Flyers’ beat writer Chuck Gormley got the much sought after reaction from former Flyers’ goaltender Marty Biron about the news that the team has moved on and signed Ray Emery as the starter for 2009-10. Biron is an unrestricted free agent and was in negotiations with the Flyers up until the signing.
“I know they’ve made a decision and that’s fine,” said Biron, who now turns his attention to other goalie-seeking teams around the league. “Personally, I’ve got decisions I need to make and that’s what I’m focusing on.”
But even after the awkward breakup, Biron understands the business side of the game. Biron’s agent was rumored to be asking for upwards of $5 million for four years. Other reports have the Biron camp asking for $4 million.
“I understand the business of the salary cap and hockey and that the Flyers are up against it,” he said. “They’re making a move to keep this team intact and signing Ray, that’s fine. They never said to me that means we’re done (negotiating) but I mean, you can see there is a very very slim chance. That’s part of hockey.”
Biron is coming off a mediocre season in which he tallied decent numbers, but wasn’t the same backstop that led the Flyers to the Eastern Conference Finals a season prior. The Flyers were eliminated by the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games in the opening round.
“It’s not for me to judge,” Biron said, when asked if he thinks he deserved a second chance with the Flyers. “I know what I am capable of doing and what I’ve accomplished and I’m going to focus on those things to get to where I want and pursue my goals.”
Phila.Bright 