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Update: Bryz, Leino, Ward, Richards, Chevy, The BIG Rumor, and Berger...

June 8, 2011, 12:23 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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By acquiring Bryzgalov's rights, the Flyers proved last night they aren't screwing around when it comes to a goalie moving forward.

Will a deal get done? Sources tell me it is still 50/50 there. "Bryz wants a fortune." a source just texted me.

Another source was shocked by the Flyers pick up, saying, "I don't know why they did it. There aren't many teams who need a goalie and Bryzgalov doesn't have that many options here."

In any negotiation you look to see who has the leverage. In this case I believe both sides need this to happen, so I am pretty certain it gets done.

For the Flyers, Bryzgalov is the perfect fit. He fills two needs in Philly.

First off, this team is in their "window". Key veterans stars are primed for the next few years...young rookie stars are coming into their prime. The next few years are the Flyers time.

Second Ilya can help Bobrovsky along...The Flyers really have no idea what they have with Bob at this point. He speaks through a translator, at times he looks awesome in net, at times he looks really, really young and unable to make heads or tails of the pressure.

I have been talking about Ilya to the Flyers since the sweep against Boston...saying the Flyers would get his rights...that was never the question. The question is more how will the Flyers make this work?

There are many Carter rumors...Two I believe are possible...To Columbus for the 8th overall pick feels the most likely. Toronto is out there as well..

But remember, Carter has some very influential backers in Philly, and I know the Flyers will go to Carter as a last resort, or if they are blown away by an offer...which is possible. There are several GMs out there who also absolutely covet Jeff Carter and what he could bring to their team as a #1 Center. When is a player like that EVER available?

The cap will rise a bit, but the Flyers will still need to find space.

What I don't agree with...not yet at least...is the popular sentiment now of Leino being the victim here.

The Flyers not only love Leino, but they may feel they owe him something.

The details of the story I won't share, but Leino has showed the Flyers some true dedication... team goals before personal goals ...that doesn't go unnoticed in Philadelphia. Especially with Holmgren. I would see the Flyers moving Versteeg or Carle or possibly Coburn before they don't sign Leino.

Richards wants to play in the East...

I have it on good authority that at least 6 teams have looked into Brad Richards rights. However...everything I hear has Brad wanting to come back East. The word around the Final is the Lightning are very much an option. It is widely know the two NY Teams, the Leafs, and the Senators have shown interest. When the rumor chart launches soon you will see just how crazy, turbulent, and minute to minute the Brad Richards rumors are.


The LA Kings and Joel Ward (e4)

Here is a possibility that would really make a dangerous team more dangerous. The Kings are my early pick to win the West next year and if they can pull off signing Joel Ward look out. Ward helped himself in HUGE ways in the playoffs and may have played his way out of Nashville. Ward will be signing a very healthy contract. Montreal and Buffalo also have interest, as does Winnipeg.

Speaking of Winnipeg...

The Winnipeg Free Press and Darren Dreger of TSN have reported Kevin Cheveldayoff will be named to the GM post today. I am a huge Kevin Cheveldayoff supporter and have been for years now. Kevin Cheveldayoff is a very sharp hockey guy who many teams have been tracking. He is from Saskatoon as well...so the weather won't be an issue.:)

The BIG rumor...

Calgary and Ottawa are talking...and from what I have been told it is a 5 player deal. Now this is just rumor so take it for what it's worth, but the source who told me this yesterday was insistent that I wait until today to even mention it. Usually when this happens it either means something will go down very soon or it means something ELSE has to happen.

From my morning digging, I believe that something else is going to happen today, or possibly tonight.

There is a deal I believe between LA and Ottawa that has to happen first...and this deal would put one of the key pieces to Ottawa, a piece Calgary would need to make the trade.

Hint...think in terms of guys who are from these towns...

Hate to be so vague, but sometimes it's "be vague or say nothing at all" and since you all look to me for your rumor fix I am guessing most of you would rather me be vague...

As you have learned this month...with the Rafalski retirement, and yesterday's Bryzgalov trade...vague quite often is in the high e4 range.


On Howard Berger...

I have to say something here. THANK YOU HOWARD for keeping it real and sharing your emotions. Sharing them to a group of people who you know aren't always the most understanding. Commenters can be brutal. It is so easy to hide for them. They find their own fame. You know, as I know, that less than 1% of those who read you ever comment. Most just read and enjoy.

Howard Berger has been nothing but class and a friend to me personally all these years. He has been, and will continue to be, a significant force in one of the all-time great sport towns. Howard's opinions are always his. We have had our differences about how he expresses them, but our friendship has never faded. Ever.

There is a protocol in this media business, that during a press conference someone asks the first question. That person sort of "breaks the ice." It's a respect thing, given by the other writers in a town. It is not an easy job because sometimes it's the equivalent of asking a widow "How do you feel at your husband's passing."

The fact Howard Berger was THAT go-to person in Toronto, the first person to ask a question in one of the biggest hockey markets anywhere, is more than significant. It's says something beyond what I can even write.

Doors open and close, Howard. The Fan590 has made SEVERAL horrible decisions in the past few years as a few in power clutch at the straws of a paradigm long past the "dying" phase. You aren't alone in getting caught in that game, but the fact that despite all of your fame you always wrote here shows how you somehow were aware of this changing environment and you kept in front of the curve. A curve which has left many others behind.

Don't allow the emotions to make you regret the time you had to be away from your family. The industry can be brutal to family, but I personally know the great amount of time you dedicated to them in the off seasons. You shouldn't regret ANYTHING, but you should cherish life moving forward.

You will always have a place here, and all I can give.. Doors opening.

ek.
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