If the 2009-10 season ended today, who would be your choice for the Flyers' annual team awards? Here are my picks to date:
Bobby Clarke Trophy (team MVP): Chris Pronger
There really is no clear-cut pick so far this season, so Pronger would get almost by default. He has been the most consistent among the club's key players. If Jeff Carter continues his recent roll through the Olympic break and then closes strong, he might be the guy. But Carter has been too streaky this season. Ditto two-time defending winner Mike Richards.
Barry Ashbee Trophy (Best defenseman): Chris Pronger
A no-brainer of a pick. Pronger hasn't had a Norris Trophy caliber season but he's still one of the top echelon players at his position.
Pelle Lindbergh Trophy (Most Improved): Matt Carle
Darroll Powe could actually be deserving of this award for a second straight year, but Carle's tremendous start to the season still carries a lot of weight. The defenseman closed out last year well and has come back to earth after his great start this season, but on the balance has been a much more important and reliable player than he was a year ago. It's not uncommon for rookies to win this award, and James Van Riemsdyk is also a contender, especially if he closes strong.
Yanick Dupre Award (Good guy/ best with media): Kimmo Timonen
Danny Briere would be my personal choice, but I know full well that this award always gets spread around -- there has never been a repeat winner. Win or lose and whether he's in the midst of a hot streak or a slump, Briere is always professional and always pleasant to deal with. Briere has also been a tough season in his personal life and an on-ice adjustment from center to full-time winger, but has never complained or made excuses. Kimmo Timonen is also richly deserving of consideration, and his answers tend to be more direct, whereas Danny inevitably tries to find positives. Ian Laperriere is also very accessible and is a pleasure to interview.
Gene Hart Memorial (Best rapport with the fans): Ian Laperriere
This award is chosen by the Flyers' Fan Club. From what I've seen, players such as Laperriere and Briere are among the fan-friendliest on the club, along with spare forward Riley Cote.
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The Flyers had nothing to lose by signing defensive prospect Denis Bodrov to a minor league contract for the remainder of this season. There is room for him on Adirondack and the club can take a first-hand look at where his development stands once he gets into shape.
When it comes to hockey in Russia, it can be tough to tell what's really going on with a player. There is often a lot of politics and intrigue involved, and someone's actual play on the ice isn't always the main factor in his ice time.
With that said, Bodrov hasn't exactly seen his stock skyrocket since last year. Over the course of the last season plus, he apparently clashed with his coach in Lada last year (who called Bodrov "a bad influence" on his brother, who also played for the club). He was shipped to Atlant Moscow, where he finished last season. In late November of this season, he was released for "poor play", amidst rumors that he was continuing to make noises about wanting to come play in North America. Bodrov was invited to Flyers training camp last season despite having a KHL commitment. Ultimately, he decided to stay home rather than play on a tryout basis for the Flyers.
In terms of his on-ice play, the stay-at-home defender has generally received ice time equivalent to that of a number four defenseman in the KHL. By most accounts, he started out the 2008-09 season playing well but has been up-and-down since. However, it's unknown how much of it had to do with issues other than his actual play on the ice.
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This week on Versus.com, I took a look at why it so important for NHL teams to
score first. Today's Daily Drop looks at the
Senators' win over the Devils last night.
This week on IIHF.com, I took at look at the turnaround in the
Norwegian national team program.
This week's Across the Pond at NHL.com looks at the struggles this season of
defending Czech champions, HC Karlovy Vary.
Next week on Philadelphiaflyers.com, I will look at the role special teams have played in the Flyers' success and struggles this season.
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