2008 Woodie Awards
Back with a Vengeance!
Arthur Yue
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Sports
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It all started at the 2006 trade deadline when Holmgren pulled a couple rabbits out of his hat. He traded a fan favorite and possibly one of the most talented centers ever, former Flyers captain Peter Forsberg. It was a bad blow for the Flyers and their fans, or was it? The Flyers captured young forward Scottie Upshall as a draft pick for 2007, and Upshall turned out to be a great investment for the future of the Flyers. Holmgren also brought in a brick wall to protect their goal: Martin Biron, who is off to an electrifying start for the 2007 season.
In the offseason, the Flyers brought in defensive forward Kimmo Timonen and Scott Hartnell from the Nashville Predators; there was a whole trick behind that trade. Holmgren traded the pick obtained for Forsberg back to Nashville for two players who were imperative to the Flyers quick, rebuilding process. Another trade brought Captain Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul from the Edmonton Oilers; Smith brings tough grit and leadership, and Lupul brings his play-completing abilities and speed to the Flyers' offense. This is starting to look good, very good.
The Flyers knew something was missing at this point; they needed just one more thing: with Forsberg gone, they needed a potent playmaking first-line center. In the NHL these days, the only way you will find one is via free agency, and you must be willing to hand out plenty of Benjamin's for it. Well, day one of free agency came, and for the Flyers and Holmgren, there was no hesitation or turning back. The Flyers signed Center Daniel Briere to an eight-year deal, which was a huge upgrade for this offense and the whole rebuilding process. He brings his many great talents, and many knew he would be sharing it with Flyers all-star and veteran Simon Gagne. The orange and black were then prepared to take the NHL by storm.
The Flyers are off to a tremendous start this season. Expectations are being reached, and even passed. The most loyal fans in hockey are filling the seats, and the players are winning games; there is no better combination. Flyers coach John Stevens leads this team in hopes of winning the Stanley Cup. Word out in the NHL is the Flyers are willing to bring back Peter Forsberg. Let's keep our fingers crossed. Briere, Carter, Cote, Dowd, Eager, Gagne, Hartnell, Kapanen, Knuble, Lupul, Richards, Umberger, Upshall, Coburn, Hatcher, Jones, Kukkonen, Smith, Timonen, Biron and Nittymaki -- it's game time!