If the rumors prove to be true about Bryz (9 year deal, $50M), I'd start to worry that Holmgren has had a few strokes before making these deals. Not that the LA/PHI deal today was a bad one, but for a team that is hoping to be a SC contender next year seems weird to trade an all-star center for a prospect (albeit a blue chipper) and a good 3rd line grinder.
This is what I was thinking also. I was expecting a 5/6 year deal worth 5-6 million a year for Bryzgalov. I can't understand 9 years unless Bryz wanted more than the Flyers were willing to offer, so they had to front load the deal. As long as Schenn turns out to be a Mike Richards type player within a couple years, I don't have a problem with this. Maybe getting Simmonds, we can finally get rid of Carcillo. I don't hold a lot of stock in the second round pick they got in next years draft.
The Carter trade was great in my eyes. We didn't pick until the 84th spot tonight and we grabbed the Blue Jackets 8th and 68th in return along with Voracek. I think you plug him in with Giroux and van Reimsdyk and have a pretty good second line.
What worries me is, did they get the goalie they need to get over that hump without giving up so much that they can't get there in the first place? Holmgren wouldn't have made these deals without having a plan in place to replace one of the two centers. The hot rumor now is them going after Brad Richards....I'd rather them spend their money elsewhere because even though they're approx. 7 mil under the cap now, they'd still have to trade someone else and not resign Leino to fit Richards under the cap.
Most reports and Kings fans projected Schenn to be a Mike Richards type, so it's fitting. Still it's curious the Flyers would trade him if they're gearing up for a cup run. For us Kings fans, it's a signal that the team is getting ready to be taken seriously and make more noise and shed that damn "lowly Kings" slander.
I think it's a pretty safe bet that Schenn will turn into a solid NHL'er. Whether he becomes a clone of Richards or exceeds him only time will tell.
Simmonds, when he's on his game, is a great player. Works in the corners, can be relentless chasing down the puck, will stand up for his teammates and drop gloves with anyone. He had a down season this past year, plus the rise of Kyle Clifford made trading Simmonds feasible. You guys had another former King fan favorite in Ian Lapperiere (forgive the poor spelling), and Simmonds reminds me a lot of Lappy.
Looking forward to what Lombardi will do this weekend. Word is Smyth is heading out which I hate to see but his high salary and blah season makes it understandable.
Also, word is Winnipeg has an announcement to make soon. Revealing the new name perhaps?