It was a shame to trade him away since he was the last member of the 2003-4 lineup which almost made it to the Cup. Believe, if that team got past Tampa Bay, they would’ve made mincemeat out of Calgary.
However, professional hockey is a business so no hard feelings were felt at most levels. Simon had been a Flyer ever since he was drafted in 1998 and for the last couple seasons he was frequently injured. His current $5+ million salary put Philly up against the cap, not as badly as Chicago but enough tot keep them out of the Marty Turco Derby.
I think the change in scenery will help him down in Florida.
I will also remember all the good times he provided my team. His contributions to the 2010 Playoffs, the points he racked up while everything else disintegrated around the 2006-7 squad, moving from Primeau’s checking line to a scoring line and he is probably the least “famous” McFarlane figure I have wearing a Flyers’ jersey.
What we got in return? Yet another defenseman and a draft pick. The latter seemed good.
As for New Jersey…17 years with Kovalchuk? I don’t think even Satan makes a contract this long because literature tends to state he takes people out when they’re on top. Kovalchuk isn’t quite the forward he used to be with Atlanta but I think how franchises are getting around the cap with their creative account could defeat Daniel Webster.