2011-2012 Preview: The Philadelphia Flyers

Review of 2010-2011: 47-23-12, 106 Points, 2nd In Eastern Conference, Lost In Eastern Conference Semifinals  4-0 vs. Boston

Additions Via Free Agency: Jaromir Jagr, Andreas Lilja, Maxime Talbot, Jason Bacashihua

Additions Via Trade: Ilya Bryzgalov, Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds, Brayden Schenn

Subtractions:Nick Boynton, Sean O’Donnell, Brian Boucher, Ville Leino, Dan Carcillo, Danny Syvret, Matt Clackson, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, John-Michael Liles, Darroll Powe, Kris Versteeg

Jaromir Jagr (Photo: Getty Images)

Offense: A season of change in Philly is well underway. Cornerstones Mike Richards and Jeff Carter were both dealt, and coming in on the offensive side from those trades are Wayne Simmonds,Brayden Schenn, and Jakub Voracek. Schenn, a highly touted prospect, is hoping to show his abilities in his first full pro season in the NHL. (He only played 9 games over 2 seasons in LA) Wayne Simmonds brings his multi purpose offensive ability to the Flyers, he can shoot, and he can pass.  He’ll look to get another 30-40 point season this year. Jakub Voracek, a high flying right winger formerly of The Columbus Blue Jackets, has the ability to put up 50-60 points this year if he gets put with the right linemates.  Through free agency The Flyers picked up Jaromir Jagr, a former NHLer who still has some gas in the tank, and the drive to try to win one more Cup. While the years have gotten to Jagr’s speed, he still has the hands that made him famous, he can still pass with precision, and make deking look like child’s play.  He’ll look to add some punch to The Flyers 19th ranked powerplay, which should see improvement this year. The Flyers also added Maxime Talbot who will strengthen the 3rd or 4th line, not to mention, a mouth to replace Dan Carcillo’s.

The Aftermath

In a span of an hour, the Flyers broke up the foundation of the franchise. Mike Richards and Jeff Carter have been together in the Flyers organization since 2003, when they were both drafted by the team. They’ll be playing the 2011-12 NHL season in different colors though, after Richards was dealt to Los Angeles and Carter to Columbus. The deals came as a shock to fans, as two of the most known Flyers were sent packing.

The Return
So, what did the Flyers get in these deals?

Jakub Voracek had 14 goals, 46 points for Columbus last year. The 6’1, 205 lb Czech was Columbus’ first rounder (#7 overall) in 2007 and has played three years for the Blue Jackets, amassing 39 goals and 136 points in 241 games.

With Los Angeles, Wayne Simmonds scored 14 goals and 30 points while amassing 75 penalty minutes. The power forward has played the last three years with the Kings after being drafted by the team in 2007. “Simmer”, as he is known, has scored 39 goals and 93 points in 240 games.

Last year, Schenn spent some time with the Kings (0-2-2 in 8 GP), Manchester of the AHL (3-4-7 in 7 GP). He spent the majority of his time in the WHL with Brandon (1-3-4 in 2 GP) and Saskatoon (21-32-53 in 27 GP). In the 2011 World Junior Championships, he tied a Canadian record for points in a single tournament (8-10-18 in 7 games).  Schenn is one of the top prospects in all of hockey.

They also received the #8 & #68 picks in this year’s draft, as well as the Kings’ 2nd rounder next year. What the Flyers plan to do with the picks remains to be seen.

Why I Love the Flyers

This is a series where the Crimespree writers will write why they love their favorite team.

Growing up, Flyers hockey was always a part of my life.  I grew up watching the Flyers on PRISM & Philly 57 with my dad and playing hand hockey during intermission.  He took me to games at the Spectrum every so often, and seeing the game live definitely kept me hooked.  As I grew up, my buddy and I would play roller hockey in my basement after school and pretend we were Eric Lindros, Rod Brind’Amour, John LeClair, and so on.

If you’ve ever been to Philly for a game, you know that it gets wild.  There’s a reason why The Hockey News ranked us the #1 craziest fans in the league.  Most nights you can feel the electricity from pre-game all the way through the final buzzer.  We’re passionate, knowledgeable; sometimes a little out of control, but that’s part of what makes us Philly fans.  We’re a rare breed.  We’re going to yell in your face during the game, and then afterwards we’ll split some beers.  One story going back to the Spectrum was that the fans were so loud during warmups, that the visiting team could hear them in the locker room.