As rookie training camp opened up Monday in Voorhees, New Jersey, the expectation was that one of the Flyers forward prospects would be vying for the fourteenth opening in the roster. The competition just got much fiercer as free agent Bill Guerin has formally accepted a tryout offer from the Flyers.
Guerin was rumored to be interested in signing with the Flyers after being seen skating with the team on September 1. He notified reporters at the time that he was simply visiting his in-laws and requested the ice time while in the area, but his continued presence over the last two weeks suggested otherwise. His agent had been adamant that they would not accept a tryout offer, but it seems that the combination of the support from the veteran Flyers he received while practicing with the team and the reasonable shot at another Stanley Cup before he retires changed his mind.
Guerin told Tim Panaccio of CSN, “I’m looking at this as a great opportunity. I’m being offered a tryout with a team I’d like to play for. I consider myself lucky right now.”
There really is no downside to this tryout offer. The Flyers are in need of upgrading their third line winger position, and Guerin comes with scoring ability, playoff success, and veteran leadership. None of the rookies will be able to match his intangibles, and if he is willing to accept a paycut, will come at a very affordable price. The Flyers may still have to waive one of their defensemen, be it Oskars Bartulis or Matt Walker, which won’t leave them with much salary cap space to work with as the season progresses.
If one of the prospects manages to impress the organization more than Bill Guerin, then consider this a very successful offseason. Paul Holmgren, I tip my hat to you.
no risk high reward. more competition for training camp, not sure who he will push out of a spot. maybe carcillo gets dealt for a prospect or draft pick
Josh, what’d I say……………….. stash Walker……… move on with Guerin. That’s awesome that he was willing to come to camp. Three lines of death!!!