As one Flyer fan of my acquaintance bluntly put it upon hearing the news, “That’s it?”
I think that sums it up pretty well.
In almost a footnote with the Kovalchuk sweepstakes finally ending, Simon Gagne trades in his orange and black threads that he’s donned for over twelve years for the less flashy jersey of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In return, the Flyers get to save a bit over five million in salary, Tampa Bay’s fourth round pick in next year’s draft (which really is practically a third with their expected finish next year), and the services of thirty year old defensemen Matt Walker soon after Gagne waived his no-trade clause. And with the moving of Philadelphia’s longest tenured player, many fans are wondering if newly minted Lightning GM Steve Yzerman is channeling a bit of Sam Pollock with this deal, or if Paul Holgrem is being that squeezed by the cap that he has to clear up some space anyway they can.
Looks better then Tampa Bay black and electric blue, doesn't it?
Now any defense of this deal (also known as the “Why Paul Holgrem hasn’t taken leave of his senses” rebuttal) pretty much begins and ends with the Flyers financial situation. Being wedged hard against the salary cap, and having a bounty of expensive forward talent such as Daniel Briere, Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, it only makes sense to move one of the most expensive, and over the last few years injury prone players to get some room on the books. And there hasn’t been a shortage of interest in his services either, even with that price tag. Reports of this year most active team the Los Angelas Kings had a deal in the works as soon as the Kovalchuk charade came to a close, and the Toronto hockey scene was saying it was only a matter of time before Gagne was draped in familiar blue and white (but then again, there’s similar reports of almost every player out there). With that in mind, was the best return that Holgrem could get for his services a veteran journeymen that will make fans miss Aaron Asham badly (even if they dont’ play the same position), and a pick that barring quite a bit of luck will be a third liner at best? At the very least a second round would have at least had decent odds to get another Gagne to replace him, and I’m sure either of the other teams mentioned would part with one of those to have a sixty point forward at their disposal. Especially one like Los Angelas, who just missed out on a franchise player being singed, and the team has the talent get into the second round (provided that get a better performance next year from John Quick, or someone who can).
Surprised? Or relieved? You make the call.
And speaking of this deal, has Stevie Y been a General Manager for a few months, or a few years? This is a kind of deal that when you see it, you instantly assume the names involved would be Mike Milbury, Brain Murray, or in another era and the opposite side of the deal, Sam Pollock. But Yzerman, knowing of Gagne’s play during Canada’s 2002 Gold Medal run, is proving himself to be an emerging shark in a sea of seals. With Gagne’s acquisition, the Lightning now have four players that can deliver seasons of over seventy points (Stamkos, Lecavalier, and St. Louis) which gives them two lines of production, improving their scoring threat, and even has some voicing a comparison to the Sabres French Connection has been assembled. At least for one year, although Gagne seem to be happy to be able to play hockey and hit the beach in the same day.
And what does Gagne have to say about heading from hockey-mad Philadelphia to the sunny, and decidedly less of a pressure cooker environment that is Tampa Bay?
“I’m very excited right now,” Gagne said. “I’m looking at this opportunity as a new challenge and a new start. Tampa Bay was a team I was more than willing to waive my no move clause for. I really like the direction the team is headed in with a solid owner, Steve Yzerman as GM and Coach Boucher. I’m really looking forward to playing with guys like Lecavalier, Stamkos and St. Louis. I’m excited to be a member of the Lightning and I’m looking forward to starting next season in Tampa Bay.”
Think he’s happy to not be in trade rumours anymore? Because if I was in his shoes, I know I would be.
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The owner of the Sports Blog Network, Chris tells it exactly as he sees it, be it in the stands, in front of the tv, or on his semi-trusty laptop. And always with a can of trusty Dr. Pepper by his side, and spell-check working overtime. 
Where’s Bobby Clarke when you need him?
Wow Yzerman took Holgrem behind the woodshed with that one. What a lopsided deal. Is the cap situation really that bad in Phily?
Ya I mean I can understand where Philly is coming from with the cap and all, but there’s dumping salary, and then there’s giving away the farm.