Report: Flyers' Ian Laperriere to Miss Entire Season

According to a report from the Delaware County Daily Times' website, Philadelphia Flyers' right wing Ian Laperriere will likely miss the entire 2010-11 season with post-concussion symptoms after being struck in the face with a puck this past April, and his hockey playing career may be over. The report also indicated that the team is deciding whether to put him on long-term injured reserve or let him announce his retirement. If Laperriere does decide to retire, the team would have to deal with a salary cap hit over the next two seasons because of his age. He will be re-evaluated over the next few weeks, but it is unlikely he will play a game this season. In all 82 games last season with the Flyers, Laperriere had three goals and 17 assists for 20 points and 162 penalty minutes. In 1083 career NHL games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, Colorado Avalanche, and Philadelphia Flyers, he has 121 goals and 215 assists for 336 points and 1956 penalty minutes. This is unfortunate news, as Laperriere was always a hard worker on the ice, a great leader, and played with lots of grit and toughness. The Flyers would be better off placing him on long-term injury status, as they really can't afford to eat the rest of his contract if he decides to retire. It's always sad to see a player have his career ended because of an injury, and Laperriere's contributions on the ice will be missed.

Flyers Sign Forward Ian Laperriere to Three-year Contract

The Philadelphia Flyers got a lot tougher and grittier on Wednesday by signing right wing Ian Laperriere to a three-year contract worth $3.5 million. The deal averages out to $1.17 million per season. In 74 games last season with the Colorado Avalanche, Laperriere scored seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points and 163 penalty minutes. In 1001 career games with the St. Louis Blues, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and Colorado Avalanche, he has 118 goals and 198 assists for 316 points and 1794 penalty minutes. It looks like the Flyers are trying to emulate the Broad Street Bullies of the 1970s. Laperriere adds lots of toughness to a team that already features physical players in Mike Richards, Daniel Carcillo, Chris Pronger, Riley Cote, Scott Hartnell, Arron Asham, and Braydon Coburn. He also brings lots of leadership qualities to the team. The only problem with the Laperriere signing is that it puts the Flyers $1.5 million over the salary cap. They can be over the cap until the start of next season, but then must get their payroll back down to $56.8 million. Look for the Flyers to make a salary dumping trade over the next few months or demote a player to the minors if a trade cannot be had.