FanShot

Flyers Trade Richards and Carter, sign Bryzgalov

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Carter to Columbus for Jakub Voracek, the 8th overall pick, and a third rounder. Personally, I think the Blue Jackets gave up way too much. Voracek is a promising young player who will be a second-line player within the next two years and the Flyers will pick up another great prospect at 8th. Carter's a good player and a nice blend of size, speed, and skill, but he's primarily a goal scorer and will not be the setup man for Rick Nash that Columbus needed. He's got a very long-term contract despite never being asked to be "the man" for his team. We'll see how he does with the weight of the team on his shoulders. *addendum* Mike Richards traded to the LA Kings for Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds. Kings get a guy who can play on Anze Kopitar's left or play as the second-line center. Flyers get a great prospect in Schenn who dominated the most recent World Juniors, and a 3rd line RW in Simmonds who is probably capable of becoming a 2nd line guy. Have to wonder what was going on in the Flyers' locker room to trade their captain and another star player. For the Flyers, after all this, they'll line up Schenn behind Giroux and van Riemsdyk. They may now have the cap space to not only sign Bryzgalov, but also re-sign Leino...keeping the Leino-Giroux-Briere combination intact. JvR, Voracek, Hartnell for a second line. Schenn, Simmonds, and maybe Versteeg on the third line. Versteeg may still be dangled for a trade. Have to say, I'm happy to see Mike Richards in the Western Conference. I think the Flyers have weakened their current team, but they got a solid return for their future. I would say they have a very good chance of coming out winners in these trades, but in the interim I don't think they will be contenders next year. *second addendum* Bryzgalov signing reported to be 9 yrs, $51M per the NHL Network. Shocking term for a guy that's not young, but not a terrible cap hit...$5.667M if my math serves me correctly? I don't think he will be worth it...but it's more palatable than the 7 yrs, $51M contract that was originally rumored.