Forsberg Will Return to NHL
Peter Forsberg has officially informed Modo, his former Swedish Elite club, that he won't be re-signing with them, instead setting his sites on a return to the NHL this season. The former Flyer's agent will now begin negotiating with NHL teams, and Philadelphia is sure to be high on their list. Foppa has previously said he'd lean toward signing with one of the clubs he's already played for, and also that he only wants to come back to a team that has a good chance to make a Stanley Cup run. The Flyers meet both criteria, and they're currently ahead of both Colorado and Nashville in points. Also, GM Paul Holmgren has been very public about his desire to reacquire Forsberg if possible.
Goal scoring hasn't been much of a problem for the Flyers, who would likely be well-served to add a solid defenseman at the trade deadline. However, bringing in Forsberg may free up a player to be traded, or simply provide goal-scoring depth should someone get hurt between now and the playoffs. Unless of course it's him that gets hurt...
The Flyers are in first place in the Atlantic, so many fans would prefer not to re-live the Forsberg boot drama, and understandably so. However, we all know that the division is incredibly tight this year, and the Flyers may need something to help break them away from the pack. Although I have my doubts, it's hard to turn down a player of his caliber, and even harder to find any reason to doubt Paul Holmgren. He hasn't made a single significant mistake since taking over as GM, and I feel very confident in his decision. (h/t: The Krisheim)
Wonder how attached Jason Smith is to his uniform number?
Seriously, on which line do they fit this guy? I posted about this the other day. Who do they move? Carter to wing? Outright trade Carter altogether? You're not going to move either Richards or Briere to wing.
How does this affect the already top ranked power play? Questions, questions, questions.....
Posted by: johndewar | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 03:41 PM
These are some lines I think would work:
a. Foppa, Briere, Gagne (move Knuble to 4th line)
b. Carter, Foppa, Lupul (when he’s off IR)
c. Upshall, Foppa, Hartnell
Posted by: Clarke's Boys | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 04:01 PM
forsberg has played wing in the past... with theee Joe Sakic as his centerman.
don't you guys worry...
shhhh... baby goes to sleep now...
Posted by: digi | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 04:40 PM
Maybe he plays fulltime power play but just sparingly in even-strength situations until the playoffs?
And it does allow you to trade someone like Carter for another good d-man.
Posted by: Tartan69 | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM
Is there any question that he doesn't stay healthy through the playoffs? What miracle healing event has taken place?
Posted by: Pete D | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 05:05 PM
it's not my money, sign away.
cant ever go wrong with adding more talent and i think this "team" has bonded well enough that he wouldnt be any sort of distraction, rather a welcomed addition.
Posted by: theKrisheim | Thursday, January 31, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Trade Carter? To make room for a guy who hasn't shown an ability to stay healthy in recent years? Am I the only person who doesn't want to see Forsberg come back? He's a great player, no doubt about it, but if he's going to spend more time looking for a skate that fits, I'd rather him go back to Colorado.
Posted by: McNulty | Friday, February 01, 2008 at 11:44 AM
If forsberg comes back the flyers will have arguebly the deepest and best offense in the league. I think these will be the lines"
Gagne-Forsberg-Knuble
Upshall-Briere-Lupul(should be back then)
Hartnell-Richards-Downie
Kapanen-Carter-Umberger
Cote could take kapanens spot who knows
Posted by: Andrew | Saturday, February 02, 2008 at 11:07 AM