Flyers sign Timonen and Hartnell
The Nashville Predators got back their 2007 first round draft pick that they had traded to the Philadelphia Flyers earlier this year for Peter Forsberg. Scott Hartnell and Kimmo Timonen have already signed six year contracts with the Flyers. All this has happened before July 1st creating a pretty big surprise for most people.
Because of Nashville’s uncertain ownership future and an expected tight budget in the coming year, sources tell TSN the Predators arranged with the Flyers to give them exclusive negotiating rights to two coveted free agents - defenceman Kimmo Timonen and forward Scott Hartnell.
Sources tell TSN the Flyers have now signed both Hartnell and Timonen to long-term contracts.
Hartnell, who was scheduled to become a free agent on July 1, signed with Flyers on a 6-year, $25.2 million deal for a cap hit of $4.2 million per year.
The Flyers also agreed to terms with Timonen on a 6-year, $37.8 million contract for an annual cap hit of $6.3 million.
Hartnell was a possibility for the Wings, but a small chance at that, so he’s now off the market. I’m surprised that the Flyers are willing to pay defenseman Timonen that much money over six years. Hartnell is young (only 25) so I can understand the big salary and length of contract. But Timonen? He’s 31. Six years on a contract? I’m okay with the amount of money they’re going to pay him, but for six years?
One thing’s for certain: Timonen and Hartnell didn’t come at a discount. Both receive six-year deals at the same sort of coin they would have received as UFAs, with 25-year-old Hartnell getting $25.2-million and Timonen signing on into old age for $37.8-million.
Unreal.
I knew the Flyers were poised for a huge splash this off-season given their available cap space and a high-end budget, but who could have imagined it would come this quickly? And does this indicate Nashville’s intention to deal all of its assets in an attempt to tank next season?
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2 Responses to “Flyers sign Timonen and Hartnell”
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June 18th, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Balsille’s tactics may get him the team but it looks like he’s going to break it before he buys it. The headline should have been “Preds send Hartnell, Timonen to Philly, Division to Detroit”
June 19th, 2007 at 4:51 pm
ColBerdan- Nice headline and that’s very true. The Wings definitely should not have a hard time winning the division with the Preds losing those two players and most likely more.
While I don’t think Balsille would spend a ton on free agents because he does want the team to move, it’s the current owner’s decision to let these guys go. He isn’t willing to lose more money on a high payroll and with no guarantee that the sale will even go through, he’s covering his butt.