Back from vacation and working the phones hard today!

On Couturier...

Of all the players the Flyers could trade, the one player who I could see them most regretting is Couturier. He is a very solid two way player who is perhaps better than any other player in the NHL at defending Evgeny Malkin. When you look at the Flyers success against Pittsburgh you have to look to the play of Couturier in recent years.

But is that enough?

Couturier's name has come up many times over the past few years, but there were always people in Philly who would assure me they weren't moving him...that he was too important with too much upside...

I have sensed a big change in that attitude over the last month or so. I still don't see it as likely, but I do see him possibly being a major chip should Hextall decide to go that direction...

Meanwhile, one of my best sources in San Jose tells me the Flyers and Sharks discussed a major deal this past week...at least the preliminary aspects to a major deal. Both teams find themselves in a similar situation and do make great trading partners...although both would like defensive help.


Webcast double header today!

First at Noon ET...The Cranky Hockey Writers with Eric Duhatschek and Kevin Allen...



The HockeyBuzzCast Live at 1pm ET!