The Philadelphia Flyers continue to pare down salaries from
their payroll, shipping veteran defenseman Denis Gauthier to the Los Angeles
Kings along with a second round pick in 2009 for prospect defenseman Patrik Hersley and left wing Ned Lukacevic.
Due to cap constraints last season the Flyers were forced to
demote Gauthier to the minors where he spent the entire 2007-08 season. They
had placed him on waivers at the end of June but couldn’t find any takers.
Gauthier had a reputation as a physical defenseman
occasionally know for questionable hits. His rugged style has also resulted in
a lengthy injury history.
Given the Kings need for defensive depth Gauthier will have
plenty of opportunities to earn himself a regular roster spot.
I believe it is a second rounder in 2010. Regardless, that is a steep price to pay for a salary dump. Granted, there is plenty of time to recoup that pick. But, I don't understand why Homer just didn't trade Gauthier for a 4th round pick or something of the sort. These two "prospects" look like career ECHLers at this point.
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.
