[dutch74]

As an attempt to cut down on opening multiple trade threads every week, I am going to switch a week long trade rumor thread. So, here's the latest...

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You've all heard that Foppa met with Holmgren and has decided to waive his no-trade clause. Hate to say it but... I think I mentioned it somewhere on this site before, Foppa's on his way out. However, I certainly hope they handshake and we see him back... but I'm still more interested in what we'll get for him. He has apparently made one stipulation, he wants to go to a cup contender.

Here's the current list: Detroit, Colorado, Vancouver, Atlanta, Montreal, Ottawa, Anaheim, Vancouver, Nashville, San Jose and Calgary.

Detroit has officially made a courtesy call to the Flyers to ask about Foppa. I think they are probably one of the front runners at this point.

I would be interested to hear any of your thoughts on potential packages we'd get for him.

Suffice it to say, a deal will be done... we're just waiting on the best one.

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"CAMDEN COURIER POST: Chuck Gormley recently reported the Chicago Blackhawks scouted the recent Philadelphia Flyers-NY Rangers game, and may be interested in re-acquiring former Blackhawk Kyle Calder, who's struggled since going to the Flyers last summer in a trade for Michal Handzus. Edmonton Oilers assistant GM Scott Howson was also in attendance, and the Oilers are believed interested in Flyers d-man Joni Pitkanen. The Atlanta Thrashers and Washington Capitals also had scouts at the game. Other Flyers who might be dealt include forwards Mike York and Dmitry Afanasenkov, who were healthy scratches in that recent game."

Don't see Piki going anywhere, but I can see any of the others getting traded. I would shed a tear to see York go (though Robi was playing well for us so that's a little disappointing... we probably would have gotten more for him than for York).

Afanasenkov probably won't go anywhere unless it's a package deal. I don't know what we'd get from Chi-town for Calder but I can't imagine it'd be that great of a deal.

It'll be interesting

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feedback or comments are welcome

[Hextall_Fan88]

I would love to see Zeus back in Philly, oh God I would

[Blindside]

Afanesenkov and York should be moved no question, they've been big disappointments. If we get a half-decent pick for either of them, i'll be happy.
I've heard Knuble's name mentioned, but here's one guy I wouldn't move at this point for anything. He re-signed his contract affordably and in the middle of a horrible season. No way he goes anywhere.
Move Ruzicka for a pick. Yes we need wingers, but we need wingers who are hard-working and dedicated as well as skilled. If he brings in a leader-type banger with an affordable contract that runs through next year, do it. We'll be a young team next year and we need some tenacious veterans in the Knuble mould to sprinkle throughout the lineup.
I wouldn't move Calder right now. I'd sign him for a reduced rate after a bad season then stick him with Carter on a line ALL next year. They show chemistry every time they play and breaking them up every 5 games makes about as much sense as trading KC for a 7th rounder.
As for Esche/Niitty... I'm torn. Esche is older and more inconsistent, but Frank might be damaged goods after this year. He came up lame in the early going and management still decided to ride him like a rented mule. If there was some way to get Toskala, I'd give it a go.

That's all for now, there's just under a month left until the deadline so we'll see what transpires.

[dutch74]

Good points... and thanks for the reminder...

The NHL Trade Deadline is February 27th, I'll be glued to my computer that day.

[=31=]

I can't wait for a big trade here hopes its a good one.

[Hextall_Fan88]

I'll be tuned onto tsn on t.v all damn day Feb 27th

[dutch74]

The latest reporting is that the Ducks have made official inquiries about Foppa. They could use a talented center to play first or second line duties. The obvious thing is to think that we'd get Giguere or top prospect Bobby Ryan, who was the Duck's No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft.

Detroit is apparently willing to give up Jiri Hudler or Jason Williams in a deal, possibly both.

Rumors are still afloat that Vancouver would like to pair Foppa with Naslund (I don't put too much credence in these rumors)

that's the buzz for today...

[dutch74]

Some wild ones today...

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that teams are asking about Hatcher. Specifically, Dallas may want to add some muscle to their d-line. Well, as much as this would be a dream come true (in particular because I take great pleasure everytime Dallas makes a stupid move), this is almost too good to be true. Hatch has two years left on his contract and I can't see anyone being willing to take him off our hands.

York was scratched again for being fat and out of shape. Way to earn that contract!

various Foppa rumors flying but nothing of any real interest.

[Blindside]

I don't buy that Giggy is being peddled. He's one of the biggest reasons Anaheim is on top of the West right now. As for Ryan, he would be the guy I'd be after for Foppa. Talk is that Ryan is being offered for either Sundin or Foppa, but Mats won't waive his NTC at least until next season (which is an option year for him).

I could see Dallas' supposed interest in Hatcher. To be fair, he isn't the worst Flyer out there and the whole blueline corps has been bad this year. Plus his contract isn't that much of an albatross, relative to some of the contracts that were tendered last off-season and especially the ones that will be offered in this off-season.

It will be interesting to see who goes and who stays, but I would say the fire sale is on for UFA's and older players on this roster. For returns I'd be looking at prospects who are either NHL-ready or a half-season away at the most.
Homer should be building a young, skilled core and then aggressively targeting key positional needs through the UFA market. ie Top 2 d-man (and quality defensive depth overall), a backup goalie and maybe a gritty veteran winger with leadership seeking a short-term deal.

[Hextall_Fan88]

I see your reasoning behind targeting defensive depth, but a backup goalie?? We have Leighton, to be honest, and Esche could be dealt for a 3rd round pick or lower at the deadline to a team needing a backup. I really don't see the point of having 3 goalies fight for the backup position. God only knows if Nitty is even consistent enough to be a full fledged starter. Thats where the SJ rumours pop up, Nabakov and Toskala. To tell you the truth, goaltending hasn't really been our problem this season. I'd say we stick to Nitty for all season next year and have Leighton riding the bench. (Esche of course being dealt)

[Hextall_Fan88]

Just a thought though.. I remember being one of the biggest supporters of bringing in Luongo. Just look at what he's done in Vancouver with a below average team.

If were going to aim for a goalie, we might as well look for a guy like him. I really don't see the point of bringing in a guy like Toskala, who in my mind, isn't better than Nitty, but who is just playing on a better team.

[Tocchet22]

here is more on hatcher

http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/dal070131.html

i would ove to see hi go. Free up more money for the better FAs

[Flatline]

hahaha this made me laugh:

"I haven't heard anything since then, but that was what I heard," he said. "I have a friend there who calls me and he told me that their giving up a lot of goals."

I'm sure Hatcher would really help that...

[Rex]

I'd love to trade Foppa to Anaheim and get Ryan, then have Foppa resign next year with us. Whatta steal.

[dutch74]

Originally Posted by Hextall_Fan88

Just a thought though.. I remember being one of the biggest supporters of bringing in Luongo. Just look at what he's done in Vancouver with a below average team.

If were going to aim for a goalie, we might as well look for a guy like him. I really don't see the point of bringing in a guy like Toskala, who in my mind, isn't better than Nitty, but who is just playing on a better team.

not many goalies like Luongo out there... we'd be real lucky to get someone like him

[Hextall_Fan88]

Originally Posted by dutch74

not many goalies like Luongo out there... we'd be real lucky to get someone like him

agreed, so who stole that deal? Florida or Vancouver?