I’ve finally made it over from the old site and got set up here, just in time for the trade deadline.

Before the Flyers picking up Vinny Prospal late last night, I was actually counting on the Flyers being sellers at the deadline. There had been no life in the team, and I still think John Stevens should be dumped. During the 10-game losing streak, Jason Smith’s name started to appear in rumors here in the Philly area. He wants a long-term deal, something the Flyers just cannot afford to give him. Would you rather have Jason Smith at $3.5M for 3-4 years, or Derian Hatcher at the same price for one? So do not be surprised if Jason Smith is traded today, and they can do it and still make another move for the vaunted defenseman they’re looking for.

Smith made the best case in preseason to be the new captain of the Flyers…and still is. However he play had tended to decline as the season went on, and he’s making mistakes and been relegated to being a 5th or 6th defenseman. That said, Mike Richards looks to be ready to be the next captain of the Flyers.

Smith was the captain of the Oilers team that went to the 2006 Stanley Cup Final, he handles the pressure of being a captain well, and isn’t flustered by it. If your team is looking to get a proven leader, hopefully without huge expectations, you might be looking for Jason Smith.