Things are about to get interesting this offseason. The draft is Friday, and free agency starts July 1. The draft is the most likely time for offseason trades to occur (and the Flyers have a well-established history of doing so), so the pieces on the table could start moving then. Also, Holmgren has not gone to much trouble denying that he will be looking to improve the team this offseason. With that in mind, here are some of the items to track regarding the Flyers.
Jagr - The on-again, off-again re-signing took another turn this week, as Darren Dreger reported that Jagr will test free agency. Some have said the only reason the Flyers haven't signed him already is tagging space, but once July 1 hits and the offers roll in, all bets are off. I read a post on a message board yesterday (I know, I know....) but it sounded completely reasonable---that the Flyers have a deal on the table that Jagr will sign, but he wants to wait and see if a contender will give him better playing time guarantees. Such a contingency is completely consistent with this saga. In the end, I don't think there are many NHL teams out there willing to give Jagr that assurance, but all it takes is one...
Carle - Carle is in a similar boat to Jagr---Holmgren keeps saying he is confident the team can sign him, and "at below market rate" no less. Carle has said he prefers to stay in Philadelphia, but how much of a discount will he accept to stay? The above quote is as close to an NHL team will come to admitting they are lowballing a player, and I have maintained all season that someone will throw $5+ million at Carle. Elliote Friedman also said that Carle may prefer to go west, and be closer to his home state of Alaska.
Bobrovsky - This is more of an under-the-radar piece, but there is some writing on the wall that Bobrovsky's time in Philly is up. He doesn't seem well suited to back up Bryz, he will be a UFA after this season, and a team with needs in goal might be willing to give him some playing time. With Vokoun signing in Pittsburgh, TB trading for Lindback, and Harding re-signing in Minny, the options for a secondary goalie are diminishing. This could cause a few teams to turn to Bob. Alone, I don't think he will command much in return, but he could be part of a bigger deal.
Draft - It is being widely reported that the Flyers are looking to move up in the draft, probably into the top 10. I am ignorant of the prospects this year, though word is that it's generally not a very good draft class this year. The only thing I'll say here, is that an asset traded to move up in the draft is an asset that cannot be used in a trade to strengthen the roster this year.
Suter - I think the Flyers would still love to have Suter, and they will make him an offer, but all the signs and buzz point to him going elsewhere. I still say Detroit.
Weber - I'm still holding out hope that the Flyers could land Weber this offseason. There are trade packages the Flyers can create out that Nashville should be receptive to, but if Suter walks away, they will pull out all the stops to get Weber signed long term. Really the only hope is here that Weber simply refuses to sign long term despite Nashville throwing big dollars at him, and Nashville decides to get what it can for him before he becomes a UFA next offseason.
Nash - The reports of the Flyers interest in Nash simply won't die, which speaks volumes. There's not much more to say here, other than DON'T TRADE COOTER, period. The smart money says the Rangers, who have the best assets for Columbus and the will to get it done.
Parise - If the Flyers don't end up with Nash, reports have floated around of the Flyers have big time interest in Parise, who will be a UFA. I thought Parise looked excellent in the playoffs this year, and there will be a bidding war for him this offseason. He has stated his preference for staying in NJ, but the Devils are in dire financial straits and may not be able to keep close to market rates. Parise has also stated he would never sign with the Rangers out of respect for the Devils, and that may preclude other Atlantic division teams like the Flyers. Either way, he's a great player, but I'm not sure if the Flyers need another small forward..
Ryan - Rounding out the big name wings, Bobby Ryan is back on the trade market. A top-notch young power winger, Anaheim will be asking for A LOT. I am doubtful the Flyers can, or should, meet Anaheim's asking price, despite Ryan being a local kid with longtime ties to the Flyers organization.
Briere - Another under-the-radar item, Briere is a longshot for a trade, and the Flyers may have already received offers for him. Briere is 34 and has 3 years left at a cap hit of $6.5 million, however he is only actually due to be paid $12 (7, 3, 2) million over that span. Therefore, smaller market teams who have plenty of cap space see a $4m actual commitment to Briere, not a $6.5m cap commitment. Briere's regular seasons with the Flyers have been hit-and-miss, but he's been a huge playoff performer. He also has a NMC clause. In my opinion, the Flyers can only even consider this if they think Schenn and Cooter are both ready for prime time.
Rob Zombie - Rob Zombie reportedly wants to write and direct a movie about the 1974 Flyers. Wow.
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