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.
Ray Emery...interesting, but I'd pass. Unless he was completely/drug and alcohol free, and remained dedicated 100 percent on getting back to the NHL, then no way. I didn't study the article, but it seems the last interview with Ray is from 2008, and that didn't sound like he was totally clean. Keep digging...— kjuggs77- He hasn't quit, aside from the 5 notable fights he had in Ottawa, including with Jason Spezza during the practice in the playoffs, he had a falling out in Moscow too. From Wiki: (Fallout with Atlant) During a game in which he was pulled following the first period, team doctor Roman Sokolov attempted to put a hat on Emery's head. Resisting the action, the two engaged in a verbal dispute which resulted in Emery attacking Sokolov once, and upon being restrained by teammates, chasing him down to assault him a second time.— kjuggs77
Comment removed.- Oh yeah, here's some more...caught racing by the police, doing 150km/ in a 100km zone 2 months ago; and was sued last fall for a road rage incident against some old Canadian guy. He claimed to have been stopped more than 30 times in his Hummer. We don't need another Pelle Lindbergh- the only difference is this guy doesn't have any class, like Pelle did. Pass on Emery.— kjuggs77
Wasn't it fun seeing Rod Brindamour playing for Carolina last night? That was a great trade wasn't it?— bvl390- Ahhhhh the quest for greatness between the pipes is a long and winding road. But it is what's missing!— jcpaul
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- Not sure Emery is the answer. But Biron had his chances. I'm sorry, but he was at fualt against the pens. The puck he didn't reach out and grab when Crosby slid into first, the one he couldn't reach out and cover up as it sat in front of him, the way he freaked and couldn't calmly close his hand on that floated up by his chest? Go back to the first game against the Rangers when they walked around him and wrapped around like he was standing still. His brain just seems to shut off. It's been going on all season. I feel terrible saying, but he has to go. I have no confidence in him.— dahlster
- ray emery stinks. he is a locker room cancer and he has a lucky playoff run once.— kenzo9126
- C0kehead goalies are the best kind. This will put us over the top.— PuPuMan
- C0kehead goalies are the best kind. This will put us over the top.— PuPuMan
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- The only advantage I could see Emery offering, would be the possibility of him accepting a ridiculously cheap one year deal for the opportunity to re-establish himself as an NHL starter and then cash in as a UFA after the season, ...but then, that was the whole point of him going to Russia in the first place, ...to prove he could be a first rate goaltender, and solid team member; because nobody in the NHL would touch him after the problems he had in Ottawa, ...unfortunately he apparently still wasn't able to keep his nose clean(pun intended) over there either.— andyd
The Senators only made it to the finals because they were the favored team that year, the team Gary Bettman was rooting for. The league has been helping the teams that pushed for the the lockout as much as they can, which is why Buffalo, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, and others came out of the lockout strong, but are fading away as the bias in their favor wears off, except for Pittsburgh where the bias is still a stiff wind behind their sails.— Pelti- knuble is done, he's to slow for todays NHL. We need the cap money for defense. On pitts game winning goal parent back up so far he was almost in the net.— slapshot45
