[doug]

Originally Posted by NJGOAT

With the salary cap, the Flyer's cannot simply afford to keep everyone.

Umberger is a good player, but his career potential is really a 2nd or 3rd line guy. When you have Hartnell, Upshall and Lupul, having Umberger becomes extra. We can't get rid of Hartnell because of his contract, Upshall plays with a fire that Umberger doesn't have and Lupul has more potential. Where do you play Umberger? If you've noticed in this series he isn't assigned to any line, he is playing as a fill in. For the money it would cost us to keep Umberger, we are better off trading him for a decent return and saving the money.

Kapanen is wearing down big time and it shows. He actually wanted to retire last year and the year before, but the Flyer's asked him to stay to help the younger crew for another year. Thoresen is the same player right now, just a lot younger. I like Kapanen and he is a good penalty killer, but he's not worth the money. I'm not saying the Flyer's should cut him or trade him, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Kappy retire after this year. It wouldn't be bad if the Flyer's gave him a little extra incentive and offered him a job in the organization.

Hatcher costs the Flyers 3.5 mil a year. He is a warrior, but his knees are shot and the guy plays on cortizone injections. If we are going to resign Smith, then Hatcher is not needed. If we don't resign Smith then Hatcher can make some sense to keep, but he needs to restructure his deal and be less of a cap hit.

As for Gagne, the current reports say that he isn't anywhere near 100% yet. His injury is something he may never recover from. If he gets better, I would feel better trading him and gaining back a good young puck moving d-man. If he doesn't recover he will be on the LTIR again and we will need to plug his hole in the line up. Gagne seriously has the makings of another Lindros here. I personally think it's time to let him walk when his replacement (Prospal) is already here and has stated he would like to stay.

I guess the summation of my argument would be that these guys are no longer 100% needed or effective. With the salary cap you need to balance things to keep from getting your hands tied. If we dumped Hatcher, Gagne, Umberger and Kapanen, but gained two solid d-men and some role players, would we be better or worse? Hatcher can be replaced for less money. Gagne has been replaced by Prospal, Umberger can be replaced and Kapanen has been replaced. The core talent of our team doesn't rely on those players, but the defense needs help. If getting rid of them nets help on defense, I'm all for it.

I totally agree, but I think Umberger will be here. Hatcher.. I could live without, even though I like him.