Breaking News...The Rangers have signe Francis Bouillon to a 1Y/1M+ deal. Intriguing given the amount of D the Rangers already have signed. Something must be up.
This came across my desk this morning and it is definitely intriguing. There are rumored discussions, albeit preliminary, regarding Heatley to Philadelphia.
Talking to the Flyers themselves, it is safe to say that they are essentially all saying the same thing: "Our roster is pretty much set." The Flyers love the changes they have made and are looking forward to the season ahead...
However, growing up in this town you learn that the Flyers are never 100% set. Never.
So when I started getting calls from reliable sources asking me, "What are you hearing on the Flyers and Heatley?" I wasn't shocked. In fact my mind went to almost a sense of, "Yeh, sure why wouldn't they get into it now?"
Of course the answer is the cap hit. As it always is. But a young 50 goal scorer, even a conflicted one, is at lease worth a few high-level meetings to discuss. Don't think for a second that 20 teams haven't sat down and looked at Heatley and how they could make it work.
So enter the Flyers. The Flyers are full of young talent right now and they are not a team to hold on to assets if they feel they are in contention.(see Pronger) Last week when I included the Flyers along with the Caps, Pens, and Bruins, as the class of the East many were surprised.
Anyone who saw their first round series against the eventual Cup winners should not be. The Flyers were very close to stretching the series to seven games and played the Penguins as tough as anyone did in last year's playoffs.
Also, remember, it was about this time last year, end of August, when the Flyers got seriously into the Sundin sweeps. They always get into these sorts of races if it stretches on long enough. It is the way the organization works. They don't sit back when they feel there is an opportunity.
The Cap hit for Heatley would be the issue, but as was the case in Edmonton, the Sens take some good players, some young players, and one contract that the Flyers really need to move and it becomes possible.
We have al ot of Flyers fans out there.
Do you think they should get Heatley and what would you give up?
Zherdev Update...
While he hasn't officially signed anywhere yet the odds are VERY strong that he is in fact heading to the KHL as rumored yesterday...around 80%.
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Here is what else I am working on...
*There is more momentum on the Stafford/Horton trade rumors today.
*I working on what may be a new break in the Frolov to Montreal front.
*Also, now that Burke is happy with Kaberle and not calling around is it possible that he may soon get some calls with some offers that make this all the more interesting?
*I am also doing a complete reset of the rumor chart....likely in the 7-9pm hour...
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