Did Montreal recently sign Semin or was that a year ago? I just remember them signing that guy for Peanuts and that was the last I heard of him. - roenick97
The Flyers had Darryl Sittler for a couple years in the early/mid-80's, then in the 90's they had Dale Hawerchuk and Paul Coffey... with this newly revealed attempt to get Gretzky, it makes me wonder (about 20% seriously) if they also tried to acquire Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Joe Sakic, etc. at some point as well.
The Flyers had Darryl Sittler for a couple years in the early/mid-80's, then in the 90's they had Dale Hawerchuk and Paul Coffey... with this newly revealed attempt to get Gretzky, it makes me wonder (about 20% seriously) if they also tried to acquire Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Joe Sakic, etc. at some point as well. - copelal
Don't believe they went actively out to acquire any of those 3, but if you read Jay Greenberg's fantastic history of the team, you will find that there were quite a few guys they tried and failed to get. Some that come to mind are: Ian Turnbull (not a star, but a legit top pair Dman in the late 70s for the Leafs), Brian Bellows, Cam Neely, and Ray Bourque.
The Flyers had Darryl Sittler for a couple years in the early/mid-80's, then in the 90's they had Dale Hawerchuk and Paul Coffey... with this newly revealed attempt to get Gretzky, it makes me wonder (about 20% seriously) if they also tried to acquire Mario Lemieux, Mark Messier, Joe Sakic, etc. at some point as well. - copelal
I wanted them to get Messier. I thought he'd be a really great mentor for Lindros.
Don't believe they went actively out to acquire any of those 3, but if you read Jay Greenberg's fantastic history of the team, you will find that there were quite a few guys they tried and failed to get. Some that come to mind are: Ian Turnbull (not a star, but a legit top pair Dman in the late 70s for the Leafs), Brian Bellows, Cam Neely, and Ray Bourque. - BiggE
There was a game right before the TDL when the Flyers played the Bruins the year that Bourque was dealt. It was clear as day that the Flyers were being extra careful not to touch him at all because they were in the hunt for him. Would have loved to have him.
There was a game right before the TDL when the Flyers played the Bruins the year that Bourque was dealt. It was clear as day that the Flyers were being extra careful not to touch him at all because they were in the hunt for him. Would have loved to have him. - jmatchett383
Yup, I remember that game. The announcers actually thought it was pretty much a done deal.
My last post gave me an idea. Here are my top 10 favorite non-Flyer players.
1. Gordie Howe
Do I even need to explain? If you can't find some love and respect for Mr. Hockey, you are simply not a hockey fan.
2. Bobby Orr
It was just a treat to watch him skate and play.
3. Wayne Gretzky
Just an all around class act. When the Flyers set up a charitable fund after Pelle's death, he was the ONLY opposing player to make a donation. I will always love him for that.
4. Ray Bourque
I wanted him in orange and black in the worst way. He could do it all.
5. Nick Lidstrom
See Bourque.
6. Mike Bossy
Classy guy and had one of the nastiest wrist shots I ever saw.
7. Mario Lemieux
It ain't easy putting a Penguin on this list and some of his holier than thou spoutings as an executive really get on my nerves, but on the ice he was a treat to watch. I was at the game when he made his return from his cancer recovery and it was truly a special moment.
8. Al MacInnis
Another guy I would have loved to see in Philly
9. Shane Doan
He's just a great guy and the ultimate captain, too bad he's had to spend his entire career with a joke of a franchise. Yeah, you heard me right Tanner, A JOKE!
10. Jere Lehtinen
Not a big name by any means, but he's a guy who just played the game right in all 3 zones and a guy that every team could use. I just really liked the way he played.
Just missed the cut:
Shea Weber
Gerry Cheevers (the mask dude, the mask)
Bob Gainey
Sergei Federov
So true! 
