Just a really weird and seemingly unforced move by Fletcher. Gudas brought a ton of grit leadership to the Flyers d corps. I don't see why they wouldn't have been able to sign him as a UFA for a respectable cap hit. He finally put it all together this past season and really matured IMO. Retaining a portion of Gudas' salary as well as having to face him 6 times a year is just icing on the cake for the Capitals.

Fingers crossed a top Flyers forward doesn't get injured long-term from a Gudas related play.
- Pixote Andolini

I have to think that they'll give Sam a real chance to step into this role. He did play well this year but previously he was always on the edge regarding suspensions and has struggle in his own zone. At the end of the day, the chemistry needs a shake up so I'm ok with this.

I have to say I'm kind of miffed by this move.

It’s interesting how the year went down. The blues played caveman hockey down the stretch and into the playoffs and it worked. It’s still what wins more often than not

NHL teams just don't make guesses. They pretty much know what the RFA's are going to cost them with a reasonable +/- to that. They know what they're willing to spend on Hayes. This was all worked out in meetings prior to this period. Hayes has all the leverage. No reason why this would add pressure to his decision.
- MJL

meaningless stat

Looking forward to hear about "Matty" Niskanen every time we play a national game this year.

So...Freddy Meyers (undrafted free agent) and third round pick (later traded to NYI)become
Zhitnik who becomes
Coburn who becomes
TK, Gudas, Matej Tomek
gudas becomes
Niskanen

So your Vet Dman and a forward of the future cost you a throw away 3rd rounder in the 2007 draft and an undrafted free agent in 2003.

They traded high on Gudas and low on Niskanen (that is the hope), and did not expect to resign Gudas and only 2 years left on Niskanen's deal. They add the extra cash because for the next 2 years they can afford it, and it makes it an easier pill to swallow if Gudas and wilson end up hurting the team more than they help...

They get a guy that ACTUALLY has his name on the cup...has played with Crosby and Ovi and is overall better skill wise than Gudas...Oh, and this is the exact opposite of the trade that would ship Ghost out of here after his down year...

I think Fletch checked another block off the to do list and has not upset the apple cart at all and still has a lot of flexibility ahead of the draft.

Also for all we know the salary retained could be for another move...

I liked Gudas play this past year and thought he was a good pick up in the Coburn trade, but he wasn't going to be here long term so a good move by the GM.
- JW98FlyerFan

Well said


I like the trade, I think Fletch is just getting started.

I’m not either. I still believe they want Trouba.


- Flyers1218

In my opinion, if he was interested in Trouba he would've already talked to Winnipeg. If he was in the hunt for Trouba, he doesn't make the Niskanen deal.

meaningless stat
- corduroy

So......
Gudas unleashes two horrendous turnovers in the 3rd that costs them game 6 vs the Pens

Nearly everybody declares he should never play another game for the Flyers
Rebounds and has a good year
Traded for a better player that is coming off down year.....and there is no possibility that said player can rebound to a degree because his skills are plummeting

THE USUAL SUSPECTS are throwing a hissy-fit

Hahahahhahahah......keep on hockeybuzzing

Just a really weird and seemingly unforced move by Fletcher. Gudas brought a ton of grit leadership to the Flyers d corps. I don't see why they wouldn't have been able to sign him as a UFA for a respectable cap hit. He finally put it all together this past season and really matured IMO. Retaining a portion of Gudas' salary as well as having to face him 6 times a year is just icing on the cake for the Capitals.

Fingers crossed a top Flyers forward doesn't get injured long-term from a Gudas related play.
- Pixote Andolini

He's a solid 4/5. Moving forward he is a 3rd pair guy. Nothing more.

In my opinion, if he was interested in Trouba he would've already talked to Winnipeg. If he was in the hunt for Trouba, he doesn't make the Niskanen deal.
- MJL

Trouba would be too expensive in terms of young talent.

Bad trade. Risking one of the Flyers getting hurt from Gudas. I honestly don't get this place sometimes.

In a roundabout way thats linda like paying 7 million for Niskanen

Nisk's cap hit plus 30% of Gudas....

YIKES

Wasn't one of the reasons that Morin DIDN'T make the team out of camp 2 years ago because they saw him and Gudas playing the same role and they wanted more of a mix?
- jmatchett383

If I remember correctly Sam can’t play his off side so they were going to have to juggle to many guys to keep him on his natural side.

So......
Gudas unleashes two horrendous turnovers in the 3rd that costs them game 6 vs the Pens

Nearly everybody declares he should never play another game for the Flyers
Rebounds and has a good year
Traded for a better player that is coming off down year.....and there is no possibility that said player can rebound to a degree because his skills are plummeting

THE USUAL SUSPECTS are throwing a hissy-fit

Hahahahhahahah......keep on hockeybuzzing
- KINGKENZO

Trade high! Haha.

I'm ok with the trade. It's a chemistry change too. St. Louis had to make some substantial changes last offseason to get tot the cup.

In a roundabout way thats linda like paying 7 million for Niskanen

Nisk's cap hit plus 30% of Gudas....

YIKES
- RoloTahmasee

Yes...that's exactly what it's like, except it's not.

So......
Gudas unleashes two horrendous turnovers in the 3rd that costs them game 6 vs the Pens

Nearly everybody declares he should never play another game for the Flyers
Rebounds and has a good year
Traded for a better player that is coming off down year.....and there is no possibility that said player can rebound to a degree because his skills are plummeting

THE USUAL SUSPECTS are throwing a hissy-fit

Hahahahhahahah......keep on hockeybuzzing
- KINGKENZO

why would wash trade him for Gudas if that's the case? are they cash strapped?

this confirms gudas is going to win the cup in WSH

I’m glad someone said this. From a pure skill standpoint, good deal for the Flyers. With this said, we lose toughness. We get a bigger salary back. It’s not like Niskanen is an all situations player, he might be able to move up in the line up but for the most part, he’s probably playing the same role as Gudas was.
- SuperSchennBros

At this point Niskanen isn't an all-situations player, no, because he's not on PP2 anymore. But at his peak he was. Still kills penalties and will play a bit higher in 5-on-5 rotation. Fundamentally, though, I agree that he will take over Gudas' role with more puck moving, less (although not devoid) physicality.

If I remember correctly Sam can’t play his off side so they were going to have to juggle to many guys to keep him on his natural side.
- bird_dog_pa

That was part of it, yes. Morin only plays LD.

this confirms gudas is going to win the cup in WSH
- 2Real

What stopped Simmonds from winning it with odds-on WC favorite Nashville last year?

I think this is a good, savvy trade by Fletcher. The cap retention is a non issue. It's one year and the Flyers have cap space. They aren't making a big splash in free agency this year.
- StepfordSam

I think you are right there. I think that’s why they chose Hayes, in part. But I do think they are looking to make a splash within the trade market.

In my opinion, if he was interested in Trouba he would've already talked to Winnipeg. If he was in the hunt for Trouba, he doesn't make the Niskanen deal.
- MJL

I have no doubt they're interested on the hockey ops level. But at what trade cost? Does he wind up in arbitration this summer and a UFA next summer? Without knowing those things, it's hard to say if there's feasibility.

why would wash trade him for Gudas if that's the case? are they cash strapped?
- 2Real

They have $13M is cap space after this trade, and they have 8 forwards and 5 defensemen (not counting Siegenthaler) signed, plus Backstrom and Holtby both need an extension next year.

What stopped Simmonds from winning it with odds-on WC favorite Nashville last year?
- jmatchett383

uh ok cause Schenn, Maroon, and coach punchface won it