WOW!  Salary cap has been shocked by the Philadelphia Flyers retooling for the upcoming season.  First came the trade for Scott Hartnell and Kimmo Timonen for the 23rd overall pick.  This move was brilliant.  The Flyers gave up a sure non-factor for a defenseman and a upcoming star in Scott.

Then, The Flyers signed Daniel Briere.  I can tell this is not my father’s NHL with this signing.  The small, fast, creative skater is now able to succeed in this new rule NHL.  This signing has a significant trickle down effect.  Salary cap notices that now Jeff Carter is the number two center with Mike Richards number three.  R.J. Umberger is the fourth line centerman.  This allows for all four centermen to be playing at the correct spot in the lineup.  Simon Gagne with Briere and Carter with Mik Knuble gives the Flyers two great scoring lines now.

However, the Flyers werent done.  In a trade, the Flyers acquired Jason Smith and Joffrey Lupul.  A solid defenseman with another rising star winger from Edmonton Oilers.  The leadership of Smith is another boost in the arm.  So, scoring at home, the Flyers now have three players who were captains of their NHL teams last year.  Leadership and talent with Martin Biron has salary cap thinking that last year is the one and only year that the Flyers will miss the playoffs.