That’s right, unless it was for more of the header photo, then much like the infamous Double Rainbow video diatribe, Flyers Nation asked today on Twitter: “What does it all meannn??”
3 years. 8.25 million dollars.
This is the apparent price paid for a 34 year old career third liner who has a little pop on his stick, has tons of catchphrase values like “glue” and “grit”, and is a “grinder” type.
God knows how much Philly loves those words. We’ve never met a tough guy we didn’t like..right? Jody Shelley ring a bell?
This news is all well and good, except for that ridiculous price tag that could have been better used on a guy with more familiar ties to the Flyers in Simon Gagne. You know, the guy who used to score goals in bunches? An already established fan favorite? The guy who virtually saved that amazing 2010 Stanley Cup run with his overtime heroics against the Bruins? You know, THE GUY WHO WAIVED HIS NMC CLAUSE SO HE COULD GET SHOPPED TO TAMPA FOR THE GOOD OF THE TEAM.
Yes, that guy.
Nearly three million a year for a chance to NOT develop a much younger, possibly grittier version of Cleary in Scott Laughton. Forget using jargon like “glue” when this team has a chance to really let the team grow up, gel and become successful together, because that’s never happened before and what not.
Perhaps this is like the NHL version of Spygate? A slick move by Homer to grab this guy and sponge his mind for all the potentially evil schemes Mike Babcock and his perennial powerhouse Red Wings will use now that they’ve become Eastern Conference foes? Yeah, that’s got to be it.
Or maybe it’s just another sad case of Homer continuing the Flyers legacy of overpaying for back nine players in hopes they will channel their youth and help Philly win a cup. The fact that Cleary even received a NTC annoys me further knowing he will stay a Flyer for all three years, regardless of his performance, and how close he’ll be to 40 once it’s over.
I witnessed a host of disappointment in the Flyer Fan Twitterverse concerning this subject, and I’ve got to say that I agree. There is a wealth of young potential on this club, and I really thought for veteran leadership, then that’s what they brought Lecavalier, Streit, and Emery in for.
If this club signs Hal Gill to a 4 year, 9 million dollar deal? I’ll snap.
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