Mourning Carts: Mike Richards and Jeff Carter Traded, Bryzgalov Deal Reached

It's been fun, "The Future"

UPDATE: The Flyers have reportedly reached an agreement with Ilya Bryzgalov: 9 years, $51 million. Oh my.

UPDATE 2: Paul Holmgren is holding a press conference at 6 P.M.

Here are the details: The Flyers have traded Mike Richards to Los Angeles in exchange for Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds, and a second round pick.

They also traded Jeff Carter to Columbus in exchange for Jakub Voracek, plus first and third round draft picks.

Voracek, 21, scored 14 goals and 32 assists in 80 games last season. He is currently a restricted free agent.

Schenn, 19, has played in nine career NHL games (both last season) and has two assists.

Simmonds, 22, scored 14 goals and 16 assists in 80 games last season.

Schenn and Voracek are highly regarded young players. But the Flyers have just traded away their captain and leading goal scorer for potential (a lot of potential, it seems) and a goalie.

A team that was within two games of the Stanley Cup in 2010 and one of the best in hockey this past year, is now without its core. This is like bizarro Flyers.

Bryz might be spectacular. However, his track record is less than that of either Richards or Carter. Ed Snider's demand for a goalie has, apparently, meant blowing up the franchise. Maybe it will work… maybe it won't. Either way, the Flyers just changed the future of the team. 

More soon.