Yea, I think OS is out of the picture... but looking at a team like Stl... they have 4 d-men, 3 of which are in their top 4, up for RFA.. They also have a handful of other top players on offense up for RFA... they are gonna need to make some kind of move... I would love to see something go down with them.


I honestly dont see them buying anyone out...
- jak521

I don't either.

That said, I'm also OK with a top six of 44, 22, 5, 8, 41 & 27 if they're all healthy.

Yea, I think OS is out of the picture... but looking at a team like Stl... they have 4 d-men, 3 of which are in their top 4, up for RFA.. They also have a handful of other top players on offense up for RFA... they are gonna need to make some kind of move... I would love to see something go down with them.


I honestly dont see them buying anyone out...
- jak521

With Kimmo back and the UFA pool being thin, I would expect them to make a trade for a defenseman which I feel makes a buyout less likely. If Corey Perry hits unrestricted free agency, I wouldn't be surprised to see the team buyout Danny and go after Perry. Not that I am advocating for that one way or the other, just could see it as a possibility.

still dont get Homer trading Versteeg? he is playing so well
- vejim

He just didn't fit in. He was always a decent player, and he's got energy, but he just wasn't lighting it up in Philly.. making him expendable.

That being said, I liked him. But, it's a business..

He just didn't fit in. He was always a decent player, and he's got energy, but he just wasn't lighting it up in Philly.. making him expendable.

That being said, I liked him. But, it's a business..
- WarriorHockey21

Wasn't Versteeg dinged up while he played here? I vaguely remember him undergoing sports hernia surgery the offseason following the stint he played in Philly, but I could be wrong about that.

Just found out the good news of Kimmo Timonen resigning. I don't have all the details but if Timonen really reupped with the club core six million, that stings a little. I think both flyers management and the player knows that the team needs flexibility to seriously compete for a cup. Especially next season with the cap coming down. Again, unsure of the details but I am happy to have Timonen back but not happy with the price.
- SuperSchennBros

i agree although i am happy to see stay 6 million is way too much.this is risky signing considering how banged up this guy is.

He just didn't fit in. He was always a decent player, and he's got energy, but he just wasn't lighting it up in Philly.. making him expendable.

That being said, I liked him. But, it's a business..
- WarriorHockey21

I have a theory that Steeger can't handle the pressure of the big markets. He struggled to fit in Chicago, Toronto and Philly. Might just be coincidence but I thought it was funny regardless.

Players are probably slightly more inclined to take all that they can get after this lockout...

I hate this move the more I think about it. Too much money. Maybe they can move Jake to move up in the draft and open up some Cap room or something but this pretty much automatically takes us out of the running for any impact UFAs. Not to mention how early this move comes. I really wanted the team to assess Kimmo's health before committing to another year. Still a lot of hockey to be played between now and then.
- hereticpride

This post I have to agree with. We may have to build through the draft. Seek out the owner of the first overall pick if we do not make the playoffs. Here, you take our first round pick and Voracek for the first overall. Boom, a little cap relief in the offseason.

I have a theory that Steeger can't handle the pressure of the big markets. He struggled to fit in Chicago, Toronto and Philly. Might just be coincidence but I thought it was funny regardless.
- NickTheKid87

Bottom line is, Versteeg had a $3mm cap hit. The Flyers had Matt Read with a $900K cap hit that could do everything that Steeger could do.

Timonen is going nowhere. The free agent market is horrible, and if there's going to be a trade, it would be something from up front.
- Jsaquella

I understand but the question is, when everyone is back and healthy, can this team win a cup as configured today? If not, your original point was to trade forwards for Defense help, admittedly giving up more in the process, then presumably signing a couple of forwards to backfill the traded players.

Ok, there more forwards available next year, though not all of them will make it to FA. But it still assumes:

1. We could find a partner willing to trade A valuable defenseman without giving up Coots or a multi player package.

2. That we could get at least 1 first line winger in FA AND likely a strong 2nd line winger to replace what was traded and maybe upgrade the third line.

3. That we can do all of this under the cap. And yes, I know Ltir Pronger is likely in this case

I just think that is a lot to accomplish. If Homer has another strikeout FA this year they are in trouble.

But, I will admit the alternative is likely at least a minor rebuild, which is not a pleasant thought either..

The more I have thought about the Timonen extension, the more I realize that it's simply something that had to be done.

I don't doubt that Holmgren has been out, beating every bush in the trade market. I'm guessing that he's found no reason to expect he can pry a decent defenseman for less than a premium package in trade.

The other aspect is, look at the FA market, Timonen on a one year deal for $6mm looks a whole lot better to me than Ron Hainsey on a $5mm deal for 5 years. I'm not crazy about the cost, but I do agree with Bill that if he costs $6mm now, it won't be any less in June.
- Jsaquella

May also be a way to get past next year and into 2 offseasons from now where there may be better options for UFA and trade. Timo's been a warrior for the team and I have no issue with him coming back and gettin paid.. Could you imagine if hehad said to Homer.. I am retiring andheadingback to Finland? yikes

i don't think anybody likes the cap hit, but i'm happy to have him back another year. we'll see how much it impacts making other moves. still some upside with gustafsson, seeminly gervais, and potentially some other guys like bourdon if he can get healthy. they may not need to make a move. and if bryz can do what he's doing now on a consistent basis, that erases a lot mistakes, and could be enough to have them be a legit threat as is.
- hammarby31

I like the cap hit. As others have said, I'd rather have Kimmo at $6M than anyone else in the FA market at $5M+. When you look at what Carle got last year, there is no reason to think that FA's like Hainsey or others won't get at least that much if not more. Timonen is better than any of them by quite a bit. So we essentially got the best FA defensemen on the market for what, in retrospect, will probably be a comparatively reasonable cap hit. I like the move, and I like the fact that it was done now and Kimmo's pending free agency will not be a distraction this season.

As for those of you that seem to be upset because he didn't sign here for less than market just to "give himself a good chance to win the Cup", or because he already has enough money, please take a picture of the unicorns and rainbows in your fantasy world and post them here. I'm sure we'd all love to see them.

May also be a way to get past next year and into 2 offseasons from now where there may be better options for UFA and trade. Timo's been a warrior for the team and I have no issue with him coming back and gettin paid.. Could you imagine if hehad said to Homer.. I am retiring andheadingback to Finland? yikes
- Hextall271

If Timonen were out for any length of time this year, the Flyers would be in deep, deep trouble.

May also be a way to get past next year and into 2 offseasons from now where there may be better options for UFA and trade. Timo's been a warrior for the team and I have no issue with him coming back and gettin paid.. Could you imagine if hehad said to Homer.. I am retiring andheadingback to Finland? yikes
- Hextall271

Pretty much the only way the team can get a good defenseman will be via trade this offseason or next. There aren't really any enticing UFAs in 2014 either. 2015 is pretty weak too.

I understand but the question is, when everyone is back and healthy, can this team win a cup as configured today? If not, your original point was to trade forwards for Defense help, admittedly giving up more in the process, then presumably signing a couple of forwards to backfill the traded players.

Ok, there more forwards available next year, though not all of them will make it to FA. But it still assumes:

1. We could find a partner willing to trade A valuable defenseman without giving up Coots or a multi player package.

2. That we could get at least 1 first line winger in FA AND likely a strong 2nd line winger to replace what was traded and maybe upgrade the third line.

3. That we can do all of this under the cap. And yes, I know Ltir Pronger is likely in this case

I just think that is a lot to accomplish. If Homer has another strikeout FA this year they are in trouble.

But, I will admit the alternative is likely at least a minor rebuild, which is not a pleasant thought either..
- TheGreat28

If everyone is healthy, I think the defense will be adequate. I'm assuming a healthy Gustafsson will help in the area of being a puck mover and increase the mobility of the third pair.

The salary cap will not be an issue, if they use Pronger's LTIR exemption.

I think if they could find a trade partner willing to give up a valuable defensemen without losing Couturier or a multi-player package, then they would have done so by now.

I would not be surprised if the Flyers expect the guys currently on the roster to step up and fill those first line roles. It's not unprecedented. Guys like Richards, Carter, Giroux, Smmonds and Umberger all had breakout seasons in their third years, and if Couturier and Schenn follow that path, the Flyers will be in pretty good shape.

The bottom line is, the Flyers are giving up short term flexibility for long term flexibility. A one year deal for $6mm to Timonen is far better than having to sign a Hainsey to a multi-year deal for slightly less.

I certainly hope they don't go after Goncha or Visnovsky. They need to stop getting older on the blueline, and getting guys who last one or two years. Visnovsky is 36, and Gonchar is 38.. Streit is 35.. (out of those, I wouldn't be disappointed with Hainsey, Whitney, or Regehr, but I really don't think any of them are the solution)

I'm not saying none of them would help, if they can stay healthy.. But they need to stop getting older... especially on D. In a day and age where Karlsson, Yandle, Enstrom, Meyers, Hedman, Pietrangelo, etc. etc. They need to keep up and look to build a solid young D core. I think Schenn is a good start, but they need to try and either develop one, or trade for one. Timonen is older and has one year left, Mez is a glass man anymore, Gervais and Foster are not long term answers, Grossman- depending on health, has a couple good years to him yet, but he's a defensive minded guy... and then Coburn. I love Gus, and Bourdon, but I don't think either are the solution. Manning could possibly develop into a solid Dman in time, but you're still going to have holes over the next couple years.

I know the upcoming FA class isn't looking good at all. But I just hate seeing them get so young at forward, and then keep getting 35+ year old guys to scab up the D. They need to keep looking to do something big on the back end. Like I said, I think Schenn was a good start.. now let's just keep going from there in a smart manner.

I don't either.

That said, I'm also OK with a top six of 44, 22, 5, 8, 41 & 27 if they're all healthy.
- Jsaquella

but you can count on 44 and 8 to wear down and that's an issue

May also be a way to get past next year and into 2 offseasons from now where there may be better options for UFA and trade. Timo's been a warrior for the team and I have no issue with him coming back and gettin paid.. Could you imagine if hehad said to Homer.. I am retiring andheadingback to Finland? yikes
- Hextall271

They'd be up poop creek with out a paddle....or a canoe

but you can count on 44 and 8 to wear down and that's an issue
- isaiah520

We can count on the 26 year old Grossmann to wear down?

It amazes me to see the logic behind some of the comments. Does anyone think that Holmgren isn't trying to add defensemen? Do people really think that he's sitting back and not asking about guys like Pietrangelo or Bogosian?

Or are we expecting teams to not match an offer sheet? How'd that work out in the cases of Weber and Ryan Kesler?

I like the cap hit. As others have said, I'd rather have Kimmo at $6M than anyone else in the FA market at $5M+. When you look at what Carle got last year, there is no reason to think that FA's like Hainsey or others won't get at least that much if not more. Timonen is better than any of them by quite a bit. So we essentially got the best FA defensemen on the market for what, in retrospect, will probably be a comparatively reasonable cap hit. I like the move, and I like the fact that it was done now and Kimmo's pending free agency will not be a distraction this season.

As for those of you that seem to be upset because he didn't sign here for less than market just to "give himself a good chance to win the Cup", or because he already has enough money, please take a picture of the unicorns and rainbows in your fantasy world and post them here. I'm sure we'd all love to see them.

- BringBack25

the market defines the situation, and i agree with you in that i prefer him back another year vs getting anyone else. 'm not upset that he didn't give a hometown discount. it's fantasy in today's to expect, assume, or even want a player to do that regardless of his history with a particular franshise - especially in hockey with all the players have conceded in earnings and contractual rights over the last 8 years. sure a lot of them make a lot of money, but if we've learned anything this fall, it's that professional sports is a business first and foremost - and that goes for both players and owners.

The bottom line is, the Flyers are giving up short term flexibility for long term flexibility. A one year deal for $6mm to Timonen is far better than having to sign a Hainsey to a multi-year deal for slightly less.
- Jsaquella

I completely agree...

We can count on the 26 year old Grossmann to wear down?
- Jsaquella

The only slightly worrisome thing about Gross, is his knees. He's had trouble over the years off and on. But I think he'll be alright for quite awhile. He doesn't worry me as much as Mez's health recently..

I certainly hope they don't go after Goncha or Visnovsky. They need to stop getting older on the blueline, and getting guys who last one or two years. Visnovsky is 36, and Gonchar is 38.. Streit is 35.. (out of those, I wouldn't be disappointed with Hainsey, Whitney, or Regehr, but I really don't think any of them are the solution)

I'm not saying none of them would help, if they can stay healthy.. But they need to stop getting older... especially on D. In a day and age where Karlsson, Yandle, Enstrom, Meyers, Hedman, Pietrangelo, etc. etc. They need to keep up and look to build a solid young D core. I think Schenn is a good start, but they need to try and either develop one, or trade for one. Timonen is older and has one year left, Mez is a glass man anymore, Gervais and Foster are not long term answers, Grossman- depending on health, has a couple good years to him yet, but he's a defensive minded guy... and then Coburn. I love Gus, and Bourdon, but I don't think either are the solution. Manning could possibly develop into a solid Dman in time, but you're still going to have holes over the next couple years.

I know the upcoming FA class isn't looking good at all. But I just hate seeing them get so young at forward, and then keep getting 35+ year old guys to scab up the D. They need to keep looking to do something big on the back end. Like I said, I think Schenn was a good start.. now let's just keep going from there in a smart manner.
- WarriorHockey21

I see B. Schenn getting move for a dman if they choose that route. I wouldn't be against Gonchar or Visnovsky for a year at a low price, Streit I like too. Regehr is a defensive minded dman so that's a no to him. Whitney has been awful in Edmonton as well. My hope is that the price for Yandle comes down and we can move B. Schenn+ for him. Phoneix has a surplus of young defensemen (Yandle, OEL, Gormley, Rundblad) and a deficiency up front so I think a deal like that would benefit both teams.

The only slightly worrisome thing about Gross, is his knees. He's had trouble over the years off and on. But I think he'll be alright for quite awhile. He doesn't worry me as much as Mez's health recently..
- WarriorHockey21

The knees are a concern, but that's not really a wear down issue.

Stay with the black jersey for luck! Good news on the Wayne train. Hopefully he's back for Saturday's game.. Keep rolling boys and get Bryz some support!
- Hextall271

they need to bring the black jerseys back like a 3rd jersey or something i miss the black jerseys

kimmo signing is CYA after last yr. maybe there's a guy in europe who never signed over here after being drafted or matured too late to be considered. homer has to get creative here.