Flyers' "Hard Choices" Have Hollow Ring

by Bob Herpen
The Phanatic Magazine

R.J. Umberger should be resting comfortably in Ohio’s capital by now, a little less than a month removed from the pre-draft deal which shipped him to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Last week, he was the beneficiary of a lucrative four-year deal with the still-struggling franchise, now assumed to be one of the leaders in the youth movement under former Flyers head coach Ken Hitchcock.

Of course, general manager Paul Holmgren stated and re-stated that due to salary cap concerns, someone was going to be left out in the cold. Was it fair that Umberger drew the short straw and was shipped out of town? No. But life – especially hockey life – isn’t fair.

The true cost of the move will be felt down the line. Maybe not in October or November, but definitely in March, April, and beyond.

There was some concern this season based on how the Pittsburgh-area native elevated his game against his hometown club, only to dial it down against the rest of the league. You can make an argument of his long-term value since six of his 13 regular-season goals came at the expense of the Pens, and seven came against everybody else.

However, you can’t argue with 10 goals in the playoffs. There should be no discussion of eight goals in one round which basically led the Flyers over the top-seeded Canadiens in the conference semifinals.

The organization just let go a rising star - who set a career high in assists and points - with the potential earmarks of a Claude Lemieux in the making (minus the flopping, conniving and cowardice), all for the sake of less confusion when the salary cap needs to be massaged.

Even under the progressive leadership Holmgren has provided, he’s still apparently required to present moves in that ages-old light: always making the tough decision for the greater good of the franchise. But at least one miscue in the past relating to money wound up exploding in their face.

According to Jay Greenberg’s Full Spectrum, back in 1986, Brad “The Beast” McCrimmon, fresh off what would be his best pro season, sought a four-year deal at $250,000 as an upgrade from a $160,000 option.

When McCrimmon balked at Bob Clarke’s initial offer of four years at $225,000, Clarke tried to trade him to Quebec. Understandably insulted, he went home to Saskatchewan and was suspended by the team.

While away, Clarke continually attempted to deal him elsewhere. Finally, at the end of October, with Clarke unable to get fair value, McCrimmon (who missed the season’s first nine games) signed a one-year deal plus an option worth just $190,000. Also at stake was Clarke’s perception of McCrimmon as alcoholic and apathetic.

Following the memorable run to the 1987 Finals, Clarke did not acquiesce to McCrimmon’s request of a four-year, $250,000 deal, and changed terms at least twice. He finally rid himself of Beast to Calgary for nothing more than first-and-third-round draft choices.

Mark Howe, who was memorably paired with McCrimmon for almost four fantastic years, suffered greatly when not injured to adjust to Kjell Samuelsson’s style. Neither Kerry Huffman, Terry Carkner, nor any other defenseman brought in came close to matching Number 10’s skill and toughness.

Meanwhile, McCrimmon won a Stanley Cup with the Flames in 1989 and continued to play regularly until 1997.

It’s not a stretch to predict that Umberger will crack the 20-goal plateau with the Jackets next year. He has nothing but time to continue to develop the gifts he displayed, plus Hitchcock pronounced himself a fan of the young winger during his rookie season in 2005-06.

With more playing time and a much clearer notion of what’s expected of him than what John Stevens could provide, he should thrive. The sad thing is he most likely won’t get to show off his playoff chops to the club which is still seeking respect heading into its eighth season of existence.

On the other hand, with the team Holmgren has assembled already, someone, whether it be Jeff Carter, Mike Richards, Danny Briere, or Scott Hartnell, will pick up the slack and carry the team at some point next postseason. The problem is, none of the above have shown anyone they can be the type of player to do so. Umberger already has.

So, I can’t see how Holmgren can realistically defend getting rid of a player who had actively demonstrated that maturity and leadership. Besides, the salary cap is set to increase for the third consecutive year and Umberger seemed to be cast off without much hand-wringing and deliberation.

If the goal of the franchise is to remain competitive for years to come and to learn how to work within the salary confines of the new NHL, they are succeeding.

If the goal is to do what is necessary to win the Stanley Cup, then the Flyers just made a killer move to stunt their chances.