Philadelphia Flyers say Dallas Stars defenseman Nicklas Grossman deal gives them depth, physicality – NHL News
Philadelphia Flyers’ general manager, Paul Holmgren, has not ruled out the possibility of trade of more players with the Dallas Stars or any other team as the deadline of February 27, 2012 looms large for the American professional hockey league, National
Hockey League (NHL) trade market.
Paul Holmgren has spoken of the possibility of more trades in the future, following the signing of Dallas Stars’ defenseman, Nicklas Grossman, in exchange of two draft picks.
The manager said that Flyers have been watching Grossman for quite some time and apparently his poor form was not an issue for the team, as his addition adds the required depth and physicality that the team lacks at the moment.
Asked about the possibility of trade of more players with Stars, as they have been reported to be the only team with few players on chances to accept deals from any other team around the NHL, the GM said he did not rule it, adding at the same, that it was
less likely.
Some of the players expected to be available for trade included Columbus Blue Jackets and captain Rick Nash, who said to have expressed their willingness to accept deals.
Blue Jackets’ GM, Scott Howson, is reported to have met with the manager in Philadelphia a week earlier, with nothing disclosed about the agenda and outcome of their meeting.
The Philadelphia Flyers meanwhile have welcomed Grossman to their side, expecting him to add required physicality to their side, which they said will overcome the issue of the bad patch in his form.
Paul Holmgren said:
"He's experienced, he's a bigger body, he's a good, solid defensive defenseman who can kill penalties. He can play a regular shift, he's a guy that can chew up minutes and he's a big body."
The GM said that Flyers were aware of their struggle in the area of penalty kill and Stars defenseman’s hiring was aimed at seeking a solution to this problem and their issues in other areas.
He added:
"Nicklas has been around, he's developed over time in Dallas. He's still a good young player and we're excited to have him. I feel he's really going to give us a boost in our own zone and get us out of our end quickly because he makes a good first pass.
He's not a guy that's going to put up a lot of points, but he's a good all-round defenseman."
Grossman will have a choice to become free agent at the end of current NHL season, which could be a possibility in the wake of Holmgren’s remarks that they would not rush to offer him a new deal.
Flyers meanwhile have given Stars their two second round draft picks, who were acquired by the side in respective trades with the Los Angeles Kings and Minnesota in June 2011.
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