Blackhawks Acquire Handzus For Calder

[cottonzway]

Good deal for the Flyers. Finally, pigs fly.

[Orr=God]

Originally Posted by nsh03

We just have a flashy top line now.

heh i wouldnt exactly call ruutu-handzus-havlat a flashy top line. havlat is a top line player but handzus is a 3rd line checking center, and ruutu is injured too often to be considered part of a flashy first line. i dont mean to burst ur bubble but this is probably going to be one of the least productive top lines in the nhl.

[Isles4life]

I really think Chicago would've been better off holding onto a guy like Calder if you start surrounding him with talent. They needed a center, sure, but Handzus has peaked, even if still an effective two-way threat. Ruutu, if healthy, is just awesome from what I've seen, but that's a big if. Calder will probably put up some very good numbers in Philly if they put him with Forsberg.

[hockeyfighter20]

I think the hawks got the best deal. they got a physical forward who can play on a line with martin havlat. chigago gets the best of the deal

[Phila26Flyers]

I am speechless. I cannot remember the last time I was so pissed. Now I must figure out what to do with my Handzus jersey (yes, I have one). Kevin Calder can score 100 goals this season and I still will not watch. I am officially taking a hiatus from watching the Flyers. This off-season has been one of the worst in franchise history, and Gagne STILL isn't signed. Clarke reminds me of Bush: skipping town for a vacation when there is work to be done.

And Thrillhouse: did you really not know who Millhouse was? Because in the screenshot jkidd posted, Millhouse is playing the game Bonestorm under the handle "Thrillhouse" (which is where I thought you got the name). Or am I just slow...

[nsh03]

Originally Posted by Orr=God

heh i wouldnt exactly call ruutu-handzus-havlat a flashy top line. havlat is a top line player but handzus is a 3rd line checking center, and ruutu is injured too often to be considered part of a flashy first line. i dont mean to burst ur bubble but this is probably going to be one of the least productive top lines in the nhl.

Ruutu and Havlat centered by anyone with any offensive ability at all is potentially a flashy top line, and Handzus should fit in well there. Ruutu is hurt a lot so we may not see that line reach its fullest potential, but if they all stay healthy, that line could be deadly. They'll have to be too if the Hawks are going to do anything this year, because right now there's nothing beyond them up front.

[HardHitt3n]

i love this trade, i loved handzus but come on he was slow as hell. This helps us out alot!

[Jensen]

Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers

I am speechless. I cannot remember the last time I was so pissed. Now I must figure out what to do with my Handzus jersey (yes, I have one). Kevin Calder can score 100 goals this season and I still will not watch. I am officially taking a hiatus from watching the Flyers. This off-season has been one of the worst in franchise history, and Gagne STILL isn't signed. Clarke reminds me of Bush: skipping town for a vacation when there is work to be done.

His name is Kyle Calder not Kevin Calder...

[HordiBrusk29]

Good deal for the Flyers here. I've never been a big Handzus fan and I'd take Calder over him anyday of the week.

[fridge29]

I actually like this deal. Handzus was big but never really used his size to his advantage. He's also a guy that seems to disappear for stretches offensively. He's never a liability defensively but as a Center is expendable given the Flyers depth at that position. To put Handzus and the word tough together isn't quite fair. He didn't get hurt much but IS NOT a tough guy at all.
The Flyers look quick and young up front and will skate with most teams this year. Am I upset about the lack of toughness, yes, but what did Brashear really add last year?? A couple good fights in an NHL era that is minimizing the need for the slow, lesser skilled enforcer. Todd Fedoruk is the prototype for the new enforcer, a guy that can skate, isn't a defensive liabilty, a can skate.
My only concern is protecting Gagne and Forsberg, and helping Gauthier when he becomes a target for throwing his body around.
Let's not get crazy guys and talk of a boycott.
Also, its 2006, you don't HAVE to be in the office to conduct business. I am sure Bob Clarke can do just as much from his house in Ocean City. They do have phones there.

[NJD Oliwa]

Thank god!!!

Now I'll never have to hear that stupid ZEUS!!!!!!! call again.

Good player and all, but thank god he's out of Philly, and the East. That was one thing I could never stand!

[Phila26Flyers]

Originally Posted by NJD Oliwa

Thank god!!!

Now I'll never have to hear that stupid ZEUS!!!!!!! call again.

Good player and all, but thank god he's out of Philly, and the East. That was one thing I could never stand!

Yeah especially in your home building, huh?

Originally Posted by Jensen

His name is Kyle Calder not Kevin Calder...

That was the purpose of the joke...because I have no idea who the **** "Kyle Calder" is.


Handzus wasn't a tough guy in that he never used his size to his advantage, but the defense he brought to his position was top notch, especially on the penalty-kill.

[OLLBLUEEYZ]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

I'm curious what OLLBLUEEYZ thinks. Good trade for both teams. Chicago had NO centermen! Sucks losing Calder but gotta give up something to get it.

I gotta be Honest here. I don't like this trade at first glance. We needed a Center, but IMO Calder is worth much more than Mike Handzus straight up....
FYI Flyer fans, You are going to Love Kyle Calder. No one works harder than Kyle on and off the Ice. He is a machine in the corners and can muck it up with the big boys on the boards as well. He has above average speed, but makes up for it with his tenacity and solid two way positioning. He is terrific Defensively and makes his passes safe and solid out of the zone. Because he played in CHicago his entire Career, no one really noticed him emerge as a top tier winger. The Guy plays through injuries, sickness, and whatever else... Its not unlike him to play 75+ games every year. I predict a 35+ Goal year For Kyle. Man..... sorry to ramble but I'm upset today hearing this.... Good Luck Calder, you will be missed.

[dp]

Calder is younger, harder working and put up more points on a non-playoff team. Philly wins this one.

[NJD Oliwa]

Originally Posted by Phila26Flyers

Yeah especially in your home building, huh?

Actually you can't. It's too loud in there with all our Stanley Cup banners flapping around.