Matt Karash: Which is more ridiculous? The Flyers/Paul Holmgren situation

Excellent points and comments. Sometimes we lose track (or perspective) of the decisions made by a GM. The moves you mentioned are definitely questionable and I am surprised that the executive group isn't doing the same evaluation when it comes to their GM and his staff. To be continued.

Matt Karash: Which is more ridiculous? The Flyers/Paul Holmgren situation
- CarolinaMatt63

Is it Trolling for Hits Week on Hockeybuzz?

When Holmgren took the Flyers from 2nd last in the league to a playoff powerhouse in one season I thought the moves he made were genius.

Recently he is definitely worst GM in the league.

Gillis has got to be second worst.

Homer only has a job because the problem starts with Snider.

Recently he is definitely worst GM in the league.
- aeberg

In a world where Jay Feaster exists, this cannot be true.

love the article. Flyers are in deep, they think money can solve any problems. when they claim to make around 5-6 million a year, how in the hell can you justify spending 28 million and be one the of the bully leaders during the lock out. no respect to that organization

You bring up some interesting points. It's also been no secret the Flyers have been arguably THE boldest team in the NHL since 2000 with respect to trading and signing players, as well as draft management.

Being a Flyers fan, it's sometimes tough to watch and comprehend, but at the end of the day, I would rather have a GM who is aggressive and has the balls to pull these types of moves, than a GM who is as silent as a mouse. For some of the teams in the league, I don't even know how some fans remain, as their teams are constantly quiet and make little to no moves year-in and year-out.

It also boils down to the fact that Ed Snider is ballsy and impatient owner. He has the money to throw around that only a few owners in the league do, and he literally does everything in his power, through his GM, to make the Flyers the best team possible. I think it just really comes down to money at the end of the day. The Flyers are a team who can afford to buy and spend away their problems, no matter what the cost. Small market teams have no clue what this is like.

why don,t you worry about Hurricanes and not the Flyers. Don't you have enough news there to talk about

In a world where Jay Feaster exists, this cannot be true.
- dilbert719

Although it took about two years too long, Feaster did actually start the rebuild in Calgary.

Probably not the best person to have rebuilding your team but I understand what Calgary is doing far more than what Philly is doing.

why don,t you worry about Hurricanes and not the Flyers. Don't you have enough news there to talk about
- tweet

I'm trying to reach out and make friends in our new division before the season starts.

I expect to read plenty more of this from Karash over the next decade while he and the Canes are looking up at the Flyers in the standings. Good luck getting into the playoffs.

I think a lot of teams and GMs are somewhat jealous of the Flyers, Snider, and Holmgren as money is never an issue and Snider consistently gives the green light on trying to improve this team. Say what you want about the Richards/Carter trade, but the Flyers actually got MORE production out of the return than they did from Richards and Carter this year and last year...

..

Matt Karash: Which is more ridiculous?
- CarolinaMatt63

That a Carolina Hurricanes blogger is even commenting on the Philadelphia Flyers with a passion like he is an insider is the most ridiculous thing on the internet today, congratulations

I expect to read plenty more of this from Karash over the next decade while he and the Canes are looking up at the Flyers in the standings. Good luck getting into the playoffs.
- sla6yer

Did he hurt your feelings?

Comparatively, I would rather have Vinny and Mark Streit than some of the UFAs that signed for even more ridiculous money this offseason. Vinny's contract is actually quite fair and reasonable, and Streit will give value to his contract so long as he is healthy for the duration.

Did he hurt your feelings?
- Al Hacker

remember when the Carolina Hurricanes were the Hartford Whalers?

Did he hurt your feelings?
- Al Hacker

Do you doubt what I said is true?

Matt Karash: Which is more ridiculous? The Flyers/Paul Holmgren situation
- CarolinaMatt63

Holmgren was hired by the Flyers during the 95-96 season as Director of Pro Scouting.

Since that time (17 seasons), the Flyers have missed the playoffs just twice.

Its easy to take an outside approach.

Lets look at in more in depth.

Starting- The trades of Jeff Carter and Mike Richards:
These two were the two guys the org. was going to build around. Unfortunately, there were some changes in their games, character and what have you. Fortunately, around the same time came the emergence of Claude Giroux. So prior to having two massive life long contracts kick into full gear, Homer decided to change things up. The package he received in return ends up amounting to: Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn, Jakub Voracek, Sean Couturier, Nicklas Grossmann, Nick Cousins, and Shayne Gostisbehere. Thats a hell of a job by a GM to get that massive haul for TWO players.

Ilya Bryzgalov mess. Indeed it is a mess, and most of that can be attributed to Ed Snider. He practically forced Homer to sign Bryz at all costs. Homer should have said no.. and told Snider he had a job to do, but he didnt. Tertiary blame can be given to Laviolette for his terrible handling of Bobrovsky.

As for buying out Bryz and Briere, he did what any smart GM would do in that situation. He bought out the people who provide the least amount of bang for their buck.

The Pronger story is a sad one. I have little doubt he could have played that contract out, had it not been for an errant stick to the eye.

I miss Joni Pickanose Pitkanen so much

remember when the Carolina Hurricanes were the Hartford Whalers?
- watsonnostaw

Are you aware that the Thrashers moved to Winnipeg?

Since Holmgren took over full time, the flyers missed the playoffs once last year in a lockout shortened season. During that same time, Rutherford and the hurricanes made the playoffs only once. Why has a Carolina blogger written a blog bashing Holmgren?

You also mention Holmgren's spending habits, which is a bit unjust. Sure, he and Snider are rather liberal with their spending on players, but, you have to remember that they were operating under the parameters of the old CBA where that spending was justified and was part of the structure and budget... If the NHL suddenly changes its collective bargaining agreement with new financial terms, the GMs in the league who negotiated under that system shouldn't be faulted for trying to maximize their chances of success. I wish the NHL was like soccer, where the rich teams can be rich...