Earlier this morning, Tim Panaccio of CSN tweeted that former Pittsburgh Penguin right winger Bill Guerin was “working out in Flyer attire. Tells CSNPhilly.com he hopes to get tryout offer.” It figures that this news came right after I posted that the Flyers were unlikely to alter the roster before training camp, but I digress.
As further news broke out later in the day from CSN and other sources, Guerin clarified that his wife is originally from Medford, NJ, and his agent had asked Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren about getting some ice time. Homer also went on the record, stating that this is nothing unusual, as they have let former Flyer Todd Fedoruk use the ice as well.
Guerin’s agent Bob Murray seems adamant that he will sign a contract before the start of the season, and will not resort to a tryout offer. This is only fair, as Guerin is one of the last free agents available who can instantly improve any roster’s depth. He bounced around the first and third lines last season with the Penguins, notching 21 goals and 24 assists; not bad for someone about to turn forty. He’s also an unquestionable leader, earning two Stanley Cup rings in his career and the title of Captain for the New York Islanders a few years ago.
Realistically, the Flyers do not have much salary cap space to sign Guerin. They would likely have to follow the mantra of addition by subtraction and move a player to fit him in. What the Flyers have going for them, though, is that Guerin may be willing to take a little bit of a pay cut if he can play for a cup contender. He has also made his feelings known about wanting to stay in the Eastern Conference, which is likely why he has not accepted the offer tended by the LA Kings last week (salary and years undisclosed). Guerin’s comments to CSN are, at the very least, encouraging.
“I just want to figure out what to do next… Our conversations with Paul are just about coming here and skating around,” Guerin said. “They’ve done some good things over the summer and had a hell of a year last year. Any player would like to play here.”
On another note, CSN has also reported that the Flyers have extended a tryout offer to former Carolina Hurricane forward Michael Ryan. While most tryout offers are extended to players who could reasonably make an impact on the upcoming season, the Flyers may be looking at Ryan as a replacement center for former Phantoms Jared Ross and Jon Matsumoto. Drafted in 1999 by the Dallas Stars, Ryan has seven goals and eight assists scored in 83 games (over the course of three NHL seasons). Not exactly stellar, but that’s what tryouts are all about: proving what you’re made of.
Cut Walker, bring in Guerin. 1.2 Mil a year sound alright?