They said that was the reason for the trade and quick sign. Otherwise Vokoun goes to FA, and the Flyers were going to target him. They traded for him before the Flyers had an oppertunity to sign him. They addressed thier need for a back-up WHILE denying the Flyers someone they were targeting...

So I say, yes , to block the Flyers is the reason they traded for Vokoun and signed him. Other wise they would have waited to FA and either out-bid the Flyers, or let them have him, and sign someone of equal value...
- RooNosHockey

That's why they had to pay what they did, IMO. Probably could have had him cheaper during FA.

Nope, he was 1 of two players out of the 16 teams playing. We got zherdev on the cheap and the same thing happened. He has also fled for the KHL once already. Zero interest in him and I believe the flyers feel the same. That's my opinion.
- funmaster18

Zherdev is not Radulov, and Radulov is not Zherdev... But your welcome to your opinion.

Am I the only one who hopes that someone like Testwuide makes the team? I would love for a Phantom to step up and make the team ala Matt Read.

We don't need a ton of offense, but he is a big body that can be added to the line-up.

If we are really resigning Jagr like Bill hinted on his twitter earlier, I am fine with not signing a forward and having the 4th line consist of Talbot, Harry Z, Wellwood, Rinaldo, Holmstrom, Sestito, and Testwuide.

Zherdev is not Radulov, and Radulov is not Zherdev... But your welcome to your opinion.
- RooNosHockey

They are definitely very comparable situations, Zherdev and Radulov.

Zherdev is not Radulov, and Radulov is not Zherdev... But your welcome to your opinion.
- RooNosHockey

They aren't, but there is enough there to scare me away. The flyers aren't in a position that they need to take a risk on a guy like that.

Here's some food for thought:

After Ilya Bryzgalov's worst year in 2008-09 when he went 26-31-6 with a 2.98 GAA, .906 SV% and 3 SO, he posted the best season of his career by going 42-20-6 with a 2.29 GAA, .920 SV% and 8 SO in 2009-10.

They said that was the reason for the trade and quick sign. Otherwise Vokoun goes to FA, and the Flyers were going to target him. They traded for him before the Flyers had an oppertunity to sign him. They addressed thier need for a back-up WHILE denying the Flyers someone they were targeting...

So I say, yes , to block the Flyers is the reason they traded for Vokoun and signed him. Other wise they would have waited to FA and either out-bid the Flyers, or let them have him, and sign someone of equal value...
- RooNosHockey

so how is adverting a bidding war for a potential free agent to fill a backup role hurting the Flyers? They don't need or should they want to overpay for a backup goalie. They are scrounging for capspace to keep the players they want now. All signs indicate they want a more frugal/economical option at that position.

They said that was the reason for the trade and quick sign. Otherwise Vokoun goes to FA, and the Flyers were going to target him. They traded for him before the Flyers had an oppertunity to sign him. They addressed thier need for a back-up WHILE denying the Flyers someone they were targeting...

So I say, yes , to block the Flyers is the reason they traded for Vokoun and signed him. Other wise they would have waited to FA and either out-bid the Flyers, or let them have him, and sign someone of equal value...
- RooNosHockey

If you ask me, this whole thing reeks of the Illuminati.

Zherdev is not Radulov, and Radulov is not Zherdev... But your welcome to your opinion.
- RooNosHockey

Your right they are different people. Radulov played most of the year in the KHL. He comes into Nashville and in less than a month he gets into trouble with the team. He's young and immature and could change his ways but is it worth the risk?

I say NO for a team that has other issues and who will be up against the cap like every year. The Flyers scoring isnt the issue, its the defense (team included).

Am I the only one who hopes that someone like Testwuide makes the team? I would love for a Phantom to step up and make the team ala Matt Read.

We don't need a ton of offense, but he is a big body that can be added to the line-up.

If we are really resigning Jagr like Bill hinted on his twitter earlier, I am fine with not signing a forward and having the 4th line consist of Talbot, Harry Z, Wellwood, Rinaldo, Holmstrom, Sestito, and Testwuide.
- mochoson

+1

actually it mentioned the tagging space right in the excerpt too so yea it further makes the "keep him away from the Flyers" idea more invalid.
- JoeRussomanno

It makes it MORE valid. Because the Flyers couldn't give him an offer before July 1. While Pitt can trade and sign him right now... It's like the a fat kid eyeing the last candy bar in the vending machine with not enough money to get him... Someone else swoops in, buys the candy bar and tosses it on the dirty ground after taking a bit....

If you ask me, this whole thing reeks of the Illuminati.
- BringBack25

I really hope for the sake of that fanbase that organization is not making trades and then overpaying for back up goalies to screw the Flyers. If that's the case they better not put the checkbook away b/c there's whole lot of other equally good but cheaper options hitting the market very soon.

It makes it MORE valid. Because the Flyers couldn't give him an offer before July 1. While Pitt can trade and sign him right now... It's like the a fat kid eyeing the last candy bar in the vending machine with not enough money to get him... Someone else swoops in, buys the candy bar and tosses it on the dirty ground after taking a bit....
- RooNosHockey

Well if professional sports teams are molding their operations after the modus operandi of a grade school bully then I pray for that fanbase.

It makes it MORE valid. Because the Flyers couldn't give him an offer before July 1. While Pitt can trade and sign him right now... It's like the a fat kid eyeing the last candy bar in the vending machine with not enough money to get him... Someone else swoops in, buys the candy bar and tosses it on the dirty ground after taking a bit....
- RooNosHockey

The Flyers may have been interested in Vokoun but that doesnt mean they were going to pay him what he got. Also, there was no guarantee that Vokoun would even sign here to be the backup. Pittsburgh identified a need and went out and paid for it. I think they overpaid but they needed a goalie who can give Fleury games off.

They aren't, but there is enough there to scare me away. The flyers aren't in a position that they need to take a risk on a guy like that.
- funmaster18

Not at this moment. But what if they end up trading 2-3 of those young forwards that produced for us... Sure would be nice to get a guy cheap that could possible replace them. And it would make it much better to know that Sather would be glowering at the news paper cause the Flyers stole his back-up plan to Gaborik being out half the season.

If you ask me, this whole thing reeks of the Illuminati.
- BringBack25

+1
- stveshdy

I'm also interested to see Akeson and Kessel possibly get looks this season.

Not at this moment. But what if they end up trading 2-3 of those young forwards that produced for us... Sure would be nice to get a guy cheap that could possible replace them. And it would make it much better to know that Sather would be glowering at the news paper cause the Flyers stole his back-up plan to Gaborik being out half the season.
- RooNosHockey

I think the flyers have at least two players that can step up and play like some players did this year. Holmstrom would be one and my mind keeps going back to Testwuide even though I believe there are other names higher on the depth chart.

Seems like there are whispers of the Flyers re-signing Jagr. Not a wise decision imo.

I'm also interested to see Akeson and Kessel possibly get looks this season.
- mochoson

The book on Akeson is that he isn't strong enough for the NHL. Tons of skill though. I have my figures crossed that he will be Marty St. Louis 2.0

Seems like there are whispers of the Flyers re-signing Jagr. Not a wise decision imo.
- PLindbergh31

Depends on the price. I can't see him getting a pay cut though...

Seems like there are whispers of the Flyers re-signing Jagr. Not a wise decision imo.
- PLindbergh31

I'm not liking it either. Felt that he really wore down in the playoffs and showed his age. Also I think this team should have absorbed whatever leadership/guidance he had to offer and has players that can step up into that first line spot.

Don't disagree. However, the Flyers cant wait around and see who will become available. They need to add a defenseman now and you have to explore all options and add the best available that fits your team.
- stveshdy

There are gonna be a few d-men that could be had this offseason without giving up a single asset at all. In fact (assuming they dont get resigned) a few would be a very good fit for us right now.

I am just hesitant to trade away some of these young guys who are gonna be very good very soon.

Not at this moment. But what if they end up trading 2-3 of those young forwards that produced for us... Sure would be nice to get a guy cheap that could possible replace them. And it would make it much better to know that Sather would be glowering at the news paper cause the Flyers stole his back-up plan to Gaborik being out half the season.
- RooNosHockey

I highly doubt the the flyers will trade that many young players and if they do, Radulov is not the player I want to see the flyers replace them with.

Also I couldn't care less what Sather thinks about anything. I care about putting together the best team possible and Radulov is not apart of that, IMO.

Zherdev is not Radulov, and Radulov is not Zherdev... But your welcome to your opinion.
- RooNosHockey

But have you ever seen them together in a room at the same time?