The lockout is finally over, 300+ days and one cancelled season later, the tightwad owners and their commish won. My team was the first to announce the casualties of the new economic order that the salary cap imposes. However, John LeClair and Tony Amonte were on the chopping block even before the lockout due to their salaries not matching their performances. I would beg to differ on LeClair but since he has been very stoical about his situation for years (he has stated in interviews that he bears no malice to the Philadelphia management because he knows that (NHL) hockey is a business first). Even so, I really wanted him to end his career with the Flyers and on a good note. Like they should at least give him a party or parade for the great years he gave them; three consecutive 50-goal seasons (first US-born player to do this) and being one of the reasons why the Flyers are consistently in the playoffs.
I wish him well with his next team and I especially hope he can retire on a high note.
As for Tony Amonte, I think he’s just on a bad streak since his injuries weren’t as devastating as LeClair’s. I also wish him well and am saddened that he can’t finish out his career with his old Thayer Academy teammate Jeremy Roenick.
If LeClair and Amonte are the only major names the Flyers are buying out to put on waivers. Just look out! This team according to my prediction, will at least have another Eastern Conference Championship appearance. I would prefer the Stanley Cup though.