Philadelphia Flyers preview for 2008-09 season
Alan Bass
Issue date: 9/25/08 Section: Sports
2007-2008 RECORD: 42-29-11, 95 points, 245 GF, 227 GA
PLAYERS SIGNED: F Jeff Carter (3-year, $15 million contract), D Steve Eminger (one-year contract), D Ossi Vaananen (1-year, $1 million), F Glen Metropolit (2-years), Nate Raduns (1-year) , F Riley Cote (3-years, undisclosed), D Randy Jones (2-years, undisclosed), F Arron Asham (multi-year contract), F Joffrey Lupul (4-year contract extension).?
UNSIGNED PLAYERS: F Jesse Boulerice, F Jim Dowd (UFAs), D Nate Guenin (RFA)
NOTABLE TRADES: Acquired defenseman Danny Syvret from the Edmonton Oilers for centre Ryan Potulny; acquired a 2008 seventh-round pick and a 2009 conditional fourth-round pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning for the rights to left wing Vaclav Prospal; acquired 2008 first and third round picks from the Columbus Blue Jackets for centre R.J. Umberger and a 2008 fourth-round pick; acquired defenseman Steve Eminger and a 2008 third-round pick from the Washington Capitals for a 2008 first-round pick; acquired defenseman Janne Niskala from the Nashville Predators for left wing Triston Grant and a 2009 seventh-round pick; acquired Patrik Hersely and Ned Lukacevic from the L.A. Kings for Denis Gauthier and a second-round pick.
DIDGER-GIROUX
Claude Giroux is the next best thing in Philadelphia. He scored 103 points in 69 games for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. He also set records in the playoffs, scoring 51 points in 19 games, leading his team to the Memorial Cup Championship.
If Giroux is placed on the wing with Briere centering him and Gagne opposite him, look for him to challenge for the Calder Trophy this year. He could easily put up 60-70 points this year on that first line. However, if Stevens and the coaching staff do what they always do, which is not allow rookies a fair chance, he will struggle to get 20 points on the third or fourth line.
WILL THE REAL MIKE RICHARDS PLEASE STAND UP!
Mike Richards, the biggest surprise of last year, and most likely the captain for this coming year and the next 15 years, is still not the best player on the team. He had a brilliant year in 2007-2008, and had more points that Danny Briere. However, he needs to have one more year leading the Flyers in points so that we know he was not just a one-year wonder.
PLAYERS SIGNED: F Jeff Carter (3-year, $15 million contract), D Steve Eminger (one-year contract), D Ossi Vaananen (1-year, $1 million), F Glen Metropolit (2-years), Nate Raduns (1-year) , F Riley Cote (3-years, undisclosed), D Randy Jones (2-years, undisclosed), F Arron Asham (multi-year contract), F Joffrey Lupul (4-year contract extension).?
UNSIGNED PLAYERS: F Jesse Boulerice, F Jim Dowd (UFAs), D Nate Guenin (RFA)
NOTABLE TRADES: Acquired defenseman Danny Syvret from the Edmonton Oilers for centre Ryan Potulny; acquired a 2008 seventh-round pick and a 2009 conditional fourth-round pick from the Tampa Bay Lightning for the rights to left wing Vaclav Prospal; acquired 2008 first and third round picks from the Columbus Blue Jackets for centre R.J. Umberger and a 2008 fourth-round pick; acquired defenseman Steve Eminger and a 2008 third-round pick from the Washington Capitals for a 2008 first-round pick; acquired defenseman Janne Niskala from the Nashville Predators for left wing Triston Grant and a 2009 seventh-round pick; acquired Patrik Hersely and Ned Lukacevic from the L.A. Kings for Denis Gauthier and a second-round pick.
DIDGER-GIROUX
Claude Giroux is the next best thing in Philadelphia. He scored 103 points in 69 games for the Gatineau Olympiques of the QMJHL. He also set records in the playoffs, scoring 51 points in 19 games, leading his team to the Memorial Cup Championship.
If Giroux is placed on the wing with Briere centering him and Gagne opposite him, look for him to challenge for the Calder Trophy this year. He could easily put up 60-70 points this year on that first line. However, if Stevens and the coaching staff do what they always do, which is not allow rookies a fair chance, he will struggle to get 20 points on the third or fourth line.
WILL THE REAL MIKE RICHARDS PLEASE STAND UP!
Mike Richards, the biggest surprise of last year, and most likely the captain for this coming year and the next 15 years, is still not the best player on the team. He had a brilliant year in 2007-2008, and had more points that Danny Briere. However, he needs to have one more year leading the Flyers in points so that we know he was not just a one-year wonder.