Are the Flyers looking for a goalie?

[brelic]

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/opinion/2012/01/the-penguins-plight-crosbys-recovery-30-thoughts.html

4. It's interesting to hear other teams talk about the Flyers. If there's one thing they really respect, it's Philly's willingness to make bold decisions. That's why there's a suspicion that if Ilya Bryzgalov or Sergei Bobrovsky doesn't grab a stranglehold on the net, Philadelphia may look at someone else (on a short-term contract) to calm the position.

Other Flyers-related items:

2. Philadelphia, for example, realizes its defence will need fortification to handle Boston's four-line attack. And the Rangers refuse to place Sean Avery on re-entry waivers because they don't want the nearly $2 million cap hit if he gets claimed elsewhere.

12. Those who are waiting? It's believed the Flyers covet Ryan Suter, so you've got to save your biggest bullets. David Poile is on record as saying he'll hold back until the last minute. Remember, the Flyers and Predators consummated two pretty important trades over the past few seasons: Peter Forsberg at the 2007 deadline, and Scott Hartnell/Kimmo Timonen for draft picks a few months later. Paul Holmgren must feel pretty confident that if he needs to pull off a complex transaction, he can do it with Poile.

[Bertmega]

Interesting. I would hope that Bob gets the nod for a few games. He has done everything right and he has to ride the pine because of the humongous big universe, err, I mean contract.

[JackStraw]

Going out and getting another goalie would make absolutely no sense to me. Who are they going to get, Ryan Miller? Getting a goalie that's clearly better than what they have (what Bob is or what Bryz is supposed to be) would cost some serious assets, why give that up for a short term solution when you may already have the long-term solution (be it Bob or Bryz)? And why would you make a desperate move for another goalie with such a young team? The only move I can see the Flyers making would be for a defenseman. Anything else would reek of impatience, even by the Flyers standards.

[Digityman]

The only move I can see the Flyers making would be for a defenseman

Another goalie isn't the answer like you said. Bob and Bryz aren't winning the cup this year and I think everyone realizes that.

Here's how I see it.

Bolster the D has to be the answer at this point. The Flyers need (2) #1-4 dmen in my mind.

1) Replaces Pronger who I think is done or at the very least, is done seeing more than 12-15mins per game (PP/PK specialist?)

The money comes from Pronger's contract after he announces retirement this summer.

2) Timo is going to be 37 years old in March. He's been a warrior and his time needs to be significantly reduced to get the most out of him next year. Similar to Pronger

Money comes from trades of JVR

#1 dman / Carle

Coburn / Timo

Meszaros / MAB/Gus

#2 dman to replace Timo through the season next year.

Timo becomes the 7th and plays specialized role.

[aziz]

The money comes from Pronger's contract after he announces retirement this summer.

there are 2 ways to "retire" under the current CBA.

1. player refuses to report, team suspends

2. perpetual LTIR until the contract is over

there is no pure "i'm gonna retire" option if a player is in the middle of an SPC.

pronger's 35+ contract means option 1 won't help, his cap hit stays no matter where he plays. option 2 is the only way to go, but that does not help during the offseason.

[canoli]

So over the summer Pronger's cap hit is in effect, limiting the Flyers' wheeling and dealing by $4.9 million. On Day One of the new season his cap hit is eliminated (assuming he's placed on LTIR again) and then (and only then) the Flyers have $4.9 million more in cap space to play with?

That pretty much sucks for the Flyers. The players teams really want (barring a few holdouts, whatever) are moved once FA begins; who will be left when 2012/13 starts?

I'm guessing GMs can't legally wink/nod each other into waiting till Oct to finalize their deal. Homer agrees to give Poile a bit more providing Poile will wait till Pronger's salary is off the books. Meanwhile Nashville declines all offers for Weber under the guise of "the deal isn't right for us"...then he and Paul make it happen on Day One?

[brelic]

So over the summer Pronger's cap hit is in effect, limiting the Flyers' wheeling and dealing by $4.9 million. On Day One of the new season his cap hit is eliminated (assuming he's placed on LTIR again) and then (and only then) the Flyers have $4.9 million more in cap space to play with?

That pretty much sucks for the Flyers. The players teams really want (barring a few holdouts, whatever) are moved once FA begins; who will be left when 2012/13 starts?

I'm guessing GMs can't legally wink/nod each other into waiting till Oct to finalize their deal. Homer agrees to give Poile a bit more providing Poile will wait till Pronger's salary is off the books. Meanwhile Nashville declines all offers for Weber under the guise of "the deal isn't right for us"...then he and Paul make it happen on Day One?

There's nothing 'illegal' about two GMs waiting until the timing is right for both sides to make a deal, so Poile can absolutely and legitimately wait until the season starts if the Flyers are offering the best deal.

But it won't happen. Poile will get the best offers at the deadline. If he doesn't pull the trigger, then July 1 offers the next best opportunity. If he waits until the season for a 'deal' in principle with the Flyers, other teams will have addressed their needs, and he'd better hope Homer doesn't try to leverage that situation to his advantage.

[doom88]

Maybe Bryz is another room chemistry issue, and Philly is looking to swap goalies to get rid of him.

Regarding Weber, don't discount the possibility of an offer sheet this summer. Clarke did try to get Kesler, maybe Homer will follow suit?

[aziz]

So over the summer Pronger's cap hit is in effect, limiting the Flyers' wheeling and dealing by $4.9 million. On Day One of the new season his cap hit is eliminated (assuming he's placed on LTIR again) and then (and only then) the Flyers have $4.9 million more in cap space to play with?

pretty much. the one thing that kind of almost balances it is teams are allowed to go over the cap by 10% during the offseason. it's supposed to allow them some wiggle room in the timing of various deals/signings, but in the flyers' case can basically allow them to operate as though pronger's LTIR cap allowance were in effect full time.

[doom88]

Basically, it will keep Homer from actually using that space in the offseason...hahaha.

[brelic]

Maybe Bryz is another room chemistry issue, and Philly is looking to swap goalies to get rid of him.

Regarding Weber, don't discount the possibility of an offer sheet this summer. Clarke did try to get Kesler, maybe Homer will follow suit?

At the salary you'd have to offer Weber, an offer sheet would give up our next four 1st round picks. No thanks.

[Phillygrump]

Maybe Bryz is another room chemistry issue, and Philly is looking to swap goalies to get rid of him.

Regarding Weber, don't discount the possibility of an offer sheet this summer. Clarke did try to get Kesler, maybe Homer will follow suit?

I doubt there is a chemistry issue in the locker room. They don't seem to be playing that way and they are pretty supportive of Bryz it seems.

Also, I really think there is a chance of either offer sheeting Weber at season's end. He's worth it.

[OH1FlyersFan]

Going out and getting another goalie would make absolutely no sense to me. Who are they going to get, Ryan Miller? Getting a goalie that's clearly better than what they have (what Bob is or what Bryz is supposed to be) would cost some serious assets, why give that up for a short term solution when you may already have the long-term solution (be it Bob or Bryz)? And why would you make a desperate move for another goalie with such a young team? The only move I can see the Flyers making would be for a defenseman. Anything else would reek of impatience, even by the Flyers standards.

I don't have to post anything now, because you summed up perfectly exactly what I was thinking. I'll just go with - what he said!

[flyercanuck]

Going out and getting another goalie would make absolutely no sense to me. Who are they going to get, Ryan Miller? Getting a goalie that's clearly better than what they have (what Bob is or what Bryz is supposed to be) would cost some serious assets, why give that up for a short term solution when you may already have the long-term solution (be it Bob or Bryz)? And why would you make a desperate move for another goalie with such a young team? The only move I can see the Flyers making would be for a defenseman. Anything else would reek of impatience, even by the Flyers standards.

Which is why we have Bryzgalov. And Pronger. And Briere.

[Vincent05]

Regarding offer sheet to Weber, I don't see Homer doing it to Poile. They can work out a deal and looks to be on good working terms and Homer hasn't offer sheet anyone yet. Clarke didn't care who was the other GM was, he would screw anyone in his way to get what he wanted.

[doom88]

Never said they would offer sheet Weber, but four late 1st rounders is worth it. He will likely be the best defenseman in the league for a few years, and I think that will start soon.

[flyercanuck]

Never said they would offer sheet Weber, but four late 1st rounders is worth it. He will likely be the best defenseman in the league for a few years, and I think that will start soon.

I think he's already there.

[canoli]

There's nothing 'illegal' about two GMs waiting until the timing is right for both sides to make a deal, so Poile can absolutely and legitimately wait until the season starts if the Flyers are offering the best deal.

But it won't happen. Poile will get the best offers at the deadline.

of course - guess I didn't think that through (!). But as you said it makes no sense for Poile to wait - Homer, friend or no friend would have to use the situation to his advantage and play hardball. Depending on what Suter does Poile could be seriously up against it by September if he doesn't deal 1 or the other - or both.

Meanwhile the Flyers' fans and the media seem to be getting that itch - that "we're one 'stud D-man' away" itch that infected us last summer in the form of "we need a 'legit #1' goalie."

Maybe this is the year we actually decide to work with (and demand more from) the guys we have...

nah, probably not. GMs live to make deals and every team has weaknesses. There's always a "stud" so-and-so to be brought in who will cure the teams' defensive issues.

[Flyingswede]

Digi:

I think you are right but not all the way. Having both Bob and Bryz is expensive and as you said they wont win it for us. We need to cut one of them. That would give us money... actually that would give us BIG money to spend on a short term back-up to Bob and a D-man.

[Vanflyer]

Going out and getting another goalie would make absolutely no sense to me. Who are they going to get, Ryan Miller?

If anything was going to happen, I would suspect it would be over the summer.

Here are all the UFA goalies for this summer. See anything you want? :-)

Player Pos Team Age Cap Hit Expiry

Huet, Cristobal » G CHI 36 $5,625,000 2012 (UFA)

Brodeur, Martin » G NJD 39 $5,200,000 2012 (UFA)

Roloson, Dwayne » G TBL 42 $3,500,000 2012 (UFA)

Niittymaki, Antero » G SAN 31 $2,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Mason, Chris » G WIN 35 $1,850,000 2012 (UFA)

Leighton, Michael » G PHI 30 $1,550,000 2012 (UFA)

Ellis, Dan » G ANA 31 $1,500,000 2012 (UFA)

Vokoun, Tomas » G WAS 35 $1,500,000 2012 (UFA)

Gustavsson, Jonas » G TOR 27 $1,350,000 2012 (UFA)

Hedberg, Johan » G NJD 38 $1,250,000 2012 (UFA)

Clemmensen, Scott » G FLA 34 $1,200,000 2012 (UFA)

Auld, Alex » G OTT 31 $1,000,000 2012 (UFA)

Biron, Martin » G NYR 34 $875,000 2012 (UFA)

Backlund, Johan » G PHI 30 $800,000 2012 (UFA)

Conklin, Ty » G DET 35 $750,000 2012 (UFA)

Harding, Josh » G MIN 27 $750,000 2012 (UFA)

Raycroft, Andrew » G DAL 31 $650,000 2012 (UFA)

Danis, Yann » G EDM 30 $650,000 2012 (UFA)

McElhinney, Curtis » G PHO 28 $625,000 2012 (UFA)

Montoya, Al » G NYI 26 $601,000 2012 (UFA)

Emery, Ray » G CHI 29 $600,000 2012 (UFA)

Sanford, Curtis » G CLB 32 $600,000 2012 (UFA)

Johnson, Brent » G PIT 34 $600,000 2012 (UFA)

Nabokov, Evgeni » G NYI 36 $570,000 2012 (UFA)

McKenna, Mike » G OTT 28 $550,000 2012 (UFA)

Lawson, Nathan » G MTL 28 $550,000 2012 (UFA)

Leggio, David » G BUF 27 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

Sabourin, Dany » G WAS 31 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

Bacashihua, Jason » G PHI 29 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

Munroe, Scott » G PIT 30 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

Mannino, Peter » G WIN 27 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

MacIntyre, Drew » G BUF 28 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

Climie, Matt » G VAN 28 $525,000 2012 (UFA)

[doom88]

Gustavsson, Harding, Emery, maybe Montoya (targetting AHL).