COURIER POST ONLINE: Chuck Gormley reported on which goaltenders would be available for the Flyers in their search to replace Roman Cechmanek. Potential free agents include veterans Jeff Hackett, Felix Potvin, Dwayne Roloson, Chris Osgood and Tom Barrasso, with Roloson considered the best of the bunch. As for trades, Gormley believes Nikolai Khabibulin could be had from Tampa Bay, Mike Ricther possibly from the NY Rangers, or Patrick Roy from the Colorado Avalanche, but these three don't fit into the Flyers payroll. GM Bob Clarke suggested he'd place Cechmanek on waivers if unable to trade him, saying he wouldn't Cechmanek's salary for another team.
Spector's Note: For the umpteenth time, Khabibulin won't be traded! Lightning GM Jay Feaster already stated this publicly a week ago! And I doubt Patrick Roy would consider postponing retirement to play for another team. Roloson might be available, but given his part in the Wild's surprise improvement this season, that's not a given.
CANADIAN PRESS: reports Cechmanek's agent, Petr Svoboda, denies telling Clarke his client didn't want to return to Philadelphia. Svoboda states he spoke to the Flyers GM last Friday, where Clarke raised the idea that Flyers fans getting on his client may not be a good situation. Svoboda agreed, but says he then told Clarke to speak to Cechmanek about it.
Spector's Note: A simple misunderstanding? Or did Clarke twist this to use as an excuse to dump Cechmanek? You be the judge...
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche 4:3 (4:2/2:3/0:3/1:3/3:2/3:2/3:2) Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks 4:3 (3:4/3:2/2:3/2:3/7:2/5:1/4:2) Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks 0:2 (0:1/0:2)
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
TSN.CA: reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Bob Clarke has announced goaltender Roman Cechmanek won't be returning to the club next season. Clarke cites Cechmanek feeling unappreciated by the Flyers fans, who seem to be pinning the blame for the club's second round exit on the Czech goaltender. Clarke said his team was happy with Cechmanek's regular season performance but felt his post-season record was inconsistent. He added both sides agreed to part ways. Clarke went on to say he'd like to replace Cechamanek either by trading the goalie for another veteran netminder, or perhaps picking up one via free agency. He did, however, express faith in promising backup Robert Esche, but his comments leave the impression Clarke would like to have a veteran share the goaltending duties with Esche.
Spector's Note: My thanks to all of you who sent this to me. Much appreciated. Let the speculation begin! So who could the Flyers pursue? In this year's free agent market, there really isn't a lot of prime candidates. The best I can see are Jeff Hackett and Felix Potvin, and neither guy could be considered a winner. So, look for lots of "Khabibulin to Philly" or "Flyers to deal for Burke" rumours to pop up throughout the summer.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche 4:3 (4:2/2:3/0:3/1:3/3:2/3:2/3:2) Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks 4:3 (3:4/3:2/2:3/2:3/7:2/5:1/4:2) Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks 0:2 (0:1/0:2)
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
Hab ich das richtig versanden das er Johnny abgeben will aber nicht kann wegen der no-trade Klaussel?
Rock on, and on, and on...
John LeClair breaks down the left wing all alone, moves into the circle and cranks a wicked slap shot with zero hesitation. The baffled goaltender is left with no answers, just questions as the First Union Center's horn blazes and the crowd booms.
COURIER-POST ONLINE: Chuck Gormley reports of concerns regarding winger John LeClair's willingness to accept a lesser role on the Philadelphia Flyers. GM Bob Clarke and head coach Ken Hitchcock both stated they expected some of their veteran players, including LeClair, to expect a change in their roles on the club, which could include giving up icetime to younger players. LeClair stated, however, he'd do whatever Hitchcock wants him to do, and was "a bit agitated" over being asked if he'd seek a trade because of it. LeClair said he never asked to leave and wants to remain in Philadelphia. Gormley points out that LeClair's hefty salary and drop in production would kill interest from other clubs. The reporter does note LeClair's productions dropped around the same time as when his former linemate, Eric Lindros, left the club. Lindros's production has also fallen off over the same period of time, leading Gormley to suggest the NY Rangers might be one of the few clubs willing to trade for LeClair in hopes that reuniting the two would see them regain their scoring touch. The reporter does point out, however, that it's unlikely Clarke would make such a deal to a divisional rival, although the return could bring the Flyers either Anson Carter or Pavel Bure.
Spector's Note: Bit of a stretch there on Gormley's part. While Clarke dealt Lindros to the Rangers two years ago, it's unlikely he'd go to that well again. And nobody said the Blueshirts would be interested in landing LeClair when they might jump into the UFA pool to get Sergei Fedorov or Teemu Selanne, especially if Pavel Bure's wonky knee forces him into retirement.
Minnesota Wild vs Colorado Avalanche 4:3 (4:2/2:3/0:3/1:3/3:2/3:2/3:2) Minnesota Wild vs Vancouver Canucks 4:3 (3:4/3:2/2:3/2:3/7:2/5:1/4:2) Minnesota Wild vs Anaheim Mighty Ducks 0:3 (0:1/0:2/0:4)
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
Kölzig hilft den Flyers nicht weiter. Er ist zum einen verletzungsanfällig und zum anderen zeigt seine Formkurve stetig nach unten.
Khabibulin dürfte nicht zu bekommen sein!
im übrigen finde ich die Abwehr der Flyers nicht wirklich toll. Sie entspricht nicht der Philosphie des Trainers. Da fehlen Typen wie Derian Hatcher, Darryl Sydor, Richard Matvichuk, Craig Ludwig, Ed Jovanovski oder Darius Kasparaitis (in jügeren Jahren)!
****************************** Scott Stevens - You better Don´t Touch Him
COURIER POST ONLINE: Chuck Gormley reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Bob Clarke will attempt to re-sign " defenseman Eric Desjardins, center Claude Lapointe and right wing Sami Kapanen." Another impending UFA, defenceman Dimitry Yushkevich, will not be offered a contract, despite Clarke's praise for his performance, notably in the post-season. If the Flyers re-sign Desjardins, Gormley claims they won't pursue Derian Hatcher should he opt for free agency this summer.
Spector's Note: My thanks to Dan Gereaghty and Eric Flack for sending this in. I would imagine Clarke probably already knows Hatcher won't be leaving the Dallas Stars, thus it makes sense to re-sign Desjardins. It may surprise some that he's taking a pass on Yushkevich, until one realizes his agent is Mark Gandler, whom Clarke has vowed never to deal with.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
Clarke discusses Cechmanek deal and who’s next in Flyers' crease
By Brian Marks, PhiladelphiaFlyers.com
In a perfect world, the Flyers would have received more for goaltender Roman Cechmanek than a 2004 second round pick, which was what they got in their deal with the Los Angeles Kings Wednesday afternoon.
But the reality of the situation was that the value of a goaltender without playoff success is not that high, especially with many other respectable netminders looming on the horizon as unrestricted free agents come July 1.
According to Clarke, his comments at the close of the season in which he said that the team would not bring Cechmanek back only helped the club find a proper suitor.
“By making [Cechmanek’s availability] public, L.A. knew that they could try and sign their guy (Felix Potvin) or trade for Cechmanek,” he told the assembled media Thursday afternoon at the First Union Center. “It gave anyone with free agents an option to come to us and try and get another goaltender.
“It didn’t re-affirm anything for sure that anything was going to be done, but we thought Cechmanek was a pretty good goaltender whose time had worn out here. We made him available to all the teams and there was more than one team that called for him.”
Clarke again said that Robert Esche will have a shot at being the starting goaltender. But he must also prove it.
“I think he’s got all kinds of potential,” Clarke said. “He’s got size and quickness and competitiveness. Whether he can put it all together is up to him. If you would have seen [Anaheim star Jean-Sebastien] Giguere two years ago, you would not have been able to predict where he is today.
“We want to develop Esche, but how many games the new guy plays and how many games Esche plays has to come into our thinking. So, the coaching staff will have some say in how they see all this developing.”
Clarke said that he will most likely invest in a veteran netminder that can groom Esche for the role, but he also suggested Czech prospect Roman Malek could get a shot if he is signed to a professional contract.
At this point, Clarke didn’t rule out trading for a goaltender, either.
“We’ve had starting goaltenders mentioned to us [by other teams] that they’d be available,” he said. “I think we’ll wait and see who’s available at free agency, what type of goaltender is available, whether our team likes that guy or not or how it compares to somebody that may be available through trades.”
Because of tampering rules, Clarke would not reveal which possible unrestricted free agents he was interested in. The list of available free agent goalies is likely to include Potvin, Chris Osgood and Jeff Hackett.
“We’re not going to trade for somebody and give up something if we think there’s something just as good in free agency,” Clarke said. “But we really won’t know until the first of July.
“I think our team plays a style of game that should allow any goaltender we get to have some success, because I think we build our team around good defensive play.”
Malek was a fifth round selection of the Flyers in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft. The highly touted prospect, who will turn 26 in September, has played the last five seasons with Slavia Praha in the Czech Republic League. In 2002-03, Malek had a stunning 1.62 goals-against average. But like Antero Niittymaki, who came over from Finland last season and played with the Flyers' American Hockey League affiliate, the Philadelphia Phantoms, Malek will have to adjust to the smaller rink surface and shots from a lot of different angles that he has never seen.
“Malek actually has had better success in the Czech League than [Dominik] Hasek or Cechmanek,” Clarke said. “It’s still a question mark until he comes over here and proves it.
“We like him and we think he’s a terrific prospect.”
Whoever steps into the starting goaltender role next will have a tough task. One that Clarke says is not easy, no matter what city you play in.
“I think it’s a tough position to play in any city,” Clarke said. “I’m sure Curtis Joseph will tell you Detroit isn’t too friendly right now. Maybe in Vancouver, Dan Cloutier will tell you the same thing. It’s a position that leaves you vulnerable if you don’t stop [the puck] at the right time.”
Cechmanek's vulnerability greased the skids for his quick departure out of town. Only time will tell who will be spending time guarding the Flyers' open net next season, but if the past is any indication it could be a very unfamiliar name.
But again, who ever heard of Peeters, Lindbergh or even Hextall before they burst onto the Flyers' scene?
Thursday, May 29, 2003
Méschda Hoschbess holy ...und nichts ist wie es scheint!!
Brawls. Blood. Mayhem. Philly style. You want it - we got it!
newcoming tough enforcers: --> Leafs-Fans können hier klicken!! Garrett Burnett HFD GP 62, G 6, A 1, P 7, Pim´s 346 Peter Vandermeer PHI GP 77, G 5, A 8, P 13, Pim´s 335 Sean McMorrow ROC GP 64, G 0, A 1, P 1, Pim´s 315 Darcy Verot SJN GP73, G 5, A 11, P 16, Pim´s 299
CAMDEN COURIER-POST: Chuck Gormley reported on the latest happenings in the Philadelphia Flyers search for a replacement for goaltender Roman Cechmanek. Apparently, both GM Bob Clarke and head coach Ken Hitchcock agree current backup Robert Esche is ready to be groomed into the starter's role, meaning the club could pursue an experienced backup. Notable UFA goalies include Jeff Hackett, Felix Potvin and Chris Osgood, and Gormley believes Hackett's agent will try to get his client to sign with the Flyers. Gormley also suggested the Flyers could make an offer for Minnesota Wild netminder Dwayne Roloson. He also reports if the Flyers opt to go for a younger goalie, they may be interested in Buffalo's Martin Biron, San Jose's Evgeny Nabokov or Pittsburgh's Johan Hedberg. Gormley also noted the Flyers could shop Cechmanek to Washington for Olaf Kolzig or to Tampa Bay for Nikolai Khabibulin, although their hefty contracts probably won't interest the Flyers.
Spector's Note: My thanks to Scott Richards. Hackett and Potvin made $3.5 mil last season and Osgood made $4 mil, so it's a good bet they'll probably try to get more money, even though the latter two probably don't deserve a significant raise. The Sabres might be wiling to part with Biron, provided they believe Mika Noronen is ready to step up. The Sharks won't move Nabokov, and the Pens will try to hang onto Hedberg if they can afford it. As for Cechmanek being shopped for Kolzig or Khabibulin, that simply isn't going to happen. Gormley still maintains Roloson is an unrestricted free agent, but as was pointed out by a reader a week ago, the Wild re-signed him on trade deadline day, thus he's off the market
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
COULD THE FLYERS OR AVS SEND AN OFFER SHEET TO GIGUERE?
ESPN.COM: In offering up potential replacement starting goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche (retirement of Patrick Roy) and the Philadelphia Flyers (trading Roman Cechmanek to LA), Al Morganti wondered if either club would send an unmatchable offer sheet to Group II free agent goaltender JS Giguere of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
Spector's Note: Anything's possible, particularly with this being, as Morganti points out, the final year of the currect collective bargaining agreement. However, given that the last offer sheet to a Group II free agent was Detroit's Sergei Fedorov in 1998 by the Carolina Hurricanes, I doubt very much we'll see such an offer made to Giguere.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
COURIER-POST ONLINE: Chuck Gormley reports Philadelphia Flyers GM Bob Clarke is in no rush to replace Roman Cechmanek, whom he dealt to the LA Kings two days ago for a second round pick. Clarke indicated in a press conference yesterday he'd prefer to sign a free agent goaltender first, rather than trade for a replacement. Among those available via free agency could be "the Bruins' Jeff Hackett, who earned $3.6 million this season, the Kings' Felix Potvin ($3.55 million), or the Blues' Chris Osgood ($4 million) or Tom Barrasso ($900,00)." Gormley also indicated if the Flyers opt to trade for a netminder, they may try to obtain Sean Burke from the Phoenix Coyotes. Meanwhile, Cechmanek's backup, Robert Esche, stated that, regardless of whom the Flyers obtain, he'll try to play his way into the starter's role.
Spector's Note: Not a bad decision by Clarke. Why trade away for a replacement if one can be had via free agency? One has to wonder if Clarke hasn't already had preliminary discussions with the agents of one or two of those potential UFA netminders. That would be considered tampering under league rules, but that's not to say GMs don't hold casual talks with an agent to get some idea of where one of their UFA clients would like to play and what type of money they're seeking.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
In Antwort auf: Among those available via free agency could be "the Bruins' Jeff Hackett, who earned $3.6 million this season, the Kings' Felix Potvin ($3.55 million), or the Blues' Chris Osgood ($4 million) or Tom Barrasso ($900,00)." Gormley also indicated if the Flyers opt to trade for a netminder, they may try to obtain Sean Burke from the Phoenix Coyotes.
Bitte nicht die Beiden! Rock on, and on, and on...
John LeClair breaks down the left wing all alone, moves into the circle and cranks a wicked slap shot with zero hesitation. The baffled goaltender is left with no answers, just questions as the First Union Center's horn blazes and the crowd booms.
BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports the Philadelphia Flyers might try to land the first overall pick in this year's draft from the Florida Panthers, which they'd supposedly use to draft goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Dupont speculates the pricetag would be forward Justin Williams and blueline prospect Jeff Woywitka.
Spector's Note: My thanks to John Saquella (writer of "Along the Boards") for this one. Personally, I don't think so. Clarke wants a veteran netminder to split the goaltending chores with Robert Esche, and I doubt he's willing to give up that kind of package even if he was interested in the first overall pick. I think he's going to take a run at Jeff Hackett or Felix Potvin, or trade for Sean Burke if he's available.
MINNESOTA WILD - WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALIST 2002/2003
Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003
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...und nichts ist wie es scheint!!
