And the Flyers 12th forward is..... 35 year old Ian Laperriere, who signed a 3 year, 3.5 million dollar deal with the Flyers. Laperriere, a right wing, is an NHL journeyman, having played for 4 teams in his 15 year NHL career. He most recently played for the Avalanche, putting up 19 points in 74 games last season in Colorado. Laperriere is your typical 3rd or 4th line player who will muck and grind along the boards, and he is also known to get in a few scraps, having dropped the gloves 17 times last season, including once against Scott Hartnell:Overall, I'm not that impressed with this signing. Laperriere plays with a lot of heart, but the Flyers didn't really need another checker with a tendency to drop the gloves, they already have Arrron Asham, Daniel Carcillo and Riley Cote. Of course, if this signing means the end of Cote on the Flyers, I would understand it more. The Flyers had greater needs at forward, like a center who could win some faceoffs, rather than yet another guy who is tough to play against.
This signing likely marks the end of the Flyers free agent moves. They have very little money left, so they would likely have to move a player or two if they wanted to sign anyone else. Here is the roster as of now, updated from the other day:
Forwards (12): Danny Briere, Mike Richards, Simon Gagne, Jeff Carter, Scott Hartnell, Daniel Carcillo, Andreas Nodl, Claude Giroux, Arron Asham, Riley Cote, Darroll Powe, Ian Laperriere Possible 13th forward: Jared Ross, James van Riemsdyk, Jonathon Kalinski
Defensemen (6): Chris Pronger, Braydon Coburn, Kimmo Timonen, Randy Jones, Ryan Parent, Matt Carle Possible 7th defenseman: Danny Syvret
Goalies (2): Ray Emery, Brian Boucher
With the recent loss of Mike Knuble, James van Riemsdyk might be counted on to jump onto one of the top three lines. He wouldn't be the 13th forward if he actually made the team.
Ian laperriere is a GREAT hockey player and Philly should be proud to get him. Just wait until the he gets comfortable with the team, then watch him during the game(I give it about 5 minutes on the ice). If the cameras followed Lappy the entire game, it would be more exciting to watch. He is the most animated player I've ever seen, whether its talking trash at the face off, or skating by the opposing teams bench, he is always talking. He should be "miked up!" I'd love to hear what he's saying!!! I love hockey and LOVED watching this guy play. He makes the game amazing in person. Just watch. Everyone in Philly will appreciate him soon enough. Off the ice, one of the best people you'll ever meet. He is always donating time, money, whatever he can do to help local charity organizations. He will leave an impression on every fan, I've never heard anyone say one bad thing about this guy. I wish there was more people like him. Just wait.
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