As The Rumors Swirl

Hockey writers (and fans alike) love to hear juicy gossip about where players from their favorite teams may end up, especially in February - near the trade deadline.

The Flyers are no exception to this rule, as many websites and blogs across the Internet continue to fan the flames of Player A going to (name of city here), Player B going to (name of city here).

So let's get down to the nitty-gritty and analyze what may take place in Philadelphia. First of all there aer several players and prospects whom are virtually "untouchable". Meaning, unless the Flyers get bowled over with an offer they can't refuse (and this has nothing to do with a horse's head), these guys aren't going anywhere:

• Simon Gagne
• Mike Knuble
• Jeff Carter
• Mike Richards
• R.J. Umberger
• Steve Downie
• Claude Giroux

I'm sure the first name you don't see on the list of "untouchables" that may surprise you is: Joni Pitkanen.

Let me explain.

Joni Pitkanen is a good, young mobile defenseman with a very good offensive skillset and average defensive skills. Generally speaking in hockey, you don't trade good, young defenseman (as with good, young starting pitching in baseball). And I agree whole heartedly.

However, Joni has not progressed as much as the Flyers would have liked this season, especially in the offensive zone. He has been good at carrying the puck into the zone, but he has not found the back of the net much this season. Now, I do not believe that the Flyers are actively shopping Pitkanen, nor do I believe that they have given up on him. But his reputation has taken a hit this year, even as much as him being referred to as "dumb" and/or "lazy".

Despite all of this I do not believe the Flyers are "actively" shopping Joni, but I do believe he could be had if another decent young defenseman were coming back to Philadelphia (even if his ceiling isn't as high as Pitkanen's).

Here's a quick look at the Flyers who could be traded by the Feb. 27th deadline:

• Kyle Calder: There has been talk recently of the Flyers giving an extension to UFA Calder (much lower than his $2.95 mil salary this year). I believe its to gauge his interest in re-signing, and if the he balks at the price, he'll be traded to the highest bidder. Chance of being traded? 80%
• Mike York: York was acquired from the Islanders earlier this season for fellow UFA Randy Robitaille. Since Robitaille was not going to be re-signed, the Flyers took a gamble on York to see how he would mesh with this team. Outcome? Not so good. Chance of being dealt: 70%
• Sami Kapanen: Both the Flyers and Kapanen have expressed interest in continuing their relationship. The Flyers fear Sami might retire if he's dealt, so look for him to stay put. Chance of being traded? 10%
• Geoff Sanderson: Sanderson has one year remaining on his contract for $1.5 mil. His speed and play-making abilities are somewhat valuable to other teams. Look for Sanderson to be dealt by the end of February. Chance of being traded? 70%
• Dmitry Afanasenkov: If anyone will take him for more than a bag of pucks, look for Dmitry to finish his '07 campaign in another sweater. Chance of being traded? 50% (based on other teams wanting him)
• Ben Eager & Todd Fedoruk: These two are the Flyers two energy/tough guys. Do not look for them to be dealt unless the Flyers, once again, receive an offer they cannot refuse. Chance of being traded? 10%
• Derian Hatcher: The Flyers would love to rid themselves of the final two years and $7 million remaining on his contract. Hatcher is slow and has not adapted well to the "new" NHL. It remains to be seen if his services as a hitter and stay-at-home defenseman would benefit a team like, Nashville. Chance of being traded? 30%
• Alexei Zhitnik: The Flyers (also) acquired Zhitnik from the Islanders earlier this season, but I believe he the Flyers view him as part of their future and their solution, rather than as a rental and part of the problem. Chance of being traded? 0%
• Denis Gauthier: Since Gauthier's return from a shoulder injury, he has brought a level of intensity and fearlessness that has given the Flyers a bit of resurgence. Since he still has two years and $4.3 million left on his contract, I believe the Flyers will listen to offers for him. But I doubt he is moved. Chance of being traded? 10%
• Robert Esche: Esche has been the scapegoat for a lot of the Flyers troubles the past two seasons. He is scheduled to hit unrestricted free agency this summer, with little doubt that he will not be back in Philadelphia. With all of the goaltending woes throughout the NHL, someone could use Robert as a back-up for a playoff run. Plus, I think the Flyers would love to get Michael Leighton into a few games this season to show what he's got. Chance of being traded? 80%
• Antero Niitymaki: With the price of star goaltending, with the financial restraints of the salary cap and how cheaply they can probably re-sign Niity, look for the Flyers to offer him a one year deal and make him the starting goalie again in '07/'08, with Leighton as his back-up. Chance of being traded? 0%