Monday, May 16, 2011
Posted: 10 a.m.
By Tim Panaccio
CSNPhilly.com
The first of a three part series evaluating the Flyers' off-season and roster looking ahead.
The Flyers go into next season realizing there have to be some changes.
They were closer to winning the Stanley Cup a year ago than they are today -- which is why change is needed.
Given their salary cap positionless than 500,000 from the limit under the present cap -- they need to lose significant salary over the summer to sign a goalie, not to mention re-signing some of their own free agents.
Heres a recap of the forwards this past season:
NHL
Blair Betts
Age next season: turns 32
Cap hit: 700,000
His hand injury no doubt was a factor in his poor faceoff showing during the playoffs. Remains a valuable, underpaid performer on the penalty kill. Not known for his goal scoring, but he scored more (five) than Dan Carcillo.
Danny Briere
Age next season: turns 34
Cap hit: 6.5 million
Second in goals on team to Jeff Carter with 34 and, once again, proved to be one of the clubs few playoff performers. Needs to have skilled players around him.
Dan Carcillo
Age next season: turns 27
Cap hit: restricted free agent
Scored just four goals and was -14 during the season. Took some costly penalties in the Boston series that hurt the team. Like his energy, but given the Flyers cap situation and needs, its possible he does not get a contract offer or at least one that will satisfy him.
Jeff Carter
Age next season: turns 27
Cap hit: 5.27 million
He has had a number of freaky injuries in recent years. He produces in the regular season, but has struggled for goals in the playoffs while battling injuries. Like Mike Richards, Carter plays through pain and doesnt get credit for it. He's the most likely Flyer to get traded if they have to move 5 million and want draft picks, so they can pocket the money for a goalie.
Claude Giroux
Age next season: turns 24
Cap hit: 3.75 million
Had a marvelous breakout season with 25 goals and a team-high 76 points. Versatile forward, who is a natural centerman and richly deserved winning the Bobby Clarke Trophy as team MVP.
Scott Hartnell
Age next season: turns 30
Cap hit: 4 million
Had a very productive season on Brieres line, but was mostly invisible in the playoffs with just one goal. Given the Flyers need for cap space, his salary makes him vulnerable to a trade.
Ian Laperriere
Age next season: turns 38
Cap hit: 1.116 million
Likely never to play again because of post-concussion syndrome. Lappy was the glue that bound this club together in the dressing room. He was the go-between with young and older players. His absence was pivotal within the room during the playoffs, players said. His money will come off the cap if he remains on long term injury reserve next season.
Ville Leino
Age next season: turns 28
Cap hit: unrestricted free agent
Had such a chemistry with Briere and Hartnell and was a huge setup man for Briere, while still scoring 19 goals. Leinos playoffs were poor and his hip remains iffy, at times. If he wants more than 3.2 million, the Flyers wont re-sign him.
Andreas Nodl
Age next season: turns 25
Cap hit: restricted free agent
Most improved offensive player this season and a devout defensive performer. Like James van Riemsdyk, needs to find more consistency in his game.
Darroll Powe
Age next season: 26
Cap hit: restricted free agent
One of the fiercest competitors on the team, he will be re-signed because of his prowess on the penalty kill. He hits everything in sight. Led the club with 196 hits despite averaging just 12:17 ice time.
Mike Richards
Age next season: turns 27
Cap hit: 5.75 million
Gets props for playing entire season with a left wrist issue. Now we know why he couldnt be effective on faceoffs during playoffs. Like Carter, has a perfect contract to trade, but hes the captain and it wont happen. Given the rumors over his relationship with coach Peter Laviolette, there should be a discussion whether hes happy wearing the C or whether its become a burden to him.
James van Riemsdyk
Age next season: turns 23
Cap hit: 1.654 million
Had a monster playoff this spring with seven goals in 11 games and was playing like the power forward the Flyers expect he will someday become. Needs to find that consistency all season. His 21 goals represent a breakthrough.
Jody Shelley
Age next season: turns 36
Cap hit: 1.1 million
For some reason, fans didnt like him, yet Shelley gave the Flyers skill performers freedom to operate this season without fear of being roughed up on the ice. Shelley will drop the gloves with anyone. Hes the protection Briere and Giroux need.
Kris Versteeg
Age next season: turns 26
Cap hit: 3.083 million
A late pickup by the Flyers when Leinos agent decided not to accept either of two contract offers on the table. Versteeg seemed a perfect fit on a line with Mike Richards when he arrived, but the chemistry never really evolved with seven goals in 27 games as a Flyer. Needs to do less with the puck and more with his skill.
Nikolay Zherdev
Age next season: turns 27
Cap hit: unrestricted free agent
You cant argue that the Russian doesnt have skill. Sixteen goals in 56 games with limited ice time12:51was very good. But he tended to drift off and was often benched by coach Peter Laviolette. Wont be re-signed.
E-mail Tim Panaccio at tpanotch@comcast.net
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