Why not? With all the RFA's signed and all the waivers/LTIR stuff squared away, they still have a ton of cap space. More than enough to re-sign Leino and carry Bob's bonuses this year until the bonus cushion is back next year.
- Tomahawk

To me it's different than having depth on the blue line or @ forward, where that depth can at least contribute every night. I understand what you're saying, but to me it is a farily expensive insurance policy. I like BOB so either way I'm Ok.

Sorry im in Japan.
- thejet

ahh, makes sense

These trades are killing my job hunting today. I have 47 tabs open.
- Flyskippy

I hear there's an opening in Megaton as a field researcher

By 1 inch while giving up 2 pounds, per hockeydb.com. I'd call it a wash.
- Flyskippy

His brother is 6'2 229. He's projected to play in the 210-215 range. Richie's never going to have that kind of body mass. We're talking about literal size here... we all know Richie plays above and beyond what his physical limitations are.

Luuko:

Teams began calling right when we acquired Bryz's rights

Homer wasnt shopping the players. When they got to Minny teams REALLLY started talking to Homer.

Both deals popped up and within 20 minutes both deals were made. Felt like they were good moves. Difficult move, but a move to make the team stronger.

They made it known they wanted a change in net. Goals as a team were to get better in net, preserve the defense, make it one of the best d in the league. Get bigger faster stronger up front...

Barring another move (with a laugh) we may have the #8th pick.

Financial flexibility. Next few years we will have a lot of cap room to add pieces to get better.

Thinks both adding the goalie and the return for carter and richie makes the team better now.

Specifically mentions having confidence in your goalie as having an effect on the players in front.

Feels that he and paul have made the right decision.

On Bob; great young goalie chance to mature and play games, looking forward to watching him grow. takes pressure off of him. You need depth at every position. Injuries are part of the game.

On Richie: Issues are over blown. Mikes a strong willed man which has made him a great player. Strictly a hockey move. Better chance to win. Lava and Mike thing wasnt an issue at all.

On JvR: Has made great strides... working hard all summer in conn. When he was benched he turned his game around and got better. Expect him to take a step forward, and so does JvR

Didnt expect any of the trades before heading to Minny. Didnt rule out a trade, but just doesnt know what situations will present themselves.

Landeskog is kind of like Voracek in his draft year... the allure of him being able to step in right away probably overrated him a bit, not to mention that both are EU's that played junior hockey and are advertised as playing a more North American style.

Larsson should go at #2, but Colorado loves the idea of Landeskog after they gave up Stewart. If by some miracle, the Flyers actually move up to #3, Larsson would be a huge coup. By the time Timo's contract is up, Larsson would probably be already able to step up and replace his minutes.
- Tomahawk

Not to mention they saw anothe Swede play a somewhat similar style for a # of years.

EDIT: Not saying Landeskog is anywhere near Forsberg's level but you get my drift.

ya dont say
- BradTardforGM

no, I typed

ahh, makes sense
- AdamBlakeDers

Technically its past 1am here so I guess im still wrong.

Espn has Colorado taking Landescog..........that would nix the deal to FLA no?
- aosplayo

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it if Landeskog goes 2nd. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetical deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.

Luuko:

Teams began calling right when we acquired Bryz's rights

Homer wasnt shopping the players. When they got to Minny teams REALLLY started talking to Homer.

Both deals popped up and within 20 minutes both deals were made. Felt like they were good moves. Difficult move, but a move to make the team stronger.

They made it known they wanted a change in net. Goals as a team were to get better in net, preserve the defense, make it one of the best d in the league. Get bigger faster stronger up front...

Barring another move (with a laugh) we may have the #8th pick.

Financial flexibility. Next few years we will have a lot of cap room to add pieces to get better.

Thinks both adding the goalie and the return for carter and richie makes the team better now.

Specifically mentions having confidence in your goalie as having an effect on the players in front.

Feels that he and paul have made the right decision.

On Bob; great young goalie chance to mature and play games, looking forward to watching him grow. takes pressure off of him. You need depth at every position. Injuries are part of the game.

On Richie: Issues are over blown. Mikes a strong willed man which has made him a great player. Strictly a hockey move. Better chance to win. Lava and Mike thing wasnt an issue at all.

On JvR: Has made great strides... working hard all summer in conn. When he was benched he turned his game around and got better. Expect him to take a step forward, and so does JvR

Didnt expect any of the trades before heading to Minny. Didnt rule out a trade, but just doesnt know what situations will present themselves.
- jak521

Impressive work

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

Interesting.

They could also just deal Versteeg to Florida for a future 1st or something like that. I'd love to get Brad.

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

This is why I teach Life Skills and don't run a blog, thank you sir.....

Carter could be reunited with Umberger (on the LW), no?
- Flyskippy

and reunited with Upshall at the OSU campus bars (if/when Uppy re-signs)

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

The plot thickens...

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

so you are saying the Flyers may get Landeskog/Larsson, Brad Richards and Ville Leino?

My mind has officially been blown.

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

I said it earlier... i have a serious sneaking suspicion that something is still in the works. If they trade up to get the pick and take Larsson (who wouldnt make sense for Florida to take considering he will stay in Sveden) they open a spot for another forward.....

Whether its Brad Richards or another forward will be a different story.

Bill, is there ANY potential to see Gagne back in O&B?

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

That would be great. Never been a huge Brad Richards fan, personally but I know he's really really good.

If you look at these moves in an organizational vacuum, we got younger, we got cheaper, we gained flexibility and we lost identity, say what you will but this was an intentional move to overhaul the culture of the team. The brass had obviously seen enough.

Bill, do you see Voracek playing RW on L1 with JvR and Giroux?

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

What are your feelings on Richards? Does he fit w/this new group? Concerns w/his injury history and salary demands again handicapping the Flyers long term?

Interesting.

They could also just deal Versteeg to Florida for a future 1st or something like that. I'd love to get Brad.
- LeachHextall27

He is a 25 goal, 55 assist guy who makes the players around him better.

He would be great with JvR and Roo. One problem is.. he's another center.

I would be shocked if it happened... but then again...

so you are saying the Flyers may get Landeskog/Larsson, Brad Richards and Ville Leino?

My mind has officially been blown.
- tjp2033

This.

Skip,

What is your take on the deals yesterday?
- ggunky

First reaction was, WTF (What the Farm)?

Then, I found myself saying, "I don't want to overreact." So, I came here early this morning (I couldn't fall asleep last night, so I found myself online around 4 AM) to see what Bill's reaction was. I could take a "wait and see" approach because the Flyers are not done, IMO, but this is definitely Homer's team now that two of his young core players have been traded away.

I could also say that, on the suirface, the Kings and Jackets got the better of the deals based on the best player in each trade being the Flyer traded, but I am willing to wait and see how the returns produce in the orange and black.

Also, Homer has bluntly stated, without words, that this team will be the first Flyers team in a LOOOOOOOOOOONG time that is being built from the goaltender out. Since that was Keith "The Thief" Allen's MO, I am on-board with Homer and the Flyers.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Reaction to Dual Blockbuster Deals
- bmeltzer

the fun has just started

No, because Larsson is the guy the Flyers would get out of it. Something else to keep in mind -- a hypothetic deal that would get Versteeg's money off the cap and also send the 8th pick elsewhere suddenly puts the Flyers in cap range to afford Brad Richards and also resign Leino while also moving up in the draft.
- bmeltzer

so you are saying the Flyers may get Landeskog/Larsson, Brad Richards and Ville Leino?

My mind has officially been blown.
- tjp2033

Well, that would be contingent on 1) moving out about another $3 M of salary AND 2) moving up into the top 3 (no lower than top 4) of the draft but if they do that, then yes, it's quite plausible.

the stun has just farted
- ob18