The day before the NHL trade deadline was quiet but for a couple of re-signings, but finally one trade occurred, when the Tampa Bay Lightning shipped forward Vaclav Prospal to the Philadephia Flyers in exchange for defenseman Alexandre Picard and a conditional draft pick in 2009.
No surprise that Prospal was dealt. An unrestricted free agent at season’s end he wasn’t expected to be re-signed by the Lightning, currently in the process of changing owners. Prospal’s very public recent post-game clash with head coach John Tortorella likely sealed his fate.
This was a move the Flyers needed to make, having lost scorers Mike Richards and Simon Gagne to injury, the latter for the rest of the season due to concussion. The Flyers were mired in a ten-game losing skid until Monday, falling out of a playoff berth during that slide, so something had to be done to bolster their offence and perhaps save the season.
Prospal’s had a good season thus far, with 29 goals and 57 points in 62 games. If he can carry that scoring pace over to Philadelphia he could provide the much-needed scoring boost they’ve recently lacked.
This move was an obvious salary dump by the Lightning, as the return is clearly with an eye on the future while clearing the boards of Prospal’s remaining salary.
yahoo is reporting that the Dallas Stars Have Aquirred Brad Richards They are expected to package veteran checking center Jeff Halpern, backup goalie Mike Smith and young defenseman Mark Fistric to the Lightning,
Also Reported that Marian Hossa to Montreal for a yet to be determined package
Expect the Canadiens to send at least a forward (Michael Ryder?) to Atlanta
Prospal is a good pick up for any team, I just don't see it as one that will save their season. A 10 game slide, out of the playoff race, and it is the beginning or march. One of the Flyer's biggest problems all season long has been depth at defense. and now they have dealt another d man away with some picks. With all their injuries it seems to me they bought themselves into a first round exit in the playoffs. Should have stood pat and healed up for next season and added defensive depth in off season.
Reminds me of that glorious moment when Vincenzo Prospal was first called up. Flyers' staff had placed his nameplate on his locker which was apparently adjacent to Paul Coffey's locker. When Coffey showed up for work that day, he was heard muttering, "Who the hell is Proposal?"
Like the pick-up we needed some help with scoring and he should do that, also we didn't have to mortage the future. Picked up some offense without giving away any core players, good job! Now we just need to GET HEALTHY AND EVERYONE BACK IN THE NEXT 2-3 WEEKS LIKE WE ARE SUPPOSE TO!
I have to believe that teh Flyers missed the boat this year....Prospal is a good pick up, but I have to think that they should have made a pitch for Federov. On a team loaded with young upstarts and reeling from injuries to key forwards, some veteran leadership would have been welcomed.
Welcome back Vinnie
Last edited by flyersfan33 on February 26th at 5:45 PM.
I like the pickup. They added some scoring depth that should help keep the Flyers afloat until Lupul and Richards come back. Once they're healthy, he can help fill the void of Gagne's absence. Remember, this team was doing fine without Gagne most of the season. Even when he was in the lineup, he was not on his A-game. Another D-man would have been nice, but giving up a forward off of the roster would be a mistake (Carter's name was thrown around often), especially with this injury-ravaged lineup.
All in all, if they can stay in the playoff picture until some injured players come back, the Flyers could surprise people come April.
I'm Lyle Richardson, also known as Spector, Foxsports.com 's "Prince of Pucks".,which is based on the fact I live in Prince Edward Island, Canada and I couldn't think of a better byline. I've been an NHL hockey commentator since 1998 on my website, Spector's Hockey, and I'm a contributing writer for Foxsports.com , The Hockey News and Eishockey News. I'm also a regular on The Faceoff Hockey Show and a frequent guest on "The Late Crew" on The Team 1200 Ottawa.
