I am, as are probably most Flyer supporters, thoroughly shocked to learn that the team has traded captain Mike Richards, arguably one of the NHL's top three defensive forwards, to the LA Kings. What's more intriguing is that the news comes about forty minutes after we learn of the deal which sent Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets, a deal most Flyer fans are excited about considering what the team was able to obtain and accomplish in return.
Both Carter (11th) and Richards (24th) were drafted one-two by the Flyers in the 2003 draft. Both played in the Ontario Hockey League, Carter for Soo St. Marie and Richards for the rival Kitchener Rangers. They also roomed together in downtown Philadelphia when they joined the NHL club. Very interesting to say the least that they are both traded away on the same day, roughly forty-five minutes apart. Hopefully management elaborates for Flyer fans regarding the two deals, more importantly the Richards deal which I still can't understand. Gotta think there was something else involved in the reasoning unless this is management's way of covering its' ass for not acquiring a number one goaltender heading into the playoffs and hence they put the blame on their two star players for the team's failure to win a Stanley Cup in the past two years.
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