First tweeted by TSN’s Bob Mckenzie, the Philadelphia Flyers have traded a 2011 first round draft pick and third round draft pick (presumably the one acquired from Pittsburgh for Dan Hamhuis) to the Toronto Mapleleafs for Kris Versteeg.
Let that sink in a little.
Versteeg, 24, has 14 goals and 21 assists this year. His plus-minus isn’t very impressive (he’s -13), but the Leafs have been weak offensively all year and their defense and goaltending, which many had thought were improved by general manager Brian Burke’s offseason moves, have been subpar.
If I were a betting man, I would predict that Versteeg will play on a line with captain Mike Richards and James Van Riemsdyk, with Andreas Nodl bouncing down to the fourth line with Blair Betts and Darroll Powe. In games where an enforcer may be necessary in the line-up, Nodl will likely sit out for one of Dan Carcillo or Jody Shelley.
There isn’t much to dislike about this trade. It further improves the team’s offensive depth without losing anyone from the current line-up. Toronto has been asking about JVR for months, but finally capitulated that he wasn’t going anywhere.
Losing first round draft picks is never a great feeling, especially with how poorly the Adirondack Phantoms have performed this season, but this team has an excellent chance of making a legitimate run for the Stanley Cup this year. I don’t think anyone will miss those picks if we get to have another parade down Broad Street.
From a salary perspective, Versteeg comes with a high $3.083 million for this year and next. I’m not sure how this will affect the team’s ability to re-sign Ville Leino next season, but I’ll worry about that in June.
I wouldn’t characterize this trade as a “bombshell,” but it’s definitely exciting. There are two weeks left before the trade deadline, and the Flyers still may have a few deals up their sleeves before then.
how about them Eagles… the #3 team in the City of Brotherly Love…. has to irritate the heck out of Lurie and Banner that the once King of the city is now behind the Phillies and Flyers…. hahahahahaaa!!!
Good day for the flyers. The best team in the east just got better. Cant go wrong with signing a 24 yr old stud. Only downside is your right G, its going to make bringing back Leino more difficult with Versteeg’s 3.1m on the books for next yr.
They will make some more deals. I am waiting to hear Vokoun for Nodl and a pick. Holmgrem better keep Bob though.
This is all we really needed, a really good winger to put beside Richie. The rest of the team is in great shape. I’ve heard the rumors about Vokoun but I don’t know…. I’m not sure how much of a goalie change is needed. Boosh is playing great this year and Bob is playing pretty good.
*This is such a pet peeve, but guys…… c’mon, seriously….. it says the name of the person posting every article. Calling Josh and Micah “G” every damn time makes you look like an idiot.
At this point, any further trade is going to have to include a player from the line-up, as both the roster space and cap space are maxed out. There’s no way the Flyers can fit Vokoun’s cap, even with Lappy’s LTIR status. The only move I could see them making is Zherdev for a 1st to a team on the bubble. I think they’ll hold onto him in case of injuries, but a mid round 1st pick could be enticing.
I don’t make any more moves if I’m the Flyers. This completes their team. And they have a little depth on the bench with Oskars and Carcillo. (If the team’s healthy I hope Carcillo and Shelly never see the ice again)
Next year will be tough, they may need to find a new home for Carle if they want to keep Leino. I’d trade Leino for Carle.