Forsberg deal should be first of many

By Michael Rushton

The Flyers made a very simple, yet powerful statement on Thursday when they dealt center Peter Forsberg that they are going to be sellers this season for the first time in a long while.

Philadelphia tried to make some patch-work fixes when they grabbed the likes of Mike York, Alexei Zhitnik and Dimitry Afanasenkov. However, those moves did little to help the sunken Flyers as the inevitable approached.

That moment came yesterday and there should be more like it to come.

First, at last check some reports have as many as three different teams interested in defenseman Derian Hatcher (Edmonton, Dallas, San Jose). This one is easy; do it. It doesn't matter what or who you get back, just move Hatcher. His signing just hasn't worked out, he is 34-years-old and at this point, some have to question his motivation to play here.

Now, I'm not saying he isn't out there giving a hundred percent, but he has turned into a crowd whipping boy since the new, fast NHL exposed him. Plus, his buddy Ken Hitchcock is no longer here.

Next, as I wrote some time ago, move a goaltender. The Flyers finally have on their roster something they have been missing for years: a true backup goaltender. Michael Leighton is not a starter in this league. It seems like every year, the Black and Orange go through a goalie controversy. Who should start the season, who should start the playoffs and so on and so on.

But now, with a true backup in the mix, the Flyers can finally turn over the starting gig to one man. That man is most likely Antero Niittymaki, though moving the injured Robert Esche now may become difficult.

Finally, field offers for Zhitnik. I know, I know, the Flyers are young at defense already and if the team moves Hatcher, will be further hurting for veteran leadership along the blue line.

However, at this point, it just doesn't matter. Philly will have plenty of cap room to make a run at a couple mid-aged veteran netminders for next year. After all, that is what this is about now. Next year.

Michael Rushton, when not watching Scrubs, can be reached at mrushton@phanaticmag.com