See that image above?
Yeah, Flyers GM Paul Holmgren wants to see a bit less of that, and more of the scoring chemistry forward Steve Downie, a former Flyer draft pick, will bring to the table alongside Claude Giroux and Vinny Lecavalier. He played with both players before, Giroux in the minors, Lecavalier in Tampa Bay, and he seemed to mesh well with both.
The cost of course was fan favorite and all around locker room class act Max Talbot, a forward who excelled in penalty killing and provided a boost and upbeat personality to the ice. When the news first broke there was a polarizing reaction, half of those who understand hockey in a statistical sense applauding Homer’s latest move, and the other half who let their hearts lead viewed the trade with a measure of animosity. It can safely be said that anyone who follows the Flyers didn’t want to see Max go, but to become three years younger at forward and provide a lot more offensive skill was too good to pass up.
Downie, he of the multiple 20 game suspensions and a playing attitude like a crazed badger at times, is still quite young for all the travel and games he’s put in. What the Flyers are hoping for is more of a finished product instead of the unbridled wild man they witnessed when they first brought Downie up as a prospect, one with a host of potential for a solid all around game. Steve seemed to harness his aggressive streak a bit in Tampa under the tutelage of then head coach of the Lightning and former Flyer great Rick Tocchet, who paired him with Steve Stamkos. The two blossomed into a dangerous duo, Stamkos finally realizing his goals by the bushel skill set, and Downie understanding he didn’t have do his best Dave Schultz impression on a nightly basis, instead honing in a knack to provide timely goals, and pick up the scoring slack when necessary. Vincent Lecavalier happened to be their general on the ice, and the interest in reuniting him with Steve had to be the priority here. Downie had career highs in goals while working alongside Vinny, and if the risk pays off, should do so again.
The one factor I worry about the most if Steve’s injury history. He has missed a boatload of games, but again, it was due to two big injuries, and the relief comes in knowing it wasn’t a case of developing multiple lingering injuries. I’m still lost as to why Patrick Roy would want to lose this kid from his lineup, he was a large catalyst in the Colorado Avalanche’s brilliant start. Avalanche GM Joe Sakic has a great hockey mind, and it’s easy to see why he’d want a grit guy to shore up the PK, but the common opinion now that the dust has settled is that Sakic was fleeced of a far superior talent, and may do more harm than good. Guys who can pot 20-30 goals while being a hard hitter and agitator are harder to find than 4th liners. Brad Marchand of the Bruins is a player who comes to mind and his value is also tremendous, a player who can help you win Stanley Cups. The catch is that Downie is a rental, with an expiring contract. If Holmgren manages to lock him down for a few years, this will have been a steal.
Last little tidbit for thought: has anyone wondered what kind of mentor-ship Downie might provide another player cut from the same cloth in Zac Rinaldo?
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