tsn.ca is reporting that the Philadelphia Flyers have acquired defensman Kimo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell from Nashville in exchange for a first-round pick that originally belonged to the Predators. That is quite simply a steal for the Flyers, who then probably overpaid the going rate to sign both players.
Timonen signed a 6-year, $37.8 mil contract, while Hartnell inked a 6-year deal worth $25.2 mil. This takes two significant players out of the free agent pool, and likely ups the ante for the remaining unrestricted free agents like Sheldon Souray.
Since March, Flyer GM Paul Holmgren has been like a thief in the night, preying on David Poile in Nashville. He has essentially stolen four players (the aformentioned two, plus Scottie Upshall and Ryan Parent) from the unsuspecting Poile, while giving up only a third round draft choice.
From Nashville's perspective, the deal is eerily reminiscent of the Jaromir Jagr salary dump by the Penguins in 2001. They basically got nothing in return for two guys they were going to lose anyway due to the messy ownership situation. It sure looks like the Preds have thrown in the towel and are really going to let the team stink this season so no fans will come out and then Jim Balsillie can move them to Hamilton. Sad to see.
Monday, June 18, 2007
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1 comments:
To be honest I dont agree with the assessment that Holmgren completely ripped off Nashville. Hartnell and Timonen were gone. There was going to be a bidding war for both with Hartnell being only 25 and Timonen being an all star, and with Liepold's talk of losing money through the year it was clear he wasnt going to up payroll, and the Preds already have $33 million commited in 13 players. He also needs to leave room for Paul Kariya, and next year has two key young defensemen in Suter and Weber to resign.
Poile was able to get his first round pick back for two guys he knew ha was going to lose in free agency. I think it was a good move on his part.
-Jordan
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