Mike Richards Jeff Carter Trade Rumors

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The latest trade rumors surrounding the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2011-2012 NHL offseason became a reality. The bromance between Mike Richards and Jeff Carter officially ended today. Jeff Carter was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets in return for Jakub Voracek, a 1st and a 3rd round 2011 Entry Draft Pick. I predicted this trade over a week ago so it is not surprising. What is suprising though, is that the Flyers also traded their captain, another top line center in Mike Richards, to the Los Angeles Kings for top prospects Brayden Schenn, Wayne Simmonds and a second round draft pick.

By dealing their top 2 centermen, the Flyers have become significantly weaker down the middle. Flyer fans hope Schenn can make the transition to a top line center in the NHL. The Flyers accomplished another objective by clearing enough cap space to sign unrestricted free agent goalie, Ilya Bryzgalov to a 9 year deal. The contract is worth $5.66 million per year. The seeds were sown for this drastic shake-up, when the Philadelphia Flyers got trounced by the Boston Bruins in the first round of the 2011 NHL Playoffs.