On the Philadelphia Flyers …
Marc Narducci of the Philadelphia Daily News: Defenseman Michael Del Zotto realizes it could be final two games in a Flyers jersey this weekend.
“I know where I am contract-wise,” said the 26-year-old defenseman, who will be an unrestricted free agent after the season. “Being unrestricted this summer, there haven’t been any talks . We’ll see what happens.”
Del Zotto carries a $3.87 million cap hit this season. In 49 games this season he has five goals and 12 assists. He’s had a knee and ankle injuries this year, and has been made a healthy scratch at times.
Sam Carchidi of the Philadelphia Daily News: Pending unrestricted free agent goal Steve Mason could be making his final start in a Flyers jersey this weekend.
“To be honest with you, I haven’t really given it that much thought that it might be my last weekend here,” said Mason, whose 103 wins with the Flyers place him third in franchise history, behind Ron Hextall (240) and Bernie Parent (232). “I’m sure that it will hit me after the weekend is over. … It could be a sad weekend, I guess.”
The soon to be 29-year old has a 25-21-8 record with a 2.67 GAA and .908 save percentage. In his past 15 games Mason as a 9-5-2 record with a 2.15 GAA and .933 save percentage.
The Flyers haven’t spoken with Mason’s agent all season.
Forward Roman Lyubimov said that he’ll have a “tough decision” to make this summer – whether to remain in North America and or return to Russia and play in the KHL.
Defenseman Nick Schultz could look to find another team this offseason, but the 34-year old knows his career could be coming to an end.
Tim Panaccio of CSN Philly: Forward Claude Giroux doesn’t think the any of the Flyers core players will be traded this offseason, including himself. Giroux has a no-movement clause.
The 29-year old Giroux hasn’t had a great season with some of his lowest totals since 2009-10. Offseason hip and abdominal surgery likely played a role in his struggles.
Giroux has five years left on his contract at a $8.725 million cap hit, so it could be hard to move him if the Flyers wanted to. If they did want to trade him, they could likely get a player of similar value, a top prospect and a draft pick.
“Ah, I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve been in Philly for nine years and I don’t plan on leaving. Like I said, it’s not for me to make those decisions and I’m not leaving.”
Sources say GM Ron Hextall doesn’t have any intention of trading Giroux or any of their core – Jakub Voracek, Wayne Simmonds or Brayden Schenn.
