Flyers showing interest in once-troubled goalie
The Philadelphia Inquirer Blog - Flyers Report: Broad Street Bull
Flyers showing interest in once-troubled goalie
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
The Flyers have shown interest in signing a goalie who helped the Ottawa Senators reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007, but has a history of off-ice problems.
Ray Emery, who put together a 12-3 record in the first three playoff rounds two years ago to steer the Senators into the Finals against Anaheim - and excelled in Russia this season - is on the Flyers' radar screen, general manager Paul Holmgren confirmed on Monday.
In 2006-07, Emery had a 33-16-6 record, a 2.47 goals-against average and a .918 save percentage, and he was 13-7 in the playoffs. The next year, he slumped to 12-13-4, 3.13 and .890.
Known for his flashy clothes, exotic cars and extravagant lifestyle, Emery conceded he was a heavy partier in a 2008 interview with USA Today. During his time with Ottawa, he was involved in some well-publicized confrontations with teammates, and there were rumors about Emery and drug use.
Emery, 26, nicknamed “Sugar Ray” and “Razor,” could not be reached for comment early today, but in the USA Today interview last summer, when asked to describe his use of recreational drugs, he said: "I really don't want to go into details. I'm not a saint and I'm not in jail, either. I think I've learned a lot of lessons. I didn't feel comfortable. I got myself into some bad ways. It took some time to clear my head."
The Senators waived him and then bought out his contract after the 2007-08 season, and he subsequently signed a $2 million deal to play last season in Russia.
"I don't think anyone would disagree that Emery is a sound, competitive goalie that just two years ago won 13 playoff games in leading his team to the Stanley Cup Finals," said Holmgren, who admits to having a soft spot for players with a troubled past. "Before we look at signing any player, we do our homework on that player, especially with his off-ice lifestyle and work habits."
In Russia’s Continental League, Emery posted a 22-8 record, 1.86 goals-against average and .926 save percentage this season.
The Flyers’ two goalies, Marty Biron and Antero Niittymaki, are unrestricted free agents. Holmgren continues to have talks with Biron's agent.
Emery's career NHL numbers (2.71 GAA, .907 save percentage) are slightly below Biron's (2.59, .911).
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Upgrading the defense should be the Flyers' off-season priority if they want to become a legitimate Stanley Cup contender.
The team's wish list should include signing free agent Mike Komisarek and dealing for Jay Bouwmeester _ and signing him before he becomes a free agent on July 1.
The economy is down and Komisarek is coming off a disappointing, injury-plagued season, so perhaps the Flyers can sign him to a backloaded deal that will only absorb, say, a $2.5-$3 million cap hit next season. We shall see.
I've outlined the moves I would make in Sunday's Inquirer. Click here to read the story.
The Billy Tibbets of goaltending! Pass...— Repubrebirth- Uncle Eddie, The goalies I'd pursue are possibly Giguere (if he comes cheap) Just so you know, Giguere's average salary (cap hit) is $6 million, but it would give us a goalie who's won a Stanley Cup.— CarterRocks
- Forget Emery. I vote for getting Giguere— whsbuss
- Biron > Emery. People need to understand that aside from like 5 goalies, all the others are basically at the same level.— bobbyd24
- No, please. We've tried these "troubled" players before and it never works out.— rstone
- Please, God, NO!!!
- Wonder how Biron (if they keep him around) would feel about that. Especially since Emery got thrown out of a game back in Feb '07 for fighting with Biron & Peters in Buffalo.— CJ_818
- Biron is the safest bet in terms of goaltending considering you'd be paying around the same for any of the other mentioned names (without knowing what product you'll get back). he's worth about $4million a year as a starter, and while Nitty is a capable back up, there's no indication that he's anything BUT a back up. it would be interesting to see if the Flyers could pull off a trade for either Price or Halak (one will eventually have to go) and it is feasible considering the Flyers have an excess of scoring forwards which Montreal sorely lacks.— yantastic
- Can Emery hook us up?— rockinrob
- I think Emery would be a lot of fun to have on the team…. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZzyOBhk5Uw&feature=related Check out the grin on his face throughout the whole fight… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulyEnFh9Wvo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSMuzYxukrc&feature=fvst In all seriousness if they can get him cheaply why not try it? Maybe being exiled to Russia has calmed him down.— jspangler21
- Ray Emery destroyed the Ottawa locker room. He is T.O. on skates.— OMIGODEAGLES
- Hmmm.... "sugar ray"... "razor".... wonder what "recreational drug" he liked. Looks like the Flyers need to draft a goalie in the first round this year.— echosmyron
- BIG mistake. Biron is as good and 100% better man on/off the ice than Emery. He's the TO of hockey.— stanley
- How about dump Stevens first? Bring in a new coach then get some D & and goalie.— jt126
Nooooooooooooooooooo way you should sign this guy
