Jeff Carter traded to Columbus

[ThomasTomasz]

Well, I've got a lot to say about this. Some of it will come off as ranting, but I need some vindication.

First- LOL to the Flyer fans on the two previous sites I've posted on. Those guys told me that Richards would be a better captain than Alexander Ovechkin. They said Carter and Richards would be together for a long time.

Wrong on both accounts. I think the trend that teams went on by naming a captain while they were young is not a smart decision. Ovechkin should not have been named captain when he did, neither should Richards and some Pens fans would argue Crosby as well. It is unfair to a young player to give them that responsibility.

Second, this appears to be a knee-jerk reaction by Flyers brass. Yes, I've heard rumors that Carter and Richards were more into the party scene than teams would like, but regardless, they made it deep into the post-season two years ago, and still made it this season. I realize the team needed salary cap help, but you can trade one of them, not both, especially not your captain.

Third, I have to LOL again. Yes, the Flyers needed a goaltender, and Bryzgalov is the best on the market. But, that also means that they need to clear more cap room, and I just have to laugh. In the past two seasons, Bryzgalov has been below average in the playoffs and has not taken control. For the Flyers right now, it doesn't matter what happens in the post-season- they are a good enough team to make it to the playoffs. What they need is that extra boost in the playoffs, and I'm not sure Bryzgalov will provide that.

Fourth, the LA Kings are looking extremely dangerous. The best part is that they still have a good portion of cap space to play around with. I will be watching what else they do this off-season.

 

[wr50l]

Kings have got three centres now who can all command their own lines so I can see why trading Schenn was done. When they sign Drew Doughty long term they are probably going to wind up with $2-4m to use at next season's trade dealine.

The Blowjobs have given up an awful lot to put two goalscorers on the same line. I'm not utterly convinced that Nash and Carter are going to be a great fit.

Flyers I initially thought had made a collosal mistake. They could have saved themselves the gamble and kept Mike Richards but actually I think it looks quite good for them. No doubt Schenn is going to be an excellent player who could end up surpassing Richards and Carter's abilities, if their 8th overall pick from Columbus turns into your typical 8th overall veteran then this will look very good. Voracek is at a point now where he could either become a top player or start to fall into the bust category. And having done all this they've managed to cut out their cap woes.

 

[wingsfan77]

Yeah that's the thing with pairing Carter and Nash, people do realize that Carter is absolutely NOT a passer, right? He doesn't make any 'wow' passes and 3/4 of his shots go high and wide.

 

[leaffan]

Yeah that's the thing with pairing Carter and Nash, people do realize that Carter is absolutely NOT a passer, right? He doesn't make any 'wow' passes and 3/4 of his shots go high and wide.

Except Carter is 5th in goals scored in the last 3 years. Nash is right behind him at 6th overall.

Columbus needed a second goal scoring threat and they got it.

 

[wingsfan77]

That works out nicely for them, but people are talking about putting them on the same line and I'm not sure that would work, but I've never gotten to see Nash play a whole lot so I could be completely wrong.

 

[Ravin]

You also have to take into consideration the powerplay as well. Blue Jackets powerplay was rated 29th and they were 14%. Florida is the only team worse. So Carter and Nash on the PP just boosts it up. Plus it does give them the option of a power line with Carter and Nash together, or options of spliting them up. But I don't think when they got Carter they were looking for a play making centre, they just wanted a good centre either way.

 

[ThomasTomasz]

You also have to take into consideration the powerplay as well. Blue Jackets powerplay was rated 29th and they were 14%. Florida is the only team worse. So Carter and Nash on the PP just boosts it up. Plus it does give them the option of a power line with Carter and Nash together, or options of spliting them up. But I don't think when they got Carter they were looking for a play making centre, they just wanted a good centre either way.

Not all duos need to be like Ovechkin and Backstrom, where you have a playmaker setting up a goal scorer. Teemu Selanne and Paul Kariya were a destructive force on the same line in Anaheim with Steve Rucchin as their center. I think that the Jackets made a good move- they needed scoring and they got it, so I definitely agree with your point.

Its still just the beginning of the off-season. The Jackets have the cap space to acquire another player who could be classified as a "difference maker." We will see if they do that, and who it will be.

 

[wr50l]

Can I also add that I've always liked Bryzgalov but now he's a wanker.

 

[shag773]

There are sorority houses and college bars all around Philly flying flags at half mast due to Carter and Richards being traded. The Philly nightlife has taken a big hit...