Eklund: Caps trade Niskanen to Flyers for Gudas

Uhhhhhh......why?

To see if he can play on every team in the Metro?

Ok RHD....and 1 more year....but WHY?

Pay more for what? OMG is Niskanen going to be paired with Provorov? Niskanen for 22+ mins a night?

Shoot me now.

Uhhhhhh......why?

To see if he can play on every team in the Metro?
- Hckygoalie31

Well, you COULD say the Pens (Gonchar) helped revive his career in a big way, so...

I liked him as a Pen. Liked him FAR less as a Cap.

Will be hating on him as a Flyer, FOR SURE!!

Can't stand Gudas, no matter what sweater he wears.

Good trade

let there be trades!

Good trade
- SMS4016

For Washington....

Cap savings and 1 less year.

Why would the Flyers be retaining any part of the deal? That make no sense at all.

For Washington....

Cap savings and 1 less year.
- Glak18

Plus Philly retaining on Gudas.

The Capitals ice crew can't be too happy about all the extra wear and tear on the ice surface from Wilson and Gudas dragging their knuckles around out there all night

let there be trades!
- riceroni

Hear, Hear!

Plus Philly retaining on Gudas.
- ImThatGuy

Why would the Flyers be retaining any part of the deal? That make no sense at all.
- MBFlyerfan

Maybe because Fletcher is not good at his job?

Fletcher is an idiot. That didn’t last long.

Schenn, Simmonds Gudas, one more physical player gone. Flyers are severely lacking in that department.

Flyers got robbed in this deal IMO.
Why would they retain 30% of Gudas contract.

Niskanen is much better than Radko Gudas..

Schenn, Simmonds Gudas, one more physical player gone. Flyers are severely lacking in that department.
- Djapana

I guess Hagg can hold his own in the blueline?

Pretty sure the Flyers are below the Cap floor and retaining some of Gudas's cap helps get them to where they should be?

Don't know.

Niskanen was off the team already by the time Gonchar came to town. (frank) Gonchar’s cult of personality in Pittsburgh is way too big.

this deal makes no sense. none.

Niskanen is much better than Radko Gudas..
- Barnaby36

He used to be yes. But now I wouldn’t say much better.

His point totals are declining pretty steadily and when you look at salary retained philly is essentially paying Niss $7mm this year.

Okay Flyers fans (and I'm a huge fan), I'm surprised at the negativity. Let's break this down:

1) Niskanen is clearly a better player than Gudas and a clear cut Top 4 defensemen (albeit likely 2nd pairing at this point).

2) His 5.75 cap hit is reasonable and for only 2 more years.

3) He's right handed, and he's a good skater and does have some physicality (and will fight occasionally).

4) You want to change things up and improve, well this does just that.

In Niskanen an all-star? No. Does he make this team better? Absolutely. Gudas was solid but a fringe 2nd/3rd pairing guy. He was very expendable and retaining 30% of his cap hit (just over $1M for just this year) helps the sides make the deal.

What's the issue here? If anything I'd imagine Caps fans are disappointed - but it makes sense for both teams.

Chalk me up as a fan of this trade. Go Flyers.

Okay Flyers fans (and I'm a huge fan), I'm surprised at the negativity. Let's break this down:

1) Niskanen is clearly a better player than Gudas and a clear cut Top 4 defensemen (albeit likely 2nd pairing at this point).

2) His 5.75 cap hit is reasonable and for only 2 more years.

3) He's right handed, and he's a good skater and does have some physicality (and will fight occasionally).

4) You want to change things up and improve, well this does just that.

In Niskanen an all-star? No. Does he make this team better? Absolutely. Gudas was solid but a fringe 2nd/3rd pairing guy. He was very expendable and retaining 30% of his cap hit (just over $1M for just this year) helps the sides make the deal.

What's the issue here? If anything I'd imagine Caps fans are disappointed - but it makes sense for both teams.

Chalk me up as a fan of this trade. Go Flyers.
- cmr.266

Niskanen has 6 more points playing 4 minutes more per night.

Niskanen of a Few years ago and this trade makes sense, IMo