Philadelphia Flyers release Bill Guerin
The Philadelphia Flyers have announced that they have released veteran winger Bill Guerin from his pro try-out with the club. Guerin was invited to camp in order to try and win a job after he did not receive any contract offers during the summer. The 39-year-old
remains an unrestricted free agent and can be signed by any team.
Guerin was drafted fifth overall by the New Jersey Devils in the 1989 National Hockey League entry draft. The winger would spend six years with the Devils before he was traded to the Edmonton Oilers during the 1997-98 campaign. Guerin lasted two seasons
in Edmonton and was traded to the Boston Bruins 21 games into the 2000-01 season. After one full season with the Bruins he joined the Dallas Stars, where he remained for three years. The veteran split the 2006-07 season between the St. Louis Blues and San
Jose Sharks. He then settled with the Islanders for a season, before being traded to the Penguins at the 2008-09 trade deadline.
Guerin made a name for himself as a power forward, willing to go into the tough areas. He has notched over 20 goals 10 times in his career, while tallying over 100 penalty minutes eight times.
The American born winger may have lost a step since scoring 44 goals with the Bruins in 2001-02. Nevertheless, as a veteran he can still bring a great deal to any line-up looking for a boost. Guerin was always a long-shot to join a deep Flyers forward core
and after being forced out of two pre-season games with an infected elbow it was clear he would not be able to crack line-up. However, look for young teams in search of leadership to quickly place Guerin on their radar. The idea of the winger heading to the
Atlanta Thrashers or even the Colorado Avalanche is not out of the realm of possibility.
Last season with the Penguins, Guerin notched 21 goals and 24 assists for 45 points.
Tags: