The Philadelphia Flyers managed to solve their cap issues with the trade of Simon Gagne to Tampa Bay. The Flyers came ever so close to the holy grail last season and perhaps a couple of broken feet and a timely save away from winning the cup for the first time in 35 years.
Let's look at this years core and supporting cast of players and see where they stand in terms of contract length going forward.
Forwards
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Danny Briere - UFA 2015/16 ... Danny seems to bring his best at playoff time and this contract looked bad at first but snipers are hard to come by and Danny is one of the best.
Mike Richards - UFA 2020/21 ... A Flyer for life and one of the best leaders by example in the NHL.
Jeff Carter - RFA 2011/12 ... Always in the trade rumors. Perhaps he's a Flyers today because he was younger than Simon. Expect a big year from Jeff.
Claude Giroux - RFA 2011/12 ... has to be signed and will likely see a very healthy raise. This may finally force a Carter trade to free up $$.
James Van Riemsdyk - RFA 2012/13 ... So far a bust for a 2nd overall pick. 2007 Draft Lottery was not kind to the Flyers or Patrick Kane would be in Orange and Black.
Ville Leino - UFA 2011/12 ... If he gets off to a quick start look for a contract extension. If this works out for Ville he could be in for a nice payday and turn out to be one of the rare mistakes by the Red Wings org.
Nikolai Zherdev - UFA 2011/12 ... This will be an interesting experiment to watch. Chemistry watch is now on. The one year contract may end up being a god send if this goes south.
Scott Hartnell - UFA 2013/14 ... look for a bounce back year after a tough one on and off the ice.
Jody Shelley - UFA 2013/14 ... Still scratching my head on the length of this contract not to mention the 1.1M a year cap hit.
Dan Carcillo - RFA 2011/12 ... Has lots of heart but needs to dial it back a notch and play hockey. Refs are watching closely and they love to throw Flyers in the box.
Ian Laperriere - UFA 2012/13 ... How much is left in Lapy's tank? Fan fav, guts to spare and a winner. All that is right about being a hockey player.
Darroll Powe - RFA 2011/12 ... So much upside here. Brings it every shift and was one of the hit leaders in the playoffs.
Blaire Betts - UFA 2012/13 ... It's all about his shoulder. Tough as nails and a true professional.
Riley Cote - UFA 2011/12 ... Riley will only see the ice with a rash of injuries.
Defencemen
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Kimmo Timonen - UFA 2013/14 ... At 35 Kimmo still has the wheels to move the puck and the younger D have taken a little pressure off him.
Chris Pronger - UFA 2017/18 ... Pronger turns 36 this year so 2017 is a long ways away. His hitting has slowed but the leadership and tenacity is what brought him to Philly. He really wants to raise the cup as a Flyer to put the crown on an exceptional career.
Andrej Meszaros - UFA 2014/15 ... With a cap hit of 4M he better be ready to earn it. Can move the puck but needs to work on intensity.
Matt Carle - UFA 2012/13 ... Solid D-man who can do whatever you need him to do. Worth every penny.
Braydon Coburn - UFA 2012/13 ... His game has improved and expect the Flyers to try and extend this contract.
Matt Walker - UFA 2013/14 ... Part of a salary exchange in the Gagne deal. Will fight for 6/7th D-man time.
Sean O'Donnell - UFA 2011/12 ... Good pickup for depth on the back end. You can never have too many experienced NHL D-men in your stable.
Oskars Bartulis - RFA 2013/14 ... 600,000 cap hit is a bargain and again a good depth player.
Goaltenders
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Michael Leighton - UFA 2012/13 ... Is Leighton a late bloomer at 29? Time will tell. He was solid right up until the finals where he looked like a deer in headlights. Lets hope he can build on that experience or the Flyers will be shopping for a goalie... again.
Brian Boucher - UFA 2011/12 ... Boucher has been the ultimate pro and a perfect backup since the Flyers extended his hockey playing career.
