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 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.