FLYERS ADD TIMONEN AND HARTNELL
The Philadelphia Flyers acquired defenseman Kimmo Timonen and winger Scott Hartnell from the Nashville Predators for a first-round draft pick in 2007.
What does it give the Philadelphia Flyers
The Flyers got an early start on replenishing their roster via the unrestricted free agent route. Instead of waiting for July 1, GM Paul Holmgren sent back the No. 23 overall pick in this year's draft (originally acquired from the Predators for Peter Forsberg) to get negogiating rights to both Hartnell and Timonen. He quickly gave both players six-year contracts worth salary-cap hits of $4.2 million and $6.3 million, respectively. This is all part of Holmgren's plan to rebuild the Flyers into a powerhouse as quickly as possible. The cost of acquiring both players was relatively small, but the amounts paid to both is a little steep. Nevertheless, this move gives Philly instant credibility once again.
What does it give the Nashville Predators
Let the firesale begin in Nashville! Clearly, the organization had no intention of signing either Hartnell or Timonen. Therefore, they parlayed their rights into getting their own first rounder back. It figures to be a long rebuild for the franchise, no matter where their final destination takes them. However, losing current captain Timonen, as well as the budding leadership and grit of Hartnell, definitely stings for Preds fans.
Fantasy impact
Player focus
Nashville Predators
a first-round draft pick in 2007
