the team is after, but said an offer has been extended and a decision is expected soon.,” wrote Damian Cristodero of the St. Pete Times.
Niitty did not sign a contract with any Russian team.
It didn’t seem as if any NHL team wanted Niittymaki with his extensive hip problems. But with Tampa goalie Mike Smith rumored to still be recovering from a concussion suffered late last season, the Lightning could be looking for a short-term band aid to start the season.
The move would also benefit the Lightning because of Antero’s potency against Tampa division rival Atlanta. Since he arrived with the Flyers in 2003, Niitty is 13-0 against the Thrashers, with a 1.78 GAA.
July 9, 2009
The Flyers made two administrative moves on Thursday, hiring Jeff Reese as the official goaltending instructor and naming Phantoms’ coach John Paddock the assistant General Manager.
Reese, who was formally with the Tampa Bay organization,was rumored to be offered the job after long-time goalie coach Reggie Lemelin was let go by the team in late June.
“Jeff brings a strong presence,” said Holmgren. “I have known Jeff for many years from our days together in Hartford. I think he is an ideal fit for our team moving forward. He has some fresh ideas and we are excited to have Jeff on board.”
Paddock will stay in charge of the Phantoms’ coaches, but will now help current General Manager Paul Holmgren with duties involving the AHL and entry-level prospects, likely leaving assistant coach Kjell Samuelsson in charge as head coach.
“In addition to helping with the day to day operation of our team, John will oversee the Phantoms in Glens Falls, interacting with the coaching staff there and following the development of our young players,” said Holmgren in the official press release.
Due to the Phantoms moving to Glen Falls, NY, Holmgren needs someone to keep executive tabs on the team, which is likely why John was hired.
“I’m excited to have John, he is a very good hockey man,” said Holmgren. “He has been a General Manager and a head coach in the NHL, and has done a lot of things in the League. His experience and expertise is going to bring a lot to the table for the Flyers.”
July 8, 2009
According to hockeybuzz.com blogger Matthew Barry, despite acquiring big-name forward Ryan Smyth to help bolster the offense, the Kings are still looking to add a “gritty winger” to the mix. And from what a source tells Barry, LA has its eye focused hard on Flyers’ forward Scott Hartnell.
Keep reading →
July 7, 2009
According to Sportsnet.ca, 34-year old defenseman Chris Pronger has signed a seven-year, $35 million extension with the Flyers, likely keeping him in orange and black for the rest of his career. The contract is front loaded for a cap hit of close to $5 million per season. He was also given a no movement clause.
“We are pleased to have one of the NHL’s premier defensemen in our organization and under contract long term,” said Holmgren in the official press release. ”When we made the trade for Chris, it was our intention to get him signed to an extension and we are glad we could come to this agreement today.”
The yearly amount works out to $7.6 million the first two years, $7.2 million the third and $7 million the fourth, $5 million in the fifth, with the final two years at $525 k each.
“I am very excited to be able to retire a Philadelphia Flyer and I am looking forward to many years with the Flyers logo on my chest,” said Pronger after the signing. “I think both parties wanted to get it handled in a timely fashion in order to move on and get things set up for future years down the line so that the Flyers could make moves either this year or next year, and know that they had me in place.”
The Flyers acquired Pronger at the 2009 NHL entry draft for Joffrey Lupul, Luca Sbisa, two first-round draft picks and a conditional third-round pick that will go to Anaheim if the Flyers win the cup with the 6′6 blue liner.
Pronger will not likely finish out the contract, which was extended to seven years to lower the annual cap hit. The cap hit is an average of all the yearly payments on the contract.
July 7, 2009
With one gross misplay of the NHL free agent market, along with failing basic economics, former Flyers’ goaltender Marty Biron must suck up his pride if he even wants to be a part of the NHL next season.
Coming into free agency, Biron and his agent Gilles Lupien took the hard-line stance of demanding a starting position with a long-term deal for reportedly close to $5 million a season. Marty made $3.8 million last season, and was looking to up his salary.
After receiving no attention from any team at that money at his talent level, Biron dropped Lupien and hired J.P. Barry. But to the bewilderment of GM’s everywhere, kept the same hard-line demands and received the same result.
Keep reading →
July 7, 2009
On Monday, the greenest Flyers gather in Voorhees, N.J., to begin another week-long conditioning camp. And although camp this year is less exciting than its recent predecessors, it still makes for some interesting story lines.
Keep reading →
