Your NHL Trade Deadline Running Commentary
Keep it locked here all day for any updates and rumor chasing.
3:01 p.m.: Deadline. Nada. Some deals could get announced after 3, so stay tuned for any updates as they relate to the Flyers. But I'm thinking there are none.
2:46 p.m.: In the not news but still disappointing nonetheless category: Sam Carchidi reports that the Flyers are officially out on Rick Nash.
2:27 p.m. Blue Jackets reporter Adam Portzline:
Situation behind the scenes between #CBJ and Rick Nash has turned frantic, as suitors are making late push for #CBJ captain.
Most think that push is coming from the Rangers.
2:25 p.m.: The consensus from around the interwebtuals seems to be that the Flyers won't do anything. We will know soon.
2:06 p.m.: That last one was a joke. These running commentaries are difficult on all of us…
2:04 p.m.: Paul Holmgren just seen running, nude, from the SkateZone screaming the Dawson's Creek song. I don't wannnnanananana wait!!! Updates coming in.
2:00 p.m.: NHL Network reporting that the New York Rangers are in on Rick Nash and Nash is pushing for a (the?) trade. Sure, why not?
1:46 p.m.: Carchidi follows up to that last Tweet about Homer being on phone: "Just spoke with Flyers source who talked with Homer: "Nothing cooking at all," he said."
1:43 p.m.: Flyers beat writers, ladies and gentlemen:
THERE IS ONLY ONE [WHORE] LEFT.
1:19 p.m.: Little situation developing here. More of a discussion, really. The Flyers sent down Eric Wellwood. Beat writers Frank Seravalli and Sam Carchidi posit that it could be to make room under the cap for a possible move.
Tim Panaccio says that has nothing to do with it. According to AHL PR, players must be on roster by 3 p.m. today to play in playoffs, meaning that could be why the Flyers sent him down– so he’s eligible to play for the Phantoms in the playoffs. Carchidi, however, says the Flyers believe that deadline isn’t until March 5, a reality that would lend more credence to the theories surrounding the seemingly random demotion of Wellwood– to clear cap room.
Whatever the case, someone – either AHL PR Twitter account or the Flyers – is wrong. I’m inclined to believe Panaccio and the AHL PR folks.
The NHL trade deadline, folks: where the world has to make sense of rules drawn up by a bunch of silly Canadians.
12:56 p.m.: Sword fight!!!!! Seravalli responds to Panaccio squashing his earlier speculation about Wellwood being sent down to make room:
For those who say Wellwood demotion has nothing to do with acquisition, it pushes Flyers cap space to $1.6 million or so. Therefore, if Flyers don't make a move… Wellwood can be re-called tomorrow, will likely remain with the team in San Jose.
Ding, ding.
12:51 p.m.: Flyers beat writers are throwing shit and speculation at the wall, which is just fine by me. Check out this Tweet from Tim Panaccio:
Whoever has Panotch’s number is either the most mysterious NHL source of all-time, Paul Holmgren, or a 15-year-old who is fucking with the city’s lead hockey reporter. I’m going with door number three and would encourage that person to start sexting Panotch.
He also corrects Seravalli, saying that the Wellwood move has nothing to do with a trade. Tim Panaccio: a cold shower for when you're hot and bothered.
12:39 p.m.: Crickets…. Frank Seravalli says that the Flyers have sent down Eric Wellwood: "Not really sure why they'd do that during a road trip unless to make room."
11:37 a.m.: Rick Nash (and Jeff Carter…) banners are being removed from High Street in Columbus. Something could be up (with Blue Jackets). A similar marketing material purge occurred just hours before Homer's Massacre last summer. Video here via (@215Cash).
11:33 a.m.: Someone should tell the chick with the short skirt on NHL Network that you are supposed to have two knees, not one mass of flesh and bone rubbing together. Those things look like they are trying to tell a knock-knock joke.
11:17 a.m.: Tim Panaccio reports that Niemi was not the player offered to the Flyers.
10:24 a.m.: Fright fest.
This guy… looks like he has a van, duct tape and treats. Lots of treats.
Anyway, he’s Mike Zeisberger of the Toronto Sun, and, although he murdered JVR’s name, reports that the Flyers have “comfortably assured” Riemer that he won't be traded.
That’s nice. The last time a Flyer was “comfortably assured” that he wouldn’t be traded, Jeff Carter wound up crying in his Sea Isle house for three days. Paul Holmgren immunity idols are worth dick. Dick, I tell you.
9:59 a.m.: Tim Panaccio, the trade boner equivalent of medical procedure photos, believes that nothing of consequence will happen:
“You don’t hear their name mentioned anywhere right now,” said a league source.
Several members of the Flyers organization with direct knowledge say they think the team will stand pat given they addressed their top priority — defensive help — weeks ago, before the trade deadline frenzy began.
We shall see, Timmay.
9:46 a.m.: TSN’s Darren Dreger says that teams are still interested in James van Riemsdyk and his sometimes present balls. Here’s what Dreger tweeted this morning:
Flyers still fielding calls on JVR. San Jose believed to have made an offer, but so far Philly isn't willing to move him. Belief is San Jose threw Antti Niemi's name at the Flyers hoping for JVR in return. Not happening.
High comedy. The fact that JVR’s name is coming up in trade discussions is the ultimate mind asplod: the Flyers re-signed JVR as part of their long-term, forward-looking plan, which included offing Richards and Carter and signing Ilya Bryzgalov. Now JVR is touchable (though it looks like this specific deal won’t happen) and a goalie acquisition – while I’m not betting on it – isn’t out of the question, it seems. But I honestly believe for that to happen (goalie), two things: 1) the Flyers find someone dumb enough to take Bryz's contract and 2) Bryz agrees to the trade. Both are unlikely.