Holmgren: 'We have to move forward'
In a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he doesn't plan to pursue another RFA from an opponent this summer, added he was close to resigning Jakub Voracek, and claimed his pursuit of RFA Shea Weber was only because of his stature _ and not because he is unhappy with his defense.
Holmgren: 'We have to move forward'
Sam Carchidi, Inquirer Staff Writer
In a conference call with reporters on Wednesday, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren said he doesn't plan to pursue another RFA from an opponent this summer, added he was close to resigning Jakub Voracek, and claimed his pursuit of RFA Shea Weber was only because of his stature _ and not because he is unhappy with his defense.
"We have to move forward," he said.
Holmgren hinted that the Bobby Ryan trade talks are not dead.
"You are asking me to comment on a player on another team. I don't think I can do that,” he said. “We look always to make our team better. We like our team. We are trying to add to our team without subtracting if at all possible, and make it better yet. We will see what the rest of the summer brings."
Holmgren may go back to Anaheim and try to acquire Ryan _ and perhaps attempt to deal some of the draft picks he would have lost to Nashville if the Predators didn’t match the 14-year, $110 million offer sheet for Weber.
Anaheim reportedly asked for Sean Couturier and Brayden Schenn in earlier trade talks with the Flyers, who do not want to deal the promising forwards
Holmgren said veteran winger Shane Doan wants to remain in Phoenix, but that if he has a change of heart, the Flyers have interest.
The GM said he envisions Voracek on a line with Claude Giroux.
If the season started today, these could be the lines:
Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek.
B. Schenn-Briere-Simmonds.
Fedotenko-Couturier-Read
Rinaldo-Talbot-Wellwood.
And, yes, the 6-foot-2, 209-pound Ryan would bolster that speedy-but-smallish lineup. Ryan, 25, a Cherry Hill native who has scored more than 30 goals in each of the last four seasons, has said he wants to play for the Flyers.
Follow Sam Carchidi on Twitter @BroadStBull.
Connor, Only Columbus makes trades that dumb...— philly thug- rangers didnt lose rupp they lost prust, dubinsky anisemov,and "tank "to us still trying to figure that one out. but anyway they not gonna be as good as they were last year. we will be ready for them and whoever else no question
- @connorjr
uhhh...hartnell (no trade clause) rinaldo (no trade value) and lilja (negative trade value) for bobby ryan would have Anaheim's GM dying from laughter.
If we want Ryan we have to pony up some core players.....which is why Homer has not done that deal.— oystercracker - Kudos to Holmgren for doing everything wihtin his power to improve the team. Even though they weren't able to make a huge splash this off season (at least yet), I still really like this team and expect them to be better than they were last year. GO FLYERS!— CTL
- At least Homer has tried every way possible to improve the team EACH year. Meanwhile the GM in Toronto sits on his hands and doesn't even try. And they last made the playoffs pre-lockout (2004). Hope the Flyers can acquire Bobby Ryan to play on top line.....— BobbyD
- Sign Voracek, stay pat and wait how the season unfolds. The Flyers should play a more defense-oriented style next year. Then, fill up the holes with real goodies from the large FA pool this coming summer. Don't go for worn-out old vets like Doan (unless he is willing to accept a contract of no more than 2 years in length at his age). Bobby Ryan? Is he any better than Hartsie? Let these guys grow together, no need for the Flyers to be overhauling the whole team every year, it's expensive, risky, and detrimental to building an identity.— flyerdommo
- The proposed Ryan trade was wishful thinking on my part I know as listed players I am tired of seeing! Hartnell has value based on last season but ready to move in another direction there (did not consider he had a no trade though…which sucks!), and Rinaldo is an idiot on the ice taking way too many stupid penelties. We have enough D now that someone like Lilya is easily expendable. Point is I wouldn't give up any of our young guns but Ryan wants out and maybe we add a 1st and 2nd rounder if and give Hartnell a bonus for waiving his no trade.— connorjr
- I too would sign Ryan for the right deal, as he would really make the Giroux line fantastic.— matthew76
- It is rumored that Ducks wanted/want Couturier AND B.Schenn for Ryan.— Nitroglycerin
- I'd like to see them resign Voracek and Bourdon and then make a push for Doan. I really think they should wait till the deadline to deal for a D-man, if necessary, and wait until next offseason to add a winger or two. Would really love to see them add Corey Perry or Jerome Iginla if they can get him on the cheap.— flyordie
- Iginla is great but too old.— flyerdommo
- connorjr - are you outside of your mind?— NYFlyersFan
- Rangers leaders in 'blocked shots'...the trade-off, injuries mount over time.— Romus
- Give the Ducks, "Danny-Boy"— olneyboy
- Why do people keep throwing Hartnell's name in for trades? He hasn't waived him NTC in the past and I'm assuming he doesn't do it with a year left on his contract. If anything I see him signing for a hometown discount when his current contract is up. On another note, i'm glad that Homer is still in discussions for Ryan. He needs to get a deal done ASAP the way this offseason has backfired. I'm pretty sure if you offer some of those first round draft picks with NHL calibre prospects the Ducks may bite. See if 2 first Rounders, Wellwood and Gus will get it done. As long as the nucleus is not affected, all other players should be available.
— the sichee-ation
