Right winger Wayne Simmonds, acquired by the Flyers in the trade that sent Mike Richards to LA, has been signed to a two-year, $3.5 million contract. Simmonds, 23, was the last player to be signed from the roster dismantling that began just two weeks ago. It’s unknown why it took the organization longer to sign him than the others, but barring any future blockbuster deals (i.e. Steve Stamkos), the Flyers roster is about 95% complete.
Simmonds will wear #17. If there are any Jeff Carter fans left, get used to it.
Assuming that Michael Leighton is put on waivers, Ian Laperriere is placed on LTIR, and Brayden Schenn makes the line-up in September, the Flyers have about $2.6 million in salary cap space to sign a thirteenth forward. With each passing day since free agency began last Friday, the likelihood that the organization makes any further moves is dwindling. The thirteenth forward position is up for grabs and will probably go to a Phantom ahead of any player outside of the organization.
The Flyers have also made two other signings- one official and one pending. They have signed prospect Tye McGinn to an entry level deal as well as veteran AHL goaltender Jason Bacashihua. McGinn had an excellent season with the Gatineau Olympiques, but much like fellow prospect Jason Akeson, he was a 20 year old playing among 16-18 year olds. He needs a season or two with the Phantoms before being ready to make the big club.
As for Bacashihua, the signing hasn’t been officially announced by the Flyers yet. I imagine this has to do with the fact that they still have Leighton and Johan Backlund on the books. I wouldn’t be surprised if one (or both) of them was moved in the next few days.
For the latest Flyers news and updates, you can follow me on twitter (@JoshJanet).
Latest rumor- Hartnell (waves NTC), prospect, & pick for Iginla. Would love it! Can’t see it happening, though 🙁
I’m sure Iginla would love to leave the wasteland that is the Calgary Flames, but I don’t see them giving him up for nothing
DD,
really with that rumor? I’d do that in a heartbeat. I’ve also heard that there is some serious interest in Chris Drury to reunite him with Briere. glad they signed Simmons, fan are going to LOVE this guy and hopefully his play will be infectious to guys like Hartnell (if he’s still here) and others.
Not happening. Where did you hear this? Link?
I think the more plausible rumor that is circulating right now is that the Flyers may be shopping Sergei Bobrovsky. I would prefer he backed Bryzgalov then Michael Leighton, but that’s simply my opinion.
But Josh, Bobs has trade value and Bryz is gonna play like 60-70 games so do you need him? The need someone serviceable and that is what Leighton is. Why not get something for Bobs and set him free?
Leighton would have little trade value while Bobs has more upside and hence more Value.. The Big decision Flyers have to make , is with the committment and amount of $$$ made to “Bryz”, do you keep a veteran as a back-up or hope that a young Goalie can have the mindset and be ok with being a #2 Goalie..
All I know is if Goalie “Bryz” is not the real deal and can’t handle the big lights and expectation of playing in Philly, this Flyer Franchise will be set back for 3 years and especially if they end up moving “Bobs” which is likely..
PMAN- “All I know is if Goalie “Bryz” is not the real deal and can’t handle the big lights and expectation of playing in Philly, this Flyer Franchise will be set back for 3 years and especially if they end up moving “Bobs” which is likely”
all you know?? get over yourself raymond.
maybe I should have stated “All is know, at this time, If Goalie Bryz….”
Is everyone sold on this guy on being a topflight Goalie..I am not and still think there is a big risk with how well he plays versus the Big contract he has and then he becomes a major cap hit, untradeable,etc,etc…
Hopefully he’ll be the stud in nets the team hasn’t had since the Hextall days.. but what has he done in his career to be considered an Elite goalie versus the best hockey players and league in the world in the NHL…
Depending on the return, I wouldn’t immediately lament any trade involving Bobrovsky. I guess it comes down to, at this point, having more faith in Bob than Leighton in the event of an injury to Bryz. A lot of the support I had for Leighton has diminished over the last year.
Awesome, he was the final piece to set after free agency signings finished to see what we had and what their was to work with. I would trade Bob for a great return, but I’d perfer him over any backup in the league. Honestly.