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Talking to sources right now. The possibility is very real. Esche is back in town after the Russian season and has had a history with this organization.
Looking back, Robert Esche is one of the NHL players who was most screwed by the NHL lockout. Going back before the lockout Esche was at the top of his game and if the Flyers win Game 7 against Tampa in the Conference Finals, and then go on to beat Calgary, Esche would have won the Conn Smythe. No question about it. Esche was spectacular in those playoffs.
Esche also played a major role in trying to help the NHL and NHLPA work through their differences. He was one of the top ten most active players in dealing with the NHL.
Talking to a source high up in the Flyers organization I was told when asking about Esche..."We like him. It's a great idea."
Updated: There has been some debate going on here about the rules. The official word from the NHL is Esche can be signed and play, but it is too late to sign him to have him be eligible for the playoffs. The Flyers are currently in 7th place and may need a quality guy down the stretch here to make the playoffs. I assume they are looking at Esche for these reasons. Also remember the Flyers could view this as a tryout for next season. Either way, they are exploring it.
The Flyers have for now called up Jeremy Duchesne from the Phantoms.
I want to thank Russ Cohen for contributing to this article with the segment below...
Sometime today Michael Leighton’s MRI will come in and then the Flyers and their fans will have a better idea about where they stand between the pipes to finish out the season and the playoffs. The Flyers don’t have any prospects ready to step in. Their #1 goalie prospect is Nicola Riopel, 21, was the 142nd overall pick last season so he’s way too young and right now his team, the Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, are gearing up for a run to the Memorial Cup.
Johan Backlund, who may have a touch of the flu, isn’t ready whether or not he’s 100%. He’s 29, and having a nice seasons for the Phantoms, but im my estimation he’s not NHL material just yet. He’s never played a minute of NHL hockey so bringing him in as a backup or a tandem goalie is probably a last ditch effort.
Brian Boucher, 33, has been average at best this season. If Leighton is going to miss a significant amount of time, or play with this aggravating him all season, they are much better off reaching out to Robert Esche and making Boucher the third goalie.
Esche, played under current coach Peter Laviolette back in the 2006 Olympics and now he has a chance to be reunited with his old coach. The important item to note is that Esche played 42 games this season for St. Petersburg SKA in the KHL and that’s four more games than last season. He’s still fresh and his numbers were solid but hey it’s the KHL, not the NHL, but still he’s battle tested, ready, and he should be willing to come at a cap-friendly price.
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