Hey Paul, what's up?

With the aggressiveness of the Flyers in past seasons, you have to wonder where the big player signing is. Even the mid level free agents seemed to be passed on. I have to think Paul Holmgren has something working, or is tied down by management. Of course, it is increasingly difficult to sign free agents, and I have no idea what difficulties he is facing. I thought the Flyers would pursue several different chemistry guys. Matt Cooke, Ron Hainsey, Brian Rolston and Niklas Hagman all seemed to be in our price range and available. Again, as a fan, it's not my money, and I have no idea what any guys bring to the locker room and bench. Then there's the factor of where these players want to play. I do expect the Flyers to continue to add to their scoring. Even with Gagne returning, the Flyers could use another stinging scorer. Any further moves most likely will come from trades, if they come. If you want to join in on the whining bandwagon, remember it could be worse. The Capitals got slaughtered. The traded for Huet and Matt Cooke, then lost them to FA. Kolzig flew the coupe after not feeling the love. If they hadn't signed Mike Green, it would have been disastrous. The Avalanche could be looking at a disaster themselves. If Sakic retires, and Forsberg goes to wherever, compound that with the loss of Theodore, Jeff Finger and Kurt Sauer and they could have some serious rebuilding to do in the coming year. New Flyers Glen Metropolit, Sean Curry, Nate Raduns, Ossi Vanaanen, Steve Eminger and Aaron Asham don't seem to off set the loss of talent that Vinny Prospal, RJ Umberger, and Jason Smith brought to the table. The acquired players add up like this: 17 NHL goals last year, only Eminger, Asham and Metropolit played in the NHL last year, and Vanaanen had 15 points in 45 games in Sweden last year. It looks on the surface like they are stocking up the Phantoms. My wish list for the Flyers to take them to a higher level includes another 30 goal sniper and a puck carrying defensemen along the lines of Timonen. The Penguins and Rangers are much improved. The level competition in this division will be fierce. Paul, congratulations on your contract extension. Now let's beef up the talent pool. I know it's a tough job, but we are the Flyers fans, and we expect it. Let's Go Flyers!

New poll July 7th

Results of last poll:

Which Free Agents will the Flyers sign on July 1st?

Mats Sundin 11% (22 votes)

Brian Campbell 30% (60 votes)

Mark Streit 12% (24 votes)

Wade Redden 6% (12 votes)

Sean Avery 8% (16 votes)

Marian Hossa 18% (36 votes)

Ryan Malone 7% (15 votes)

Matt Cooke 8% (17 votes)

The Flyers have the signing of Jeff Carter behind them and now look to the July 1st Free Agent open season.

Goaltending seems to be a spot where the Flyers won't be adding players as Martin Biron and Antero Niittymaki will most likely hold down the fort in 2008/09.