Philadelphia Flyers 2006 Training Camp Preview
When looking at that list, there’s really only one name that yells “talent”âÂ?¦and that’s Michal Handzus. Now grant it, Kim Johnsson is a very talented defenseman, but his last go ’round with injuries stink of someone who used to wear #88
Handzus was shipped to the Chicago Blackhawks for winger Kyle Calder, a terrific skater with an eye for the net. Last year, Calder scored 26 goals and 59 points in 79 games for Chicago�far and away the most impressive player on their roster. Handzus will be missed most for his special teams ability, especially on the penalty kill. But not only does Calder have good offensive skills, he is an above average penalty killer too, so this deal is a definite winner for Philadelphia.
Now that we have waived goodbye, let’s shake hands with the new players joining the Flyers this year. Winger Geoff Sanderson, defenseman Nolan Baumgartner, center Mark Cullen, and winger Randy Robitaille join Kyle Calder as the new blood. We also welcome back Marty Murray, a mucker and grinder aficionado.
The main problem people have with the signing of Sanderson is his age. At 34 years old, Sanderson might not have the breakaway speed he possessed during his days with the Hartford Whalers in the mid-90s, but he still can stride well enough to make a significant impact on this year’s team. He can still score also, netting 25 goals last year with the Coyotes.
Baumgartner is a solid stay-at-home type of defenseman who can pinch if need be. Back and forth from the AHL to the NHL for 10 years, he finally settled in with Vancouver for his first full NHL season last year scoring 34 points in 70 games.
’06-’07 SURPRISES
Every season brings forth surprisesâÂ?¦from stand-out players to bad teams turning Cup contenders (see: Carolina Hurricanes). One player that’s going to turn it up this year and surprise Flyer fans is newly acquired Kyle Calder. Coming from a Chicago team that has been barely noticeable the last hand full of years, he now arrived to an annual contender. This is sure to give Calder extra excitement and confidence. I also wouldn’t be surprised if Flyers coach Ken Hitchcock looks to throw him on a line with Peter Forsberg at some point in the season, especially if Gagne ends up getting dealt. Calder has been the classic underappreciated player whose time it is to have a break out year. Barring injury, I can see Calder handing in a 70-80 point season.
FIGHTING FOR POSITION
With training camp coming up so quickly, the battle to make the cut begins. There are likely to be two particular positions up for grabs and under scrutiny.
1. The 6th Defenseman
Look for this to be fought over mainly by newcomer Nolan Baumgartner and Flyer/Phantom Randy Jones. As previously reported, Baumgartner had a solid season last year while Jones played 28 games for the orange and black last year, recording 8 assists. Baumgartner will more than likely get the nod unless Jones shows up big time in camp. Last year, Jones showed he does have the potential to be a nice 5th or 6th defenseman, but also showed a knack to be inconsistent at times.
2. Goaltending
We know who the two goalies are going to be to start the season, Antero Niittymaki and Robert Esche. However, it seems that we never really know who the coaching staff is going to start in net. The unhealthiest thing for this team is to have yet another goalie controversy right of the bat. Antero “Frank” Niittymaki is probably going to begin the year as the team’s starting goaltender, but if Esche puts in a strong training camp performance and Niittymaki struggles, you never know what we could be looking at. It would have made sense for the Flyers to shop Esche this offseason. Maybe trying to bolster their defense a bit more while giving some of their young Phantoms goaltenders a chance, like Rejean Beauchemin.
OUTLOOK
The transactions made in the offseason all made sense for the team, and the direction Clarke wanted to go. They got what they wantedâÂ?¦speed, agility and quickness. This is the year where you really look for more people to step up in the leadership role. It will be interesting to see if Keith Primeau will be able to give it a go this year, but I wouldn’t count on it. Defenseman Derian Hatcher, current captain of the Flyers, is a good leader, but his level of play downsized drastically as last season neared its end. Look for main spark plug Mike Richards to make an even bigger push to be the future captain of this club with his excellent combination of desire and work ethic. Overall, this year’s training camp is more about the team meshing than figuring out who is in and who is out.
