Forsberg already a distraction?

By Steven Lienert
The Phanatic

Here are the facts as we know them to be: 1) According to the Camden-Courier Post, the Flyers offered Peter Forsberg a contract last Monday; 2) According to the Philly Inquirer, the Flyers have been stocking special orthotics preparing for Forsberg's arrival; 3) The Flyers are reportedly anxious for his decision; 4) The team has lost two straight (at home, mind you) amidst all the Foppa Fervor; and now 5) In an interview with the Sporting News, Ottawa Senator Jason Spezza says Forsberg will be a Flyer.

"Hate to break it to you guys, but he's going to Philly," Spezza told Chuck Gormley of the Sporting News. "I'd love to have him here, but I don't think it's going to happen."

For better or worse, expect the Flyers to announce the signing of Forsberg sometime next week, probably as soon as Monday.

Want more proof? More than a few Swedish newspapers have reported that Forsberg has been skating, in the same skates, for the last week. This is particularly good news for his return -- this is a guy that talks to his skates out loud in the locker room. Before switching to these skates, Forsberg went through two pair in one practice with Modo, his Swedish hometown team, last week.

Still not convinced? Today, The Inquirer reported that Forsberg's only decision is whether or not he's healthy. The fact that Philly is his destination is a forgone conclusion.

Holmgren has said Forsberg was embarrassed last year and Forsberg himself has said that he has unfinished business here in Philadelphia.
But is it worth it? Money isn't a factor: The Forsberg family owns the company that makes all those Crocs shoes. And even if the Flyers sign Forsberg, they can alleviate the cap hit by cutting Derian Hatcher loose after the season.

Nah, what this comes down to is chemistry. The Flyers have gotten younger and tougher in a very short period of time. This is not the same Flyers team Forsberg left when he was traded to Nashville.

He will have to fit in with them -- not vice versa.

His first show of good faith should be to let team captain Jason Smith keep his No. 21.

His second show of good faith will be to not complain one iota about anything -- the team, the foot, the ankle...nothing.

Third, he has to get Simon Gagne going. Gagne had his best year when Forsberg was his linemate, and right now Gagne looks like he's lost in the woods.

If Forsberg really, really believes he has unfinished business here, Philadelphia should give him a second chance to prove he is, in fact, a Flyer.
Right now, though, Forsberg's integrity and legacy are on the line.