Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Diamonds in the Rough? The Proverbial Last Pieces of the Puzzle?

I feel the need to weigh in on the Flyers' activity during this first day of free agency in the NHL.

Ossi Vaananen, one year, $1,000,000
Glen Metropolit, two year deal, terms undisclosed
Nate Raduns, one year deal, terms undisclosed.
Sean Curry, 2 years, undisclosed.

Hmm. They also traded Denis Gauthier and a 2nd Rounder to the Kings for Patrik Hersley and Ned Lukacevic.

Slightly underwhelming, but I think Homer knows what he's doing. Right?

I mean, Curry and Raduns have a total of 0 NHL games between them and Vaananen hasn't played in the NHL since 2006-2007. I know the cap wasn't going to allow any big names to come to Philly but...

I do believe that the Rangers overpaid for Redden (6 years, $39 million) and it looks like Streit wouldn't have fit under the cap here since the Isles got him for 5 years, $20.5 million. Even with the tinkering done in the days leading up to today I doubt there was any way to get him in there. And obviously Brian Campbell going to the Blackhawks for 8 years, $56.8 million made him unavailable to the Orange and Black.

[UPDATE: Jonesy likes Metropolit and Vaananen as "depth guys" to add to the core. I'm not one to argue with Jonesy.]

3 comments:

FFSweaty Irishman said...

Well it is clear that Brian Campbell was not really interested in the money. He wants to win now...which is why he signed with the Blackhawks.
I think they just hired Rich Kotite as their new head coach too. Jeff Sydner in goal?

Anonymous said...

Can't make a splash every year. At leas tthey spend up to the cap, unlike your Eagles!

FFJewbacca said...

I think $7 million may show he has at least a passing interest in the money. I guess with old Wirtzy dying the Blackhawks were allowed to dig up the change jars from the backyard.

And it's Sydner in goal. No question. Jeff Sydner.

And I know they can't make a splash every year. That's my point. But after last year's big splash, I'm just a bit disoriented.