The Blue Jackets have extended RJ Umberger for 5 years $23M. I am a huge RJ fan, and he is the face of this franchise. Not only is he the face of the franchise but honestly you can't get a better guy to be a leader in your locker room. As I have said before, I love what the Blue Jackets have done this summer, and if they get the return of Mason to form they will be a dangerous team in the West...a playoff team for certain.
Flyers show hockey world what they got for Richards and Carter.
I don't think it was planned this way, but the Flyers skated into the Media center of the hockey universe last night and decided to play all the components of the two highly controversial trades they made this summer.
On several occasions this summer we have heard the Toronto hockey punditry taking their shots and talking about how the Flyers panicked this summer in signing Bryzgalov and trading two star players in Richards and Carter...
Well all the pieces played last night.
For Richards...
Brayden Schenn looked strong and continues to become more comfortable. There are some definite similarities in Schenn's game and Mike Richard's game, but obviously Schenn lacks the experience Richards has. For right now the Flyers will let him develop that and Schenn is a great soldier in the locker room. He is respectful and confident.
Wayne Simmonds was at times spectacular and dynamic in his orange and black debut. There are few players who command the ice like Simmonds can. He just gets the puck and goes. Fun to watch and I can quickly see Simmonds becoming the steal of the "Richards/Carter" deals this summer. I also predict Wayne will become a fan favorite in Philly almost immediately. He plays Flyers hockey through and through. His drive to the net and presence when he sets up in front of the net hasn't been seen in Philadelphia since Rick Tocchet.
For Carter...
In breaking news...the Flyers have inked their first round pick Sean Couturier to a contract today.. Sean looked much more comfortable last night versus Toronto than he did in the rookie game versus the Caps last week. He does really and truthfully remind you of Jordan Staal. He is dynamic offensively, but at the NHL level, at least right now, his defensive abilities are the real story. He is never out of position and rarely makes a mistake. It won't be easy to send him to juniors this year, but you get the sense they will. Again, it reminds me of Jordan Staal and we all remember the Penguins languishing over that decision.
Jakob Voracek was perhaps the least standout of the players who came to Philly via the two trades.. He looked "ok" and showed signs of being able to make an impact with flashes of his skill but he also looked nervous and hesitant.
also...
As an aside, Eric Wellwood looks NHL ready. I have said this before, but Eric Wellwood can flat out play. I fear he will be an odd man out, but if a substantial injury were to occur and he was to see the lineup I would venture they would have a hard time ever taking him out of the line-up. He is a definite young asset. And the Flyers are very confident in his play as well.
Coming up...
* I am heading down to Philly/Toronto tonight and will be blogging more on the Leafs from the rink later on.
*Also, I am hearing some very interesting rumors surrounding the Canucks and Panthers again.
*The Sabres are talking to Colorado still as well.
Looking for info between blogs or when the next blog is coming?>
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