Building blocks

By Michael Rushton

This is usually the time of year when Flyers optimism floats back into the hearts and souls of Philadelphia hockey fans everywhere.

Essentially, fans and critics would all be debating whether or not the Flyers gave up too much for that veteran winger, or if the goaltending, which wasn’t addressed before the trade deadline, would hold up for the inevitable postseason push.

Whatever farm hands the Black and Orange jettisoned to acquire older talent would be evaluated, and it would eventually be determined the move was necessary to win now. Then, come Spring, they would be missed sorely after a first-round exit.

So excuse me if I’m having trouble understanding what has gone on the past two weeks. The Flyers have actually picked up prospects, addressed their net minding situation (sort of) and they are not going to the playoffs?

Well, the latter we have known for a while, but below is a look of Philly’s transactions since the Peter Forsberg deal, and if they are to help long term or short term.

February 15: The Flyers send Forsberg to Nashville for left wing Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent and a first and third-round pick in the 2007 draft.

Verdict: Later

On the surface, the answer is actually both. Upshall was inserted into the lineup immediately and already comes with NHL experience. Also, Parent is a highly regarded prospect who could make an impact next year. However, the key word there is “could.” Parent is only 19 and was playing in the Ontario Hockey League at the time of the trade. There is a small chance he could crack the roster next year, but given the defenders the Flyers have picked up in the last week, it appears the Flyers can wait on this one.

February 24: The Flyers send veteran defenseman Alexei Zhitnik to Atlanta for defender Braydon Coburn.

Verdict: Later

This deal was a steal for the Flyers, who picked up their second defenseman that was drafted in the first round in as many trades. Coburn is big (6-foot-5) and skates well for his size, but is also just 21. While he has played with the Thrashers this season, he has also spent time with Chicago of the American Hockey League as well. He’ll probably play out the rest of the season in Philadelphia but it should be a few years before he reaches his potential.

February 26: The Flyers acquire defender Lasse Kukkonen and a third-round pick in 2007 for left wing Kyle Calder.

Verdict: Now

Why is this a now verdict? Because deep down inside, this may be a move for Joni Pitkanen as much as anything else. Sure, Kukkonen has decent stats this season -- five goals and nine assists with 98 blocked shots in 54 games -- and is only 25, but Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren may have tipped his hat when announcing the deal.

"Kukkonen is a player who played a couple of years with Joni Pitkanen back in Finland a few years ago,” Holmgren said in a release announcing the trade. “He is 25 years old, moves the puck extremely well and is averaging over 16 minutes a game (16:35) for the Blackhawks. He is just a real steady defender. He is a nice addition to our team.”

And there it is. Its obvious the Flyers aren’t going to give up on the underachieving Pitkanen, who may have been one of the Flyers’ best bargaining chips if they had decided to move him. Instead, they are going to try and make him as comfortable as possible and surrond him with players he is familiar with.

February 27: Flyers acquire goaltender Martin Biron from Buffalo for a second-round pick in 2007.

Verdict: Now (maybe)

This deal was surprising because it was almost a buyers move. It also gives the Flyers three goaltenders that could be starters on most teams. Of course, both Biron and current Flyer Robert Esche are free agents at the end of the year, so this deal could be looked at as just a head start on the courting process for the Flyers and Biron.

"This is an opportunity for us to acquire a goaltender that we really like,” said Holmgren. “Biron will be an unrestricted free agent on July 1. He would have been on our shopping list this summer. Trading for him gives us a chance to get a little more familiar with him and he can get a little more familiar with our team and hopefully see a positive direction here and want to stay here."

Now the Flyers will get the first crack at retaining Biron and if he doesn’t work out here, they can just let him walk and cross one goaltender off their shopping list this summer. A second-round pick is a high price to pay for a rental on a non-playoff team, but if Biron does play well and the Flyers keep him, it will be worth it.

The trade also spells the end for Esche unless Biron bombs and leaves Antero Niittymaki in limbo.

Michael Rushton enjoys "Appletinis" and can be reached at mrushton@phanaticmag.com