Comments on: Why the Flyers Have Little Chance of Resigning Forsberg

By: nonhl2005

nonhl2005 — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:12:35 +0000

This is a tailor made reality TV show right here. Versus should jump on this with the blessing of the NHL and Foppa. Banyan Productions signs Peter to follow him around for a few months to watch him rehab and get into playing shape. Follow him as he gets into game shape and culminates with his signing and following his HOME actions the rest of the season for what could be a very good cup run for what ever team he signs with. You get the NHL out in the public eye without monkeying around with the game itself, Peter gets some camera time, which the ladies will like and the rest of the world gets to see the personal side of a very likeable NHL all-star. Hell if Hogan can do it why not "Peter the Great"? I really think this could be a boost for the NHL.

By: kamullia

kamullia — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:49:19 +0000

I have heard rumors there was animosity between Foppa and the Flyers when he was traded, but I have never heard of anyone substantiating such rumors. What have you heard happened between Snider and Forsberg? I actually heard a rumor he had a heated argument with the GM when he left.

By: kamullia

kamullia — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 12:45:53 +0000

Congratulations on a well thought out article, with very valid points being made. Personally, I am unsure that Foppa will overcome the physical issues, but it is clear that he wants to come back, otherwise he would not be spending all this time with doctors, therapists, and the like. With whom, and whether he will be able to avoid further injury is certainly unclear.

However, I know that Foppa was a bit sour of having been part of Colorado's last Cup but not having played a significant part in the playoffs to help them win it. I also feel a return to Colorado would be good for him in many ways, or at least in more ways than any other destination I can think of. I know he is a competitor and would like to be part of the entire run, both in the regular season and playoffs, but I think the best situation for Forsberg would be to stay put...for now.

I think if he would keep on rehabilitating, and give himself more time, things can only improve...and if they do not, then no point in playing again. Not just that, but in the specific scenario of a delayed return to Colorado, it might be almost like a made-for-television story. Foppa keeps rehabilitating, working hard, watching the team play and place themselves as contenders...and come, let's say February, he signs back with Colorado. With minimal effect to their cap situation, a good chance for a cup, a return to a city that loved him, and surely an emotionally uplifting return overall for everyone involved.

But even if not for Colorado, I feel he should just stay out until a while into the season and that will be as beneficial to him as he would be beneficial to the team he joins. This way more than likely he would enter the playoffs rested and free or injury.

By: Flyers_Fan_In_LA

Flyers_Fan_In_LA — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 11:43:57 +0000

He has kept his place in Philly the last time I checked as he lives in the same building as my cousin.

I heard that the trade at the deadline to Nashville left Mr. Snider a little sour. This could factor into letting Foppa being someone else's problem.

I don't think money is the issue. They can sign him for 2 years and back load it. They will have to dump someone however. Rathje makes the most sense. Umberger could get sent to a team looking to get younger. PLUS there will be injuries.

More over, I don't think its about money for Forsberg. Look at what Kariya played for in COL. Not much because he wanted to win. Look at it this way - Forsberg was pre-paid on this "front loaded" deal in Philly.

Lastly, I don't think they need him. Salane would be better and there the whole year. Forsberg is a great player but he is also a distraction at times with the injuries. They have younger and better players now and need to gel.

By: mozzy

mozzy — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 10:24:59 +0000

I would like them to sign Forsberg but only for a $1-2mil salary and some incentives. He would be a great addition this season; not for making a run at the cup or trying to become a contender, but just for the locker room presence and esteem of this young re-vamped team. However, it would be great if he came back at somewhat of his old self and looked liked a player who had a few more years left in his legs. Then it would be a wise signing now to have the advantage of keeping him in the future....but all this is unlikely.

I just hope he doesn't go to Detroit. It seems like such a sell out phase of all historic players. Its as though every future hall of famer had to make a stop in Detroit at some point during their career....Come back to Philly Foppa!

By: leaffansareajoke

leaffansareajoke — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 21:20:33 +0000

True enough but this is the year for the young guys to earn a spot on the team for next year.

In my mind Umberger is gone. Jones is gone. Just really Richards and Carter, who will get a low salaray, but will eat up the cap none the less.

There is always room for a player like Forsberg. The flyers can work magic with numbers, besides the fact that the cap will go up again next year.

We'll see, i don't think i would want to have him back this year anyway. When he turns 35 it'll be easy for any team to keep him.

By: hatterson

hatterson — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 14:49:57 +0000

Currently the Flyers have 41.6 mil spent on players for next year. That is without Umberger, Carter, Richards, Coburn or Jones. Umberger is likely to draw around 2 million in a deal, if not more. Carter and Richards will likely be mid 1s maybe upwards of 2 and I'd expect over 1 mil for Coburn and maybe 1 or just under for Jones.

Also, this leave out Smith's 2 mil salary.

The Flyers won't even be able to resign all their own talent nevermind make a run at Foresberg in a year. And they're in even worse shape in 2 years.

By: leaffansareajoke

leaffansareajoke — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:54:24 +0000

I can still see it happening. Assuming they drop Gauthier and Umber, and the cap goes up again next year, its very doable. Last year the cap went up something like 6 million dollars. Thats with the 5% from the NHLPA end, some stipulation in the CPA. Even if it goes up 2 or 3 million, that would give the flyers 4-6mil to spend. With all the RFA"s next year, it would be tough, but its still doable.

We'll see though, i don't care whether he's on the team or not. Next year he turns 35, i believe, so he could also be offered a contract full of bonuses (the correct term eludes me at this time), sort of like the one Shanny has with the rangers.

Incentives. Too lazy to scroll up and put it in.

By: PointMeAtTheSky

PointMeAtTheSky — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 11:18:28 +0000

Don't forget that Vancouver is a division rival of Colorado, so that counts them out too.

But anyway, I don't know Forsberg personally, I don't know how much honour or loyalty he has, but in this world, money does talk. So does the chance to win a Stanley Cup, which is definitely something he wants. So don't be surprised to see him in a Red Wings jersey.

I don't see Philadelphia being able to re-sign him, for pretty much the same reasons you listed.

Nashville has a good chance to re-sign him, but I don't see them doing much more this season, they'll probably let their ownership situation stabilize, and maybe go after next years free agents.

Colorado also has a good chance, but they have said they don't want to mess up chemistry.

So my guess is, if he doesn't re-sign with one of his former teams, it'll be Detroit. They have 5 million left under the cap, and went to the Conference finals last year, and it seems like half their team is Swedish.