I hope the news about Ian Laperriere's ongoing post-concussion problems is not a precursor to the end of the player's career. It has been clear ever since Laperriere returned from the horrific facial injuries he suffered last spring that there was something not quite right with him on the ice. The courageous effort and determination was still there, but he had become ineffective at the same tasks he usually excelled in performing on the forecheck and along the boards.
Unfortunately, the situation with Laperriere appears bleak at this point. There's no way to know when -- or if -- he'll be able to return. He finally had to admit to himself that his problems weren't something he could play through. Laperriere is one of the most admirable players in the game: someone who cares only about winning and not at all about his role or ice time. He's a throwback role player in every sense of the term (which unfortunately includes being his own worst enemy when it comes to serious injuries). Off the ice, he's a consummate gentleman and someone with a great sense of humor.
I am hoping that, at some point this season, his symptoms subside and he is able to return and be the player who so quickly endeared himself to the team's fans with his gritty, never-say-die style. But for Lappy to take the step he just took suggests that the issue isn't about to go away.
As far as Laperriere's contract goes, if the worst case scenario were to come to pass and Lappy is unable to continue his career, the Flyers are still liable for the duration of his contract (which runs through 2011-12) if he retires. Laperriere signed an over-35 contract with the Flyers so even an injury-forced retirement would count against the cap. However, if need be, the club could place him on LTIR for the duration.
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There is a very different tone in assessing Bill Guerin's chances of making the Flyers, depending on whether head coach Peter Laviolette or general manager Paul Holmgren is speaking.
Laviolette said, ""Everybody knows what Billy Guerin does and what he can bring. It's just a matter of managing the (roster) spot."
It doesn't take too much reading between the lines to see that Laviolette couldn't care less what the veteran does in the preseason -- he wants the player on his team if there's a roster spot available.
It also doesn't take too much reading between the lines that Paul Holmgren favors giving a young player -- Ben Holmstrom, Mike Testwuide or Andreas Nodl -- every chance the roster spot that has been opened by Laperriere's injury. Holmgren has characterized Guerin's play so far as just "OK", said it's "admirable" that Guerin came to camp on a tryout and said the evaluation "process" is continuing while at the same time talking up the performance of some of the young players.
I don't think the head coach and GM are at odds over this enough to squawk if the other were to vehemently tell the other in private that he or does not want to commit to Guerin. This isn't a test of wills. However, I definitely think there's a difference of opinion that is only being hidden by the thinnest of smokescreens.
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Today's
Across the Pond at NHL.com offers a roundup of the early-season goings on in the Czech Extraliga. The article includes updates on Flyers goaltending prospect Jakub Kovar and ex-Flyers defenseman Lukas Krajicek.
Philadelphia Flyers Blogger •NHL.com • 
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