Philadelphia Flyers Goaltending Options for 2009–10
Who Will Be Starting in Net Next Season in Philly?
May 22, 2009 Michael Spagnuolo
The Philadelphia Flyers, after a disappointing, salary cap heavy 2008-09 regular season, could find themselves in the market for a starting goaltender for next season. Here are the goalie options G.M. Paul Holmgren might be exploring for 2009-10.
Option No. 1 - Re-sign Martin Biron
This might be the best option, and the most likely one, for the Flyers. Biron, an unrestricted free agent, will look to, if anything, get a slight bump up in pay from the $3.5 million he earned this season, and perhaps a no-trade clause to boot. And you can make the case he has earned it, especially after 30 and 29-win seasons the past two campaigns. He may not be as consistent as most fans would like or expect out of a starting goalie, but the Flyers have indicated that they would like him back next season.
But there is a chance that he could get and accept a better offer from another club, or that the cap-heavy Flyers might have no choice but to pass on Biron if they can't lighten their payroll with another deal. So that would then mean the club would have to explore other options.
Option No. 2 - Biron Leaves, Antero Niittymaki Signs
Niittymaki has had several chances to become the Flyers' starting goalie over the last two seasons, and has been brilliant at times, mediocre at others, and inconsistent at best. Plus, there is concern that Niittymaki may have health issues with a bad hip stemming from a torn labrum a few seasons ago.
If the Flyers re-sign Biron, that may spell the end for Niittymaki, also an unrestricted free agent, in Philly. But if Biron walks, Niittymaki could emerge as an inexpensive, relatively speaking, option for the Flyers. Most likely, the club can not afford to bring back both goalies, so if Biron re-signs with Philly, safely assume Niittymaki will be playing elsewhere next season.
Option No. 3 - Acquire a Goaltender From Outside the Organization
Ruling out acquiring a high-priced player reportedly available like Anaheim's J.S. Giguere (making $5.5 million this season), the Flyers may look at a more cost-effective goalie from another team. Reports have the Flyers interested in Florida's Craig Anderson (15 wins and a 2.77 GAA this past regular season), among others.
Another intriguing name is New Jersey's Scott Clemmensen, who looked all world this past regular season starting in place of the injured Martin Brodeur. An unrestricted free agent, Clemmensen went an impressive 25-13-1 with a 2.39 GAA and a .917 save percentage, numbers that are almost Brodeur-like. However, it is hard to believe that Devils' G.M. Lou Lamoriello will simply let Clemmensen, who has indicated he wants to play for a team that he can start for next season, walk away, and to a team in the same division no less. Regardless of if the Flyers are legitimately interested in Clemmensen or not, look for Lamoriello to work some sort of deal, perhaps a sign and trade to an out-of-conference team, that would best accommodate both he and the Devils.
There are even rumors the Flyers may look outside of the NHL, more specifically the KHL in Russia, for a goaltender - Ray Emery, to be specific. There has never been official word from the club, despite news reports to the contrary, that Emery is on the Flyers' radar screen, and it is hard to believe that coach John Stephens and Holmgren would be interested in someone with as much baggage as Emery, regardless of how talented a goaltender he may still be.
Option No. 4 - Robert Esche to Return?
If Biron and/or Niittymaki leave, and the Flyers pass on Emery, might the next logical name in the mix be another KHL alumnus, former Flyer Robert Esche? Ironically it was Esche who was bumped out of Philly by the acquisition of Biron two years ago. Esche may be looking to return to the NHL, but as to if he would return to Philadelphia if he does, that is mere conjecture at this point.
One thing is certain - the Flyers' top priority is to bring back Biron, but if he fails to return next season, then any and all options may be on the table for 2009-10.
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