Timonen. Less than overjoyed to hear Paulwinkle wants to extend Timonen. Kimmo's given a lot but I think the guy is worn down and pretty used up. Not to be harsh but, IMO, he's never quite been for Philly what he was for the Preds. Soooo, I don't think it's unreasonable to say his best days are behind him & I can only wonder what Holmgren is thinking. Could it be a contract calling for a lot less money? Maybe but it would still be a 35+ guaranteed deal(at least in this CBA) & I'm not looking at the money and that as much as I am the player himself as being effective.
Jagr. I was pleased when they signed Jagr this year. I've been a fan for years & have always enjoyed watching him play. He was very good for the team in the 1st half. The 2nd half was a nightmare as the waited for groin injury finally materialized and then it went south from there. Great team player and a huge influence in the lockerroom and right at the top in leading by example. But at what price? Is it worth tieing up another 3.3 mil on a 40+ year old even if he is an all time great? Jagr is a player who could benefit or be buried by the rules of the next CBA. Remember this: Holmgren always wants to resign his stars no matter how they've fallen off. Forsberg turned down Holmgren & the Flyers and not vice versa. Look at the new contract Pronger got before he showed he still had it in the tank. See Timonen above. Now Jagr who supposedly was already offered a new contract during the season.
Briere. He'll be 35 in the fall and that cap hit of 6.5 mil over 3 more years is not very appealing to me. He had a miserable 2011-2012 regular season and then came alive a little in the playoffs but still wasn't any great shakes as he and his team got steam rolled. Is Danny going to be good enough to remain a top 6 forward and be paid like a top 3? He better be.
It probably goes without saying that whatever happens with Jagr, possibly Briere & definitely RFA Voracek could have a big impact on JVR remaining a Flyer. They still like JVR but his inconsistent play and new shiny contract has sort of pushed the organization towards the brink of a move. They'll be less likely to move him if they have too many holes up front but there's no question that acquiring Schenn & Simmonds & the rise of Couturier have made JVR a lot more expendable where he was being called untouchable just a short year ago.
Can't wait to see what happens.
Outs
Posted on May 16, 2012, 9:17 AM from IP address 72.23.65.160