Read Meltzer on 'buzz, and can't help agreeing. This is a team that barely
made it to the playoffs last year, and after paying everyone off for getting
us through two rounds (Carter, Jones, et. al.) we're a worse team now.
Umberger gone. Jason Smith -- yeah, none too great on the ice, but still a
great shot blocker-- gone. Prospal gone (happily, sure) but Gagne amazingly
fragile and possible quite tentative. Metropolit is just a 4th liner. And
Eminger -- unless the Flyers have scouted him in some clairvoyant way, he
doesn't exactly bolster our blue line.

You gotta' wonder if we could have gotten tremedous value for Carter. The
Umberger pick went for a throwaway defenseman since the goalie was gone.
Jone is overpaid. Geez, when Cockburn's payday comes due next year, we
might as well sign a few more fourthliners and give up on the playoffs
entirely.

C

now

Could possibly a popular saying in this group next year.
Heard a couple of times now the Flyers are kicking the tires.

Jeff

I've kind of been out of the loop, just Philly.com once in a while,
but I haven't heard anything on Jones. Has Holmgren either signed
Jones or at least tendered a qualifying offer sheet? Jones is one of
those guys who can easily be overlooked but for the most part has
played solid defense for the Flyers and has been one of the bright
spots on the Flyers defense. Not very flashy but his +/- speaks for
itself. If Holmgren lets Jones slip away he's making a huge mistake
IMHO.

Rick

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242532&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

Pretty fascinating stuff in there, including the Flyers trying to
obtain Chris Pronger from Edmonton. Although it was a minor point in
the entire article, it was good to know.

Hope Burke has a response. Nothing else happening anyway for a lot of
teams, may as well make it interesting for the remainder of the
summer.

Supposedly signed up after being spurned by the Rangers. I'd rather have
Naslund than Jagr if I was the Rangers anyway.

Oh well, probably for the best with what SJ gives up here.

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=242464&lid=headline&lpos=topStory_nhl

Sources tell TSN Dan Boyle has waived his no-trade clause and has
agreed to a trade to the San Jose Sharks.

The paper work confirming Boyle has consented is being processed right
now and once signed by Boyle will clear the way for the Sharks and
Lightning to complete the deal.

In return for the 31 year old veteran defenseman, it is believed
Tampa will receive a package that will include 23-year old defenseman
Matt Carle, a first round draft pick, a prospect and a 4th round pick.

Sources say defenseman Brad Lukowich is also part of the deal going to
San Jose.

The Vancouver Canucks and Philadelphia Flyers were the other two teams
who made in to Boyle's final three trade options.

--
Hockey is three activities taking place at the same time: Ice skating,
fooling around with a puck, and beating the sh*t out of somebody." - George
Carli

Canadiens add toughness, sign enforcer Laraque to three-year deal

http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hMvAru6oanVyMWQLSBQOosibEkTA