Sunday, May 8, 2011

Philadelphia Flyers: A Summer of Decisions

There is no doubt the Philadelphia Flyers have the talent to be competitive in the postseason. General manager Paul Holmgren and company have done a tremendous job attracting free agents and drafting future stars such as James Van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux.

The next step for the Flyers is goaltending. But this may be a slippery slope for the Flyers. Do they go out and try to sign a high dollar free-agent goaltender such as Ilya Bryzgalov to a multi-year deal? Knowing the young Sergei Bobrovski waiting in the wings? Bryzgalov is rumored to want a long-term deal four years plus, which was a sticking point during negotiations between his agent and the Coyotes during the season this year.

Or can they sign a veteran goaltender to work with Bobrovski and allow him the time to become the goaltender they believe Bobrovski can become?

Here is my idea for the Flyers. Go out and sign Johan Hedberg to a two-year deal. Now before you question my mental state, hear me out on my argument for Hedberg.

Hedberg is well known by all his peers as the hardest working player on any team he's ever played on. As well he has shown he is rather capable in net. With the Flyers decent defense, Hedberg could put up some rather impressive numbers.

Let's also not forget the salary cap issues the Flyers have. Hedberg was signed this season by the New Jersey Devils for a $1 million deal. So he is rather affordable for what he could bring to this team. As well as not putting more of a stranglehold on the team's salary issues. If one were to ask me if I would rather have Brian Boucher or Johan Hedberg, I would say Hedberg hands down.

Either way Mr Holmgren may yet again have to get creative come July 1st to find the next goaltender.

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