The news isn’t official about JR retiring as far as I’m concerned because it hasn’t been announced on his site and NHL.com would mention it. Flyers reporter Tim Panaccio hasn’t been able to completely verify and the rest of the Hockey media prefers to kick him. Since no team has bothered to bring him aboard, I would say it’s pretty likely he is hanging it up and I’m very sad. He only had five goals to go to join the 500 club and be the third American member.
Meanwhile, I decided to give this topic a rest after Saturday and not voice my concerns over the signing of Daniel Briere from Buffalo. I think he’s a great player and definitely had a huge comeback with the Sabres after being waived by the Coyotes. He’s what the Flyers need now, however, I question the wisdom of GM Holmgren signing him to an eight-year deal. Sure he rejected Buffalo’s $25 million for five years but $52 million over eight has the stench of another John LeClair debacle. Five or less would’ve been wiser, three if it could be done. As always, only time will tell. The new Flyers are coming together nicely, the goal is a playoff appearance, a Cup next year.
Pitkanen’s issues are now Edmonton’s problem! Plus they sent Sanderson packing with him. I think the Flyers got the better deal in veteran D-man Jason Smith, forward Lupul is nice too. Now my team has three experienced, potential replacment captains or alternates. I’m still cheering for Sami Kapanen to take the spot from Forsberg; a mistake at so many levels.
With the rest of the NHL, I was really shocked to see the Rangers land Chris Drury AND Scott Gomez. There probably won’t be any money left over for Shanahan. I envy the Red Wings getting Rafalski to replace Schneider going to the Ducks and rid of problematic Bertuzzi. The LA Kings scored two Slovakians I wish Philly had, Nagy and Handzus. Their acquisition is cancelled out by taking Kyle Calder too (he was worthless with the Flyers). Phoenix is definitely a big fat question mark right now. Nolan left for the Flames, JR and CuJo aren’t likely to return, Jovanovski remains injured…the list goes on. It might be best for Gretzky to bail on coaching what remains of the killer team he assembled last season.