tonytalkssports My Take on Sports, particularly the Yankees, Maple Leafs and Browns

NHL Trades & Rumors, Tiki/Mike Flap

Yesterday on the eve of the NHL Entry Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers got things going by making two blockbuster trades setting the scene for a possible wild night in Minnesota today.  The Flyers sent their captain, Mike Richards to Los Angeles for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a draft pick.  They weren't done as they then traded Jeff Carter to Columbus for Jacob Voracek and the Blue Jackets 1st and 3rd round pick.  Not soon after all of this it was announced that the Flyers signed Ilya Bryzgalov to a multi-year deal.

The Flyers cannot be done because as it stands today, they are not a better team right now and that's nothing against the young players they acquired.  Voracek, Schenn and Simmonds are all promising young players with Voracek and Simmonds showing some of that promise in the NHL and Schenn being acknowledged as possibly the best young player not in the NHL.  However, they are currently not Jeff Carter and Mike Richards.  The other thing to consider is that both Carter and Richards are only 26 years old.

Obviously, Paul Holmgren has decided that the team needed to go in a different direction.  The Flyers in the past 2 years had signed Carter and Richards to long-term multi-year contracts.  That's why I can't believe that the Flyers are done making trades because they are in no way a top 3 team in the East as they currently sit today.  L.A. and Columbus have made major improvements.  The Kings have appeared to be on the cusp of being a dangerous team in the West and showed flashes of that this year in its playoff series against the Sharks.  Richards will provide veteran leadership and offensive skill which can only help this young hockey club.  The Blue Jackets now have a center to pair up with Rick Nash that gives them a comparable 1-2 punch with any of the other Western Conference top teams.

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The Flyer moves have probably set the market for what could be more trades before the July 1st free agency date.  The Maple Leafs were in on the Mike Richards talks, having reportedly offered Nazem Kadri, Nikolai Kulemin and a first round pick for Richards.  The Flyers opted to take the Kings deal and it is reported that they did not want to deal Richards to an Eastern Conference team.  Brian Burke has indicated that he would be willing to move both of the teams 1st round picks and their high second round pick to get a player who can help them now.  It's rumored that they are in on talks with Tampa regarding Steven Stamkos and that they had a deal in place to acquire Brad Richards, however Richards turned down the Stars' request for him to waive his no trade clause.  Its also rumored that the Leafs are looking to make a move with the Devils to get Zach Parise.

The NY Rangers seem to be the favorites to get Brad Richards.  Reports out of New York indicate that the Rangers are prepared to do whatever it takes to get the 31 year old former Conn Smythe winner.  The Calgary Flames have asked Robyn Regher to waive his no trade clause so that they can move him to Buffalo.  No report as to what the Sabres would be giving up in order to get Regher.  Its also reported that the San Jose Sharks are also interested in Regher.

Jason Spezza's name is being mentioned in possible trades with the Canucks and Sharks.  Paul Stastny's name is floating around as possibly being on the move, along with Kevin Bieska and Christian Erhoff.  For the next week if you are a hockey fan, hang onto your seat because it has the makings to be a wild one.

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If you have a chance go onto YouTube and type in Mike Francesa/Tiki Barber.  You'll get the clip of Mike's interview with Tiki Barber on Wednesday.  It's a classic.  Francesa basically called Barber out as being a failure in the broadcast world, particularly with his stint on NBC.  Barber took exception to Mike's criticism and Tiki's agent also gets in on the act.  But, despite having to deal with the two, Francesa had them both on their heels.  Take the time to go to YouTube.  It was great!!!!