WHAT SHOULD THE FLYERS DO??
I’m getting a little worn out by all the Forsberg talk. All this hype over a guy who is not the over the top player he once was nor someone who is going to help lead a team in the future. The Flyers best bet does not lie in the Swede. Although i wouldn’t mind having him, their needs are beyond the scope of what Forsberg can bring. After last nights disappointing loss to the Canadiens where they failed to solve Price, and Nittymaki and mistakes by the Canadiens kept them in the game, they need a big boost if their gonna be contenders or (at this point) even make the playoffs. I don’t know why their not more focused on other availale UFAs, but they should be. My recommendation without a doubt for the Flyers is HOSSA.
The Flyers create a lot of scoring chances off the rush and Hossa would fit in nicely here. Also, I have to believe him and Briere would make for awesome chemistry. A superb passer and skilled shooter is always a productive formula.
A big question mark now for the Flyers is Gagne. The Flyers do not have a potential 50 goal scorer now that Gagne is out…again. I thought maybe this year with Briere he might actually hit it, but after his third concussion and timid play I’d be surprised if he ever comes back as a potential 40 goal man. The Flyers need a big goal scorer. They have the playmakers and grinders. Hossa would fill in excellently and will be an upgrade from Gagne this season and the replacement if Gagne is unable to ever be himself again. Briere needs a goal scorer or his game falls apart.
Hossa is also a great defensive forward. Outside of Richards, the Flyers are hurting here. Their defense is being exploited and the offense has not done the best back checking. Hossa would be perfect in this aspect. The flyers are getting murdered 5 on 5 and the +/-‘s of the top players are scary.
Hossa would bring a complete package to the Flyers front line. They should take some attention of Forsberg and direct it towards Hossa.
My proposal:
To Flyers: Hossa
To Atlanta: Carter, Potulny, 2nd and 3rd rounder
Note: Hossa may be worth a little more than this (such as a first rounder) but Atlanta does not have the power to request the farm knowing that Hossa is leaving one way or another. This way, they get a young talent with scoring touch, a prospect, and two picks in a deep draft for a guy their going to lose this summer. The Flyers may boost the offer if another team brings a heavier offer. Possibly a conditional 1st rounder if Hossa resigns with the Flyers.