Major Headaches

A lot has changed quickly in the current concussion storyline.  A week ago, I probably would've posted somewhat lightheartedly about the Flyers concussion disclosure history--trying to explain away injuries as neck soreness, dehydration, and now with Pronger, a mystery virus.  It's not that Pronger's and Giroux's uncertain issues weren't serious, but there was the expectation that they'd be back sooner or later.

All that has changed.  Pronger has now been diagnosed with severe post concussion syndrome, and is out for the season.  And in direct contradiction of his previous statements, Holmgren discloses that Giroux's symptoms have actually been getting worse every day.

Holmgren on December 12: "Claude is continuing to feel better"
Holmgren on December 13: "Claude reported not feeling very good today. Over the past few days, his symptoms have gradually gotten worse. He will be out indefinitely with a concussion."

While the Flyers continue to pile up wins on the ice and sit in first place, the season is in a very delicate place.  The Flyers aren't the only ones with concussion issues, as recent names added to the concussion casualty list include Sidney Crosby (the best player in the league), Jeff Skinner (reigning rookie of the year), and Milan Michalek (NHL leading goal scorer).

For the wins to keep on coming, several players will have to contribute to the best of their abilities.  The current winning streak is largely thanks to goal scoring streaks from Hartnell and Simmonds, quality goaltending from Bryz and Bob, and quality playmaking from Jagr and Voracek.  (Take note Flyers fans, but with Giroux out of the lineup, Hartnell is the team's leading scorer!)   The Flyers have also gotten some bounces, and understandably, the Caps more or less gave up the other night when they conceded the second goal of the game to Bourdon from Rinaldo and Shelley.


What to do about Pronger
Tangibly, Pronger brought three things to the Flyers; veteran leadership, defensive anchoring, and a power play presence.  As the Flyers try to fill those holes, it would be impossible to do all three in one player, and even getting two would be a stretch.  I think the Flyers will not even try to fill the leadership void from the outside, and focus on the defensive and power play shortcomings. 

First you have to assess the cap space.  Presuming the Flyers approach the stretch with the following lineup, my math says they would be spending $60.08 against the cap;

Hartnell       Giroux     Jagr            Meszaros    Carle         Bryzgalov
Simmonds   Briere      Read          Timonen    Coburn        Bobrovsky
Voracek      Talbot      JVR           Bourdon    Lilja       
Harry Z       Cooter    Schenn       Gustafsson           
Rinaldo       Shelley                    

That leaves the Flyers with just over $4 million to play with in cap space, assuming they don't cut or trade away anyone.

On the power play end of things, a guy like Bryan McCabe is unsigned, and might sign for very little ($1 million?).  He's a flawed player, but a PP specialist.  I also saw Marc Crawford suggest the Flyers trade for Sergie Gonchar this morning, possibly shipping out Schenn, but I'm not crazy about trading Schenn before he's ever had a chance with this team for a 37 year old defensemen signed for $5.5 this year and next.

It's also a little early for teams to decide they are going to be sellers, and looking to unload their pending UFAs, so it's hard to speculate what else is available by trade.

Long story short, the Flyers have a few million dollars to plug holes, but they have to decide if they are willling to trade picks and prospects, and which need is more pressing--PP or defensive help.  The most likely scenario is a trade for defensive defensemen I think.