The Philadelphia Flyers announced today that they have acquired 5’11”, 180-pound left wing Kyle Calder from the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for Michal Handzus, according to club General Manager Bob Clarke.

“Our greatest depth is at center ice,” said Clarke in making the announcement. “Calder is a player who we have coveted for a long time. He can score; he can kill penalties; he can play on any of our top three lines. He is a left wing player somewhat similar to what Michal was for us as a center iceman. We ended up playing Michal a lot on the wing when he really is a center and plays his best at center. We are still very strong at center and now we are much stronger at left wing.”

“Words can not even describe how excited I am right now,” said Calder. “I’m just really looking forward to joining the team. The Flyers have always been one of the teams that I wanted to come to. The dream is finally here and now I have to make the best of it. I’m kind of an up-and-down winger. If I get the opportunity, hopefully I can put the puck in the net. Tha’s kind of how I see myself. I’m kind of rugged. I like to play in the corners, chip the puck in good spots and try to create plays. Philadelphia has a great looking team on paper and on the ice. They have done well every year.” [.continue.]

I’m going to miss Zeus. He might not put up great numbers, but he is a warrior. He plays through injuries and does whatever is asked of him. I am also going to miss the Zeus chants.

Let’s look at what the Flyers gave up.
A 29 year old center at 6-5 217.
Last season played 73 games scored 11 goals, 33 assists, minus 2 with 38 penalty minutes. $2.128 million salary with one year left on the contract.

And what the Flyers got.
A 27 year old WING at 5-11 176.
Last season played 79 games scored 26 goals, 33 assists, minus 4 with 52 penalty minutes. $2.95 million salary in a one year contract.

So the Flyers got a younger, quicker and more offensive player. To do that the Flyers took an 800k salary hit. Good trade I think, especially as deep as the Flyers still are at center and the fact that Richards, Carter and Forsberg are still ‘untouchable’ in regards to trade.

This trade could also be speaking to the fact that Gagne has not been signed yet. Currently the Flyers are at about $39.5 million for payroll. If Gagne gets what he wants in salary which I believe is $5mill or higher it would put the Flyers over the cap. Even so there is the expectation and hope that Gagne will be resigned and be a Flyer for a very long time.