Flyers sign Fedotenko, Gervais
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Flyers sign Fedotenko, Gervais
The Flyers signed two players on Thursday, bringing back former Flyer Ruslan Fedotenko and adding defenseman Bruno Gervais, who was previously with Tampa Bay.
Fedotenko, 33, collected 20 points in 73 games with the Rangers last season. He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner who made John Tortorella’s team in 2010 as a training camp tryout. Last season was Fedotenko’s least productive of his career, marking a 16 point drop-off from his rookie year in 2000-01 with the Flyers.
Fedotenko will be skating on a one-year, $1.75 million deal according to reports.
“Moving forward here, we’re still a pretty young group. I think the opportunity to add Ruslan, and his ability to play a lot of different roles on a team… he can play any wing, he can probably play center if you need… the fact that he’s won a couple times, the fact that he’s been here before, both played into the decision to move forward with him," general manager Paul Holmgren said in a conference call. "We’ve actually tried to sign Ruslan a couple times over the last few years and we’ve always missed out. I like him, and I think he’s going to bring a lot to our team in terms of leadership, and I think he’s a winner, I really do.”
About Gervais, Holmgren said: “I think he’s going to fit nicely into our group of whether we carry seven or eight defensemen, we’ll see. But he’s a righthand shot, and that gives us two right-hand [defensemen] shots in Luke Schenn and Bruno, something we haven’t had since I can’t remember. Probably goes back to Bob Dailey and Mike Busniuk. Bruno’s a good kid, he works hard, he’s got over 350 games of experience in the league. I know he’s bounced around a little bit, but he’s an unassuming, quiet, good player that’ll provide enthusiasm and experience, and I think he’s a really good fit on our team.”
"I just know they’re good friends. I think Max is actually Bruno’s best man, I think he’s getting married here in a few days. Did that play a role… anytime you have players that know players, they can give you a little bit of an inside scoop on something about them that you don’t know. But we’ve always liked Bruno, even back to his Islander days early on. He’s just a quiet, steady player.”
Gervais, 27, will earn $825,000 a year over the next two seasons.
Gervais is the childhood best friend of Flyers forward Max Talbot. He is viewed as a depth defenseman, who could likely fill in as the Flyers’ sixth blue liner. He played in just 50 games last year with the Lightning. Gervais has never finished an NHL season as a plus or even player in his 7 years in the NHL.
"I just know they’re good friends," Holmgren said. "I think Max is actually Bruno’s best man, I think he’s getting married here in a few days. Did that play a role… anytime you have players that know players, they can give you a little bit of an inside scoop on something about them that you don’t know. But we’ve always liked Bruno, even back to his Islander days early on. He’s just a quiet, steady player.”
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I live in NY, and have watched both players a lot. I'm happier about Feds coming back than I am about Gervais.— Sean_King- My confidence in Paul Holmgren has fallen a couple of notches. Two weeks ago neither Gervais nor Fedotenko would have been on his short list of "must-signs" unlike Suter and Parise. The Luke Schenn trade, attaboy Homer, good deal, but since then his engine has been sputtering. Please write on the board 100 times "I will not trade away our draft picks" like the Kubina deal with Tampa Bay. That one is coming back to kick Homer in the teeth.— schultz08
- I like the addition of Fedotenko. Semin would be a great acquisition. He is a two way player with talent. In the right situation with good leadership, he could flourish. Even if he doesn't pan out, he will always have some trade value. I would rather acquire Semin than trade for Nash. If you get Nash for a 1st round pick and Read, sure but if you start throwing in Schenn or Courturier; it is too steep. I just don't think the bargaining position of Columbus is very strong. Nash is probably worth 2 first round picks and a good young player but that is too costly in my opinion. Sign Semin. With Semin's signing, I believe the Flyers are the best team in the Eastern Conference next year.— feudal_nobility09
- i hope he is not done....these players will help us more than the ones that are leaving. but if we lost carle, don't we need a mobile d man?— deatheater
- I think you guys aren't giving Brayden Schenn a fair shake. he was limited to just over 50 games due to injuries, so even when he DID come back he was still adjusting to the NHL and shaking the rust off from being out of commission. When he DID get healthy he was fast and fierce, throwing his body around like a guy twice his size. This kid is our type of player and you will definitely see that very soon. Not to mention he is still only 20 for God's sake! This kid's gonna be a stud for us!— Neebo
- Let's not lose sight of the fact that Homer drove up the bidding on Parise and Suter...knowing full well neither would sign....effectively pricing them out of our rivals reach (Parise to NJ or Pittsburgh). Absolute BRILLIANT move!— Harry Callahan
- Gervais will be a great roommate for Matt Walker in upstate NY!— jaybakes
- C'mon Harry. You really think that? No one wants to come here with a goalie that bites. Period!. We are doomed with sievgalof to the point that good players see no chance here at all. It's sad.. Very sad.
To my buddy Dave. Gonna miss you buddy!!— Boston Flyer - These arent overwhelming signings, but nice depth/character signings. Get rid of Shelley, who is worthless. Fedotenko can take that role. Still need to figure out who to plug into the type line RW spot in place of Jagr. Im confident Homer has some plans, if not we are looking a little thin on offense. However, I believe B. Schenn is gonna take a leap and Voracek and Simmonds step up. The youth is looking good.— Neebo
- Sadly, a defensive mind frame, size, being heavy on the boards, and solid goaltending gets you the cup. (see LA Kings) Youth is what this league is all about now (see LA Kings) The Kings and the Rangers are both younger than the Flyers......The Flyers need to start building a team for the Playoffs , not the 80 game show....— Mike Boryla
- I can see terry murray replace Lavy,then win a cup,since he lost out in LA.Be quite a comeback story.— bill the pill
- I'am glad we did not blow 200 mil. on 2 players the Wild willbe cap hell before they no it.— angrywhtguy
- Chemistry is more important than a bunch of me-first superstars. This team sounds like it can click and grow together. Now if Lavi can bring a little more D into his game plan we might be on to something good.— Fly Guy
- Homer doesn't make any big moves because of the impending new CBA and the relative lack of quality of the available players. Letting them grow is the right thing to do.— flyerdommo
- Frank likes to play with the numbers. Last year Rusty played 73 games. The year before it was 66. And how was he used, Frank? Checking forward.
On DNL last night, he tried to compare Jagr and Fedotenko and how he won't make up Jagr's numbers. But Frank should know that Fedotenko isn't going to play on the top line. Isn't it more likely that Read or Voracek move up to that line, while Schenn and Couturier move up a line as well? I think all those guy are capable of replacing Jagr's numbers. In fact, Voracek's numbers weren't far off Jagr's while playing on the second and third lines. Matt Read's numbers were comparable, too, while playing 2nd/3rd lines. Think those guy will have better numbers playing up top with Giroux and Hartnell?
Rusty was a good move and I am glad that he's back. Never should have traded him to Tampa. Joni Pitkanen = stiff.— Chasev
