Moments ago TSN's hockey insider Darren Dreger reported that Blue Jackets GM Scott Howson and our own Paul Holmgren broke a deal between their two respective Clubs.
Philadelphia pitches their backup puck-stopper for a 2012 2nd Round, 4th Round, and 2013 4th Round pick. Columbus gets a speed demon Russian goaltender to take the pipes.
I'm not one to brag; Not only did I see the Flyers trading Bobrovsky this offseason, but I saw us trading him to the Jackets. Granted, it wasn't for the return I proposed (defenseman Marc Methot), but giving Sergei a chance to be a true #1 goalkeeper made sense, and it made the most sense dealing him out West to Columbus.
At least to me, it did. And Paul Holmgren. And Scott Howson.
Alright, I'm finished acting like a douchebag.
Some Flyers fans are less than excited to see our 23yr old anchor go.
YEA, "HOLGRAM"!!!!!
Truth be told, this was an excellent move for both Clubs. Like I've mentioned in a past article, Bobrovsky's on the final season of his contract. He won't re-sign in Philadelphia because he wants starter's minutes and starter's money. He won't receive either playing behind a franchise netminder in Bryzgalov.
It's best Holmgren gets return on Bob's value now before Sergei becomes a Restricted Free Agent.
You may argue that two 2012 picks and a 2013 pick is not enough. I ask you; What on earth more do you believe we could have gotten back? I assure you.....nothing. We got exactly what Bobrovsky is worth.
Then again, I bet the 90% of fans pissed about this deal are the same demented cement-heads who scream, "TRADE BRYZGALOV!!!" from their mountain tops despite the fact Bryz has his No-Movement Clause nestled comfortably under his pillow at nights.
My overall opinion?
Great trade. However, I don't expect Holmgren to hang on to those three picks for long. They'll more than likely become the sugar coating to some bigger, grander trade deal he's got cooking up in that salt & pepper skull of his.
Either way, I'm glued to my Twitter timeline. Waiting for the next drop of blood to hit the ground.
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