For two teams traditionally known for making big waves in
the UFA pool, the New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers have been very quiet thus
far.
The Flyers of course have limited cap space this summer and
are only seeking affordable signings, preferably on their blueline.
GM Paul Holmgren appears to find such an affordable d-man in
Ossi Vaananen, who spent last season playing in Sweden after failing to land a
contract in last summer’s UFA market.
Holmgren wanted a puck-moving defenseman but that’ s not
Vaananen’s game, as he plays a more physical “stay-at-home” style, which should
make him a welcome addition for the Flyers but still leaves Holmgren seeking an
affordable offensive blueliner.
The Rangers are believed in the market for some of this
summer’s big UFA fish like Mats Sundin and Marian Hossa but have kicked off
July 1st with two minor signings, adding checking line forwards
Patrick Rissmiller and Aaron Voros.
I'm failing to comprehend how Vaananen is any different from Gauthier (outside of the 1.1 million saved). This guy couldn't land a contract this time last year. Doubt that there was a rush on his services this year either. Wondering if the Jones contract negotiations hit a snag... Even then, how many 7th defencmen do the Flyers need? See: Eminger, Syvret, Vaananen, et al.
And Glen Metropolit is a solid, decent fourth line guy. But, I was hoping to land Chris Gratton. Gratton will likely go for 1.5 million, is great on face-offs and has size to boot.
In short, this has been a very disappointing day. No Hainsey, no Streit, no Gratton, but the Flyers did lose a second round pick and picked up three long-shot prospects and a soon-to-be-demoted Finnish defenceman.
Wish that Homer would get his out of his arse and start helping the team out. This is absurd.
Last edited by HermanZeGerman on July 1st at 4:52 PM.
I'm a Flyer fan but must admit - this will is the season in a nutshell. Gagne is done, he'll try to come back...5.5 mill down the tubes. Hatcher will be hurt much of the season, I love the guys heart and past play but his physical style has taken it's toll. Jones isn't worth the contract that I am hearing about (if its true). I personally don't see his value over more than 1 million a season tops....TOPS. We will be lucky to make it to the playoffs again.
My opinion. Homer should have saved the 1.2 for Emminger, the 2 mill for Jones, used the 2 mill hey have left (I heard on DNL)...that totals up to a bit over 5 and gone after Streit or someone who actually is a proven player, not a possible one. And, yes, Jones fits in that category too...I'm not sure why they value him as a defenseman.
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.
