Flyers Notes | Clarke would take Leetch, to a point
By Tim Panaccio
Inquirer Staff Writer
BOSTON - If the Rangers put Brian Leetch on the open market, the Flyers are interested, but not if the price is 19-year-old center prospect Jeff Carter.
Flyers general manager Bob Clarke said yesterday at FleetCenter that he hasn't had any conversations with Rangers general manager Glen Sather about Leetch.
But both Flyers assistant GM Paul Holmgren and director of pro hockey personnel Ron Hextall scouted Leetch Thursday against the Islanders.
"I don't know if they are going to trade him," Clarke said. "My personal feelings on it are Leetch is like Mike Richter. He should retire as a Ranger. That is what I hope for. There is some tradition there. But if Glen decides to move him, I assume he'll call everybody, and we'll talk."
Various NHL sources say the Flyers and Dallas Stars have the most interest in Leetch, who turns 36 in March and has $6.4 million left on his contract for next season. Leetch, who logs 26 minutes a night, would be a huge addition to the Flyers' power play and strengthen a defense that will get stronger when Eric Desjardins returns in mid- to late-March.
Around the NHL, the presumption has been that the only way Sather can trade Leetch to the Flyers and sell it to his boss - Cablevision president and CEO Jim Dolan - is by getting one of the Flyers' stud center prospects, either Carter or Mike Richards, in return.
"We're not going to trade our top prospects. We're not going to trade Carter," Clarke said of the 6-foot-3, 182-pounder. "One player, even a player of Leetch's stature, certainly makes your team better, but he doesn't guarantee you win the Cup."
Clarke listed Carter, Richards and Joni Pitkanen as three young players he considers untouchable. The team already has dealt away defensive prospects Jeff Woywitka and Jim Vandermeer this season.
The question for Clarke is whether he thinks Leetch can deliver a Stanley Cup this year.
"The points [in the standings] indicate there are about six teams within a point or two of each other, so how do you choose who can win it?" Clarke said. "Anyone can."
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Theres a shock. He doesnt wanna give Carter up. Good. Im very glad. Dont do it. Leetch is not worth it. He is a great player but he is not the one who would be with us for years and is young and new. If that makes sense. Anyway...
3 and a half hours till game time, baby! GO FLYAHSSSSSSS!
Game on baby! ;)
Oh....ERIC DESJARDINS TO RETURN MID-LATE MARCH! YEAH RICO BABY! :D
da2kokib
Jules aka the #1 fan of the man in #37