JVR Rumors Persist

On the heels of an often frustrating but ultimately exhilarating win for the Flyers, the JVR trade rumors persist.  JVR had a strong game, and you couldn't miss him as he created the game tying goal in the dying seconds.  Last night Flyers saw the best of JVR--bombing down the wing.  As I've previously written, JVR's not going to make an impact with subtle play, he needs to get it and go.  Once he gets some space on the outside, very few NHL defenders have an answer to his combination of size, speed, and stickhandling.

Of course the million dollar question is, how often will that player appear?  I think the Flyers are leaning towards the conclusion, "not enough."  I tracked some twitter reports of various repute on JVR since the beginning of the month, including post game tweets last night:

February 1

-Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger

@JimmyStizzle. I did not. I said I expect Burke will revisit interest in JVR.

February 5
-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
#Leafs very active on the market. Still discussing a Schenn for JVR+ swap; also in on Getzlaf, Carter, Ryan and T.Ruutu. Could do trade soon

February 9
-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
#Leafs and #Flyers still talking of a JVR for Schenn swap; could be completed as soon as JVR is ready to play.

-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
I'm not saying it's gonna happen 100% but there's a good chance it does when JVR is ready 2 play; especially if #Flyers add the + BB wants

February 10
-Incarcerated Bob @incarceratedbob
**BREAKING NHL NEWS**Source: Buzz around Flyers is that JVR 90% chance 2be dealt before deadline (D-Man + Coming back) #IBN

February 18

-Darren Dreger @DarrenDreger

Price too high for Flyers(at moment) for Nash. May re-engage later. JVR,Bobrovski, Schenn or Couturier believed to be part of asking price.

February 19
-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
@ericsuperfan I believe JVR will no longer be a #Flyer by the deadline.

-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
#Flyers UPDATE: JVR is as good as #GONE from Philly. Expect a deal to be announced soon. Source says he's no longer in team's plans. #BYEBYE

-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
Source confirms #Leafs still front runners to landing JVR; #Preds have also expressed huge interest in #Flyers forward.

February 20
-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
For those inquiring about JVR, he's still being shopped by #Flyers. #Leafs backing off because of Nash focus; #Preds could be front runners.

-Tim Panaccio @tpanotchCSN
Whispers out of Denver say Avs are asking about JVR.

-Tim Panaccio @tpanotchCSN
two sources say #flyers are NOT entertaining advances from COL on JVR ... but advances have been made

February 21

-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
Also #Flyers asking for Gardiner and a 2nd for JVR. BB NOT ready to trade him; would much rather part with Schenn. #Leafs

-Hockeyy Insiderr @HockeyyInsiderr
#Preds still VERY involved in JVR file. Confirmed 100% with #Flyers source Suter is NOT available for JVR. Ellis or Blum being discussed

I will not assume the accuracy of any one comment, but I think you can read the cumulative picture.  This series of tweets paint the picture that the Flyers are very open to trading JVR.  They're not going to give him away, but they are listening.  Colorado poking their head in seems to indicate that word is out around the league that JVR is available and teams are probing.

The new variable is, after acquiring Grossman and Kubina, there is no room on the Flyers blueline.  Trading for another defensemen is a little curious.  Truthfully, the Flyers are stocked on defensemen for the rest of the season and the forwards are already overcrowded, what the team lacks is goaltending and picks/prospects.

All those defensemen names thrown out last night are young offensive defensemen.  Perhaps the team is preparing for Carle to walk in the offseason?