Here's a decent rumor for you to start your weekend.
The Philadelphia Flyers are all about signing goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov to a long-term deal. One problem however: He wants money. Lots of money. Enough money to push Philly into bad salary cap territory. If Bryzgalov is to become a Flyer, someone has to go. Center Jeff Carter is perhaps the most moveable high-priced asset. Rumors are the Columbus Blue Jackets are making a big push for Carter that includes trading to Philly the 8th overall pick at the draft this month.
As we all know, the Edmonton Oilers lack a #1 center. What they do have going for them is plenty of young prospects. So if the Oilers wanted to acquire Carter, what would he be worth?
Forget Edmonton dealing their 1st overall pick at the Entry Draft. Instead, consider the Oilers moving a package for Carter: Sam Gagner, the 19th overall pick and the 31st overall pick. Gagner would be the only immediate salary coming back to the Flyers, freeing up $3mil in cap room. The Flyers would acquire a quality young center for the second line, and have the cap room needed to sign Bryzgalov.
Should the Oilers make a deal to acquire Carter, the drafting of Ryan Nugent-Hopkins might not take place. There would be a greater ability to take Adam Larsson 1st overall instead. Or, the Oilers could take Nugent-Hopkins knowing the rebuild will have a Carter/RNH center ice combo moving forward...potential one of the best 1-2 punches in the league.
Edmonton Oilers Blogger • 
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