Powe Signs One-Year Deal With Flyers, Trouble Brewing in Philly

Photo Courtesy of Jeff Hapeman

With the Gagne trade still fresh in the minds of Philadelphia Flyers fans, the re-signing of Princeton graduate Darroll Powe flew greatly under the radar last night.

The Philadelphia Daily News reported that Powe's new deal is a worth $725,000, an increase from only $532,500 last year.

Powe laced up his skates for 63 games last season, tallying 15 points and racking up 54 PIM's for the orange and black.

As is often the case, with good news comes bad news as well.

Sarah Baicker of CSN Philly spoke with forward Blair Betts yesterday, who informed her that he is four months away from returning from off-season shoulder surgery.

Betts was a staple on the Flyers penalty killing unit in 2009-2010, in addition to a great face-off man.

While Philadelphia will miss Betts's shot-blocking prowess and contagious work ethic, his absence will allow Darroll Powe--a natural centerman--to shift over from left wing back to his preferred position in the middle.

Powe's one-year deal makes him one of nine Philadelphia Flyers currently on the roster eligible to become restricted or unrestricted free agents next summer.
Along with Powe, Jeff Carter, Claude Giroux, and Daniel Carcillo will all become RFA's in July 2010 barring any mid-season trades or contract extensions.

Of those four players, Claude Giroux is the most interesting case.

Giroux's entry-level contract--which has a meager cap hit of just over $800K--expires after this season, leaving the Flyers in a tough spot.

The 22 year-old centerman played in all 82 games last year, notching 16 goals and 31 assists in his sophomore campaign.

Giroux exploded in the Flyers playoff run for 21 points in 23 games, including his game-winning overtime goal in Game Three of the Stanley Cup Finals.

There's no doubt that Ontario native is due for a serious raise next season if the Flyers hope to keep him in their lineup.

The bottom line is that Philadelphia has to start planning right now for next off-season if they want to avoid another devastating Simon Gagne for cap space type trade.

The Philly faithful are already irate after GM Paul Holmgren's moves this summer, and without proper consideration and preparation, next off-season could see a full-scale riot down Broad Street.