I know everyone is interested in the Eagles, and this season is shaping up to be one of the more exciting seasons since their Super Bowl run in 2004.
But, another Philadelphia team is on my mind – the Flyers.The Flyers made an excellent move this week, acquiring the rights to impending unrestricted free agents Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell from Nashville in exchange for the Flyers’ first round pick [23rd overall].
The Flyers signed Timonen and Hartnell to six-year deals and both players make the Flyers an attractive destination for potential free agent signees.Hartnell is the prototypical Flyers player. He’s a tough, gritty forward that agitates the opposition and is physical along the boards. Hartnell’s scored twenty or more goals the last two seasons and has developed into a very good two-way player. Only 25-years old, Hartnell is still progressing and could emerge into a standout star with the Flyers organization.
Timonen offers the Flyers a puck carrying defenseman that’s an experienced leader and a player others look up too. Timonen adds instant credibility to the Flyers blue-line and gives General Manager Paul Holmgren maneuverability, as far as moving one of his young defenseman, most notably Joni Pitkanen.
Rumors are circulating that the Flyers and the Edmonton Oilers are in conversations about a Pitkanen-for-Raffi Torres deal. Personally, I hope that trade doesn’t happen. As inconsistent as Pitkanen has been, he still has a lot of value around the league. He’s a young defenseman [23-years old] that has to develop his defensive skills, but he offers a lot on the offensive end. In the right system, Pitkanen could emerge as an elite player, but it will take a lot of patience, and I don’t think the Flyers have a lot of time to be patient. They have to win now!
An exciting week of acquiring players only gets better, as the NHL Entry Draft takes center stage tomorrow. The Flyers selected second overall in the draft and are said to be interested in three players: Patrick Kane, Kyle Turris and James vanRiemsdyk. All three players have a lot of potential, but some say that Turris will be the best of the bunch.
The Chicago Blackhawks, who own the first pick, are said to be leaning towards selecting Kane. However, I’ve heard that Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon is considering Turris. If the Blackhawks pass up Kane, the Flyers will be elated and sprint to the podium to announce Kane as their selection. If Kane goes to Chicago, the Flyers may entertain trade proposals and look to move down or acquire a top-flight center man.
Kane, who recorded 62 goals and 83 assists, in 53 games, is a small player [5-foot-10, 160-pounds], but he’s a strong skater with playmaking ability. Kane has a chance to be an impact player, because he’s a dynamic playmaker with excellent vision. Kane’s biggest obstacle will be his size. He has to get bigger and stronger, but once he does, he’s going to be a special player.
Turris, who recorded 66 goals and 55 assists, in 53 games, is a bigger player [6-foot-1, 190-pounds], with the same kind of skills, but there are questions about the level of competition in Tier 2 hockey. Turris didn’t play in high-leveled Canadian junior leagues. I think the level of competition concern is being overblown in Turris’ case. He’s a very talented player, who reminds me of a young Mike Modano.
vanRiemsdyk is from Middletown, New Jersey and would be a fan favorite if the Flyers selected him. Some scouts compare him to Rick Nash, but say he’s at least two years away from skating on NHL ice. I think vanRiemsdyk has great skill and size, but he needs time to develop his all-around game.
Tomorrow night’s draft will be interesting, because I predict many trades to happen on the floor of the Nationwide Arena, in Columbus, OH, and the Flyers may be in the middle of the action. Personally, I hope I see a heading on the Philadelphia papers that reads, “Citizen Kane”. We’ll have to wait and see…
