Philadelphia Flyers trades its captain Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, signs Ilya Bryzgalov –NHL Update
Philadelphia Flyers shook the National Hockey League (NHL) when they took some major steps in order to facilitate Phoenix acquired goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov.
Flyers traded its captain, Mike Richards, and centre, Jeff Carter, on Thursday to clear up salary space before the free agency begins.
Philadelphia’s general manager, Paul Holmgren, vacated $100 million worth of players so that he could sign the 31-year-old goalie to a nine year, $51 million deal.
Paul Holmgreen termed his move as not a financial deal, but purely for the trades because they were better for the team.
"This had nothing to do with the financial (part) at all", Holmgren said about his surprising moves on Thursday. "What we did today was make two good hockey trades".
Flyers’ management might seem fine with the two separate moves, but the players which were traded had opposite views on the sudden decisions.
Richards was reached for commenting on the issue and said that he was shocked while Carter’s agent expressed his feeling as being extremely disappointed.
Mike Richards was traded to Los Angeles Kings for two forward players, Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds, along with a second round pick in the upcoming 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
Carter, on the other hand, was swapped for Jake Voracek by Columbus Blue Jackets and first and third round draft picks.
The decision was a heft one, but according to Holmgreen, when it comes to goalies of Bryzgalov’s level, it is necessary to compensate him accordingly.
When you get a goalie you view as an upper-echelon goalie", Holmgren said talking about Ilya Bryzgalov, a 44th overall draft pick in the 2000 entry draft, "you know you have to pay him".
Acquiring Bryzgalov was certainly a deal Philadelphia could resist as it was a win-win situation from Phoenix Coyotes that was inclined on easily trading him.
Flyers might not have to face defensive problems in the net anymore, an issue which has kept it down for quite a while now.
"This is a huge day for our organization", Holmgren said, "and it really changes a lot of things".
Flyers has now also acquired a number of picks in the upcoming draft and it will be very interesting to see how it uses them on the 24th of June as the 2011 NHL Entry Draft kicks off.
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