Philadelphia: Ingenious or Insanity?

Today the Philadelphia Flyers completed two deals that left many wondering simply, why? The core of their team, Mike Richards and Jeff Carter, shipped out of town in a matter of minutes. Richards, the team captain, the heart and soul of the franchise is packing up for hollywood. Meanwhile Jeff Carter, the team's resident sniper and 1st line center is heading to Columbus to join forces with Rick Nash in what could be a deadly duo.

Since about December 2009, there has been rumours floating around that everything wasn't quite right in the Flyers dressing room. After taking some heat for off ice issues regarding the local nightlife, the dynamic in the room changed. But making it to the Stanley Cup Final surely cured whatever was ailing the team. Right? Perhaps not, seeing as Paul Holmgren just signed off on two blockbuster trades completely altering the landscape of the Philadelphia Flyers.

What does this mean for the Flyers? Well for starters they have lost a lot of experience, but they have also gained some of the brighteset young talent in the league. Jakub Voracek is a big skiled kid who, given the right mix could score 30 goals this year. Wayne Simmonds is another guy who could pot 20 but is also defensively responsible and posted a +22 mark a couple years ago. And, probably the most important piece coming back the Flyers way, Brayden Schenn. This kid has drawn high comparisons and has the pedigree to back it up. He was the best player on the ice for Canada at the world juniors and had nearly posted a 2.00 PPG with the Saskatoon Blades this year.

The Kings and Blue Jackets add pieces they desperately needed, and for what I'd say is a reasonable price. Richards is that 2nd line center that has eluded LA for a few years now. Richards is a leader and will be a great fit on a young Kings squad. Rick Nash has needed a pivot that could keep pace with him for what seems like forever. Today the Jackets finally added that player. Nash and Carter together have the potential to be scary good, and on Columbus' side of things its a pretty good trade.

Who knows who will win these trades, we can only speculate until the teams get back on the ice. However we do know come October, Philadelphia will be a new look team. The question now is , for better or for worse?