On Flyers' goaltending Pt. 2

Second post about Philly in a row, but quietly there's a lot going on for the Flyers. Paul Holmgren has confirmed that Martin Biron has fired his agent and TSN's Darren Dreger is saying that the Flyers are interested in bringing back Robert Esche.

The goaltending carousel continues in Philly - since 99-00 Philly's starters (at least for a short period of time) were John Vanbiesbrouck, Brian Boucher, Roman Cechmanek, Jeff Hackett, Robert Esche, Antero Niittymaki and Martin Biron. In the same period the New Jersey Devils had only one starter Martin Brodeur (he, obviously, didn't lose this label even when he was injured). The signing of Ray Emery continued the trend of getting goalies that were already past their prime. Only Niittymaki and Boucher where Philly's prospects, with Roman Cechmanek being drafted by the Flyers as a veteran from the Czech league. Because of the the fact that Cechmanek and Boucher where the only goalies from the above list that were able t carry the team on their backs, it is surprising to see Holmgren turn to former busts and not try to acquire (or develop) a young goaltender with lots of potential.

Esche played well for St'Petersburg SKA in the KHL last season, but his ability to successfully come back to the NHL is being questioned. He left the Flyers not because of contract reasons, but because his play cost the team games - during his last NHL season he, arguably, had the worst rebound control in the league. Giving the team to him and another reclamation project - Ray Emery is very risky and I dare say that has disaster written all over it.

Meanwhile Biron's contract demands were rumored to be in the $5-6 million dollar per season range - a sum the Flyers definitely couldn't afford, especially for a player who isn't worth that much. Biron was never a game-stealer - when he had his good games, he saved everything that he should have saved, but usually didn't have any spectacular stops - the perfect shots always went in. The firing of the agent suggests that Biron realized that his demands were too high and he had no chance of staying in Philly. Unfortunately it appears that the Flyers are looking for cheap players that have a history of great play and a chance of regaining their old form. Biron seems to have reached his peak a long time ago so he shouldn't end up back with Philly.