Blog - Internet Meltzer on Briere

[JackStraw]

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog.php?post_id=50873&blogger_id=45#.UWwGWL_HuCg

Typically great article by Meltzer. I wasn't particularly thrilled when Briere was signed but I've really come to like and respect him during his time with the Flyers. I agree that he should be bought out but I hope it turns out well for him, he deserves it.

[jammer2]

@JackStraw This Russian kid Zaitsev looks interesting, hope they sign him. Puck moving d-man....give him a whirl!

[Digityman]

Funny how Danny B showed up last night. He pursued the puck, actually took someone on 1 on 1, he hit someone (that might have been an accident though).

Then I remembered..... Danny B is playing for a job/contract now. He knows he's going to be bought out this summer so now he needs to audition for other teams for next year.

[Adamflyers]

It has been a very tough season for Briere, but I have never hopped onto the hate train. His cap hit and age makes him a buy out victim, but I have really enjoyed watching him play here, especially during the playoffs!

[mojo1917]

@adamsflyers

i agree, he's been bad this year, but on the whole the Daniel Briere experience with the Flyers has been a positive for me. he was clutch in the playoffs, started the comeback vs the Pens with his phantom offsides breakaway . he always rose to the occasion when the stakes were high , he enjoyed it and it was fun to watch him, to finally have the guy that scores instead of hits the goalies logo in the biggest moments was fun.

[King Knut]

Entirely agree. I truly wish Briere could remain a flyer.

I understand the reality of his cap hit as a hinderence.

If I'm Homer, I'm buying out Bryz this year and only considering buying out Briere if that money is necessary to another deal. Danny's contributions to this team if they make the playoffs next year will be worth having another year at that price.

But like I said, if having Danny for another year costs you having someone who can seriously help build the future, then you kinda can't bet on Briere.. which is a shame.

The sad part is, I bet that if he could, Danny would restructure his contract to stay in town. But unlike the NFL, I don't think the NHLPA would find that acceptable.

It has been a very tough season for Briere, but I have never hopped onto the hate train. His cap hit and age makes him a buy out victim, but I have really enjoyed watching him play here, especially during the playoffs!

[Lucky13]

I too will miss Briere if he goes, for all the reasons others have mentioned above. And I think the team will definitely feel his absence in terms of veteran leadership and off-ice contributions.

I think a lot of the "problems" are down to him playing out of position - he has to be at center to be effective. He's never complained about it of course, but he's been moved out to the wing a lot, for a few seasons really...First when Carter was here and wouldn't play wing (even though he does now for the Kings) and then again when the organization continued to stockpile centers through trades and the draft.

Bottom line for me is...If the Flyers can't or won't play him at center, then they may as well cut ties for the good of both parties. I happen to think he has plenty left in the tank. If he can land on a team that will play him at center and provide him with good linemates, I think we'll see plenty of points and probably some more playoff hereoics from #48.

[aziz]

The sad part is, I bet that if he could, Danny would restructure his contract to stay in town. But unlike the NFL, I don't think the NHLPA would find that acceptable.

no, but...there's no reason he can't sign a new contract with philly, right? say to him, "hey, we need to fix this cap situation. we want to buy out the rest of your deal, but how's about we sign a new deal right after for the difference plus a little? $5mil left, we buy you out for $3.33mil, then a new deal, say, 2 years at $1.5mil per? we win 'cause we fix the cap thing, you win cause you effectively get a small raise on what you are due."

unless teams aren't allowed to resign bought out players. on that, I'm not sure.

[JackStraw]

unless teams aren't allowed to resign bought out players. on that, I'm not sure.

Nope. Can't do that.

[aziz]

@JackStraw

do you know what the limitations are? can the player not negotiate with that team for a year or something?

[JackStraw]

@JackStraw

do you know what the limitations are? can the player not negotiate with that team for a year or something?

No, I don't know what limits there are. I wonder if you could trade for the player after he's signed with another team?

[murraycraven]

Always liked Danny but unfortunately he is just going to be a victim of the business side of the modern day NHL. Class act through and through... Personally, I hope the Flyers move on and buy him out. Likewise, I hope he is successful wherever he goes...

[doom88]

@JackStraw

do you know what the limitations are? can the player not negotiate with that team for a year or something?

Precisely precise.

[doom88]

Funny how Danny B showed up last night. He pursued the puck, actually took someone on 1 on 1, he hit someone (that might have been an accident though).

Then I remembered..... Danny B is playing for a job/contract now. He knows he's going to be bought out this summer so now he needs to audition for other teams for next year.

Partially. He always shows up against the Habs.

[coords]

I get his value in the regular season sucks to the point you question his value to the team but how can anybody truly hate on a guy that comes up bigger when it matters more

[doom88]

Well, the playoffs are not a guarantee or birthright like Philly thinks. Briere is basically useless if the team finishes looking in from outside.

Playoff contention-wise, we are very very fortunate fans, despite what a few would believe. It isn't like Columbus, Minnesota, Hartford, Quebec, Toronto, Buffalo, or Calgary. Sidenote, I do love Brass Bonanza. Anyway, Briere's regular season is unbecoming of a leader and role model. That is a problem when so many players are young. Gagne doesn't play the game that way, and it was his return that swung that epic Boston series.

I appreciate Briere for what he does in the playoffs, but I question his heart and effort for the regular season. It just doesn't sit well with me personally.

[jammer2]

@doom88 Bottom line for me, he quit on this team. Period. Very unprofessional to say the least. The playoff runs seem like a far ways off, and what we are seeing is a shell of what he used to be. If he does not kick out the effort, he get's no respect from me. Respect is earned....and he is running the other way, except for this brief 2-3 game stretch when he realized he is auditioning for all the other GM's out there right now. Lame. Good riddance, I don't want quitters on this team, and that is not harsh, it's a hard cold reality. It's really bad for the young kids to see this lack of effort....horrible in fact. The sooner he is gone, the better.

I'd go as far as benching him for the last few weeks and giving the spot to a kid we can take a look at. You can't buy out an injured player, so why in the holy hell are we risking an injury right now???? Outrageous!!!

[flyercanuck]

Hated the signing. Loved the way he played in the playoffs. Back to hating again. That contract was way too long (sound familiar?) And if this past year is anything like the next 2 he has to go. Guys are screaming for Couturiers head? He's barely 20, making 1/6th what Briere is and has ONE less point. And at least he has a pulse without the puck.

[canoli]

I know you guys are right - I know he was invisible before the injury and now when he's auditioning for next year suddenly (surprise surprise) he's skating again. That's a dick move no two ways about it. But somehow I can't get too worked up against anybody this year. Except for Bryzaster of course. Even him in a way. This lockout season has been meaningless and lame. Watching the games it feels like a normal season but as a whole it's a throwaway year imo.

Does that make it okay for Briere to coast along all year, not even taking his stupid stick penalties, to be completely uninvolved? No. Hell no. But somewhere in there I give a pass to every NHL player this year. Even Ovechkin (who's now lighting it up). And yes even - slightly (very slightly) Bryzgalov.