Predators Acquire Forsberg

[Smerri1029]

Nashville, Tenn. – Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has acquired forward Peter Forsberg (PEE-tuhr FOHRS-buhrg) from the Philadelphia Flyers for forward Scottie Upshall, defenseman Ryan Parent and Nashville’s first-round and third-round selections in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

“Peter Forsberg is one of the NHL’s most complete players and the ultimate competitor – a consistent winner who has year in and year out been a difference-maker in the Stanley Cup Playoffs,” said Poile. “He strengthens our club up the middle and will provide another battle-tested, veteran voice to our dressing room. Adding a player of this caliber also sends a strong message to our fans that the Nashville Predators are prepared to compete at the highest level.”

Forsberg, 33 (7/20/73), has captured two Stanley Cup championships (1996 and 2001 with Colorado), two Olympic gold medals (1994 and 2006 with Sweden) and he earned the NHL’s Hart Trophy (most valuable player) and Art Ross Trophy (scoring champion) in 2003. The 6-0, 205-pound center has been named to the NHL’s First All-Star Team three times (1998, 1999 and 2003), has played in five NHL All-Star Games and won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s rookie of the year in 1995.

This season, Forsberg has posted 40 points (11g-29a) in 40 games with Philadelphia. He has appeared in the post-season in each of his previous 11 seasons, has led the NHL in playoff scoring twice (1999 and 2002) and ranks 17th on the NHL’s all-time playoff scoring list with 162 points (61g-101a) in 139 games. Throughout his career, he has averaged over a point per game in both the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the regular season (246g-610a-856pts in 680 games).

Originally drafted by Philadelphia with the sixth overall selection in the 1991 NHL Entry Draft, Forsberg was dealt to Quebec in a package for Eric Lindros on June 30, 1992. He spent 10 seasons with the Quebec/Colorado franchise, leading the club in assists five times and in points four times, before joining the Flyers as a free agent on August 3, 2005.

[Dirty Harry]

Just tuned into the Flyers-Leafs game. He is a scratch. No one is saying anything. It won't take long........we'll know by game's end what is what.

[cottonzway]

*prays to Jebus for Shea Weber*

[BROKEN*ORBITAL]

First and second round pick and a young player from Nashville is what the Leafs broadcasters just said.

[Thrillhouse]

Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, 1st and 3rd

[forsberg21]

Originally Posted by Thrillhouse

Scottie Upshall, Ryan Parent, 1st and 3rd

that would be a great deal for Philadelphia

[pbag]

I wish Peter all the luck in Nashville....to bad things didnt work out in Philly

[steg1989]

Nashville is a major contender for the Cup now...

[Elf]

Giving up too much for a player who is as fragile as Peter is.

[Smerri1029]

Peter could very well put Nashville over the top on their way to the Cup.

[paint huffer]

Nashville is trying to win right away (this year) whereas Philly has accepted that they are more or less in rebuilding mode. In that sense, this is a great deal for both teams. However I think in the long run Philadelphia wins this deal. Actually I know in the long run Philly wins this. But if Nashville wins a cup this year, then it will be a tough call. I'd still say Philly wins, but the statement won't be quite as decisive on my part.

[Rellstone90]

absoulutely hate this trade. The flyers could have gotten some better players in return. wish they would have traded him to anaheim

[Elf]

Originally Posted by Smerri1029

Peter could very well put Nashville over the top on their way to the Cup.

Even if healthy, that is a very big gamble. I don't think Peter would put Nashville in that kind of position.

Once factoring in the chance he remains healthy...

[Number 29]

Is Upshaw any good? His stats aren't so hot. How about Parent? I know he was a first round pick a couple of years ago but I haven't heard much about him.

[cottonzway]

Here is Parent's stats:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...37;5B%5D=76868

Upshaw's stats:

http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/p...id%5B%5D=55361