Ian Laperriere

Donald Wood Jr.

The Task of Replacing Ian Laperriere

This was going to be another year of stellar defensive play from the Philadelphia Flyers forward Ian Laperriere before post concussion symptoms were diagnosed.  These symptoms could keep him sidelined for the rest of this year and possibly his career.  The doctors that diagnosed the symptoms have recommended that Laperriere retire and not do any more damage to his brain.

When Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren said that Ian Laperriere was “out indefinitely” with post-concussion syndrome, it was hard to believe Lappy would ever suit up to play in the NHL again.

That hope took a giant blow on Wednesday when Laperriere disclosed that doctors have advised him to retire.

The 2010 preseason had been filled with good news for the Philadelphia Flyers.

The potential addition of Bill Guerin created dreams of a top-nine forward corps filled with potential 20-goal scorers.

Solid performances from rookies like Sergei Bobrovsky, Ben Holmstrom, and Mike Testwuide helped build excitement for the future.

The Philadelphia Flyers announced on Tuesday that starting goalie Michael Leighton has a bulging disc in his back, and will miss at least one month. This is coming one day after general manager Paul Holmgren told the media he was not "real concerned" with Leighton's lower back strain.

It turned out to be worse than he expected as revealed after second and third medical opinions, when Leighton was diagnosed with a bulging disc. His original MRI was negative, according to CSNPhilly.com

In 1969, Flyers owner Ed Snider saw his team physically dominated by the St. Louis Blues. It was the second year in a row that the Blues abused and eliminated the Flyers. Ed Snider vowed that his team would never be pushed around again.

Snider's logic flowed down through the Flyers organization for years. The Broad Street Bullies won two consecutive Stanley Cups and intimidated the NHL for years.

The Stanley Cup is the most treasured trophy in the sports world.  Many players can play their entire career without raising the Cup.

This is a list of active NHL players with at least 1,000 games played who have never hoisted the Cup.  Time may be running out for these players.

No active player is a real threat to break Phil Housley's record of 1,495 games played without a Cup.  

However, there is a chance that all mentioned could gain ground on him this year as they search for the elusive prize.

Let’s face it folks, with all the turmoil and player injuries surrounding this club, the Philadelphia Flyers should not be in the position they are right now, awaiting their second round opponent for the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Throughout the season the Flyers were decimated by long term injuries to the likes of Jeff Carter, Ray Emery, Michael Leighton, Simon Gagne, Daniel Briere, and others.

While the hockey world is still running rapid with signings and players still to be had, the Flyers finished their searches early—for today, anyway.

They signed free agent right wing Ian Laperriere and goaltender Brian Boucher to multi-year contracts, according to club general manager Paul Holmgren. Boucher’s deal is worth $1.8 million over the next two years, while Laperriere inked a three-year deal worth $3.5 million.

“I’m thrilled,” Boucher said. “I had a nice year in San Jose, but I’m happy to be back in Philly.”

Less then two days ago it was reported by TSN that Ian Laperriere of the Colorado Avalanche rejected their offer of a one year deal.

It has been said that the offer was less money than the contract he currently has, which is approximately $1.15 million. Because of this, Laperriere may be heading towards unrestricted free agency this July first.