Flyers Acquire Nicklas Grossman

Trade Details:

The Philadelphia Flyers acquire Nicklas Grossman from the Dallas Stars for a 2nd-round pick in 2012 and a 3rd-round pick in 2013.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Philadelphia Flyers Acquire:

D. Nicklas Grossman Age: 27 Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 CONTRACT:  Cap-Hit: $1,625,000 Expires: 2012 (UFA) Important Facts: -Led Dallas in blocked shot with 100 -Career Plus/Minus of Plus-5

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Dallas Stars Acquire:

2nd Round Draft Pick (2012) Important Facts: -Originally owned by the LA Kings

3rd Round Draft Pick (2013) Important Facts: -Originally owned by the Minnesota Wild

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Analysis:

To kick off the trade season the Flyers have unsurprisingly acquired a big defensive-defenseman. With the defense market shrinking, teams in need of a defenseman have been scrambling to acquire one before its too late. The Flyers had been interested in Niklas Grossman for an extended amount of time so it was only natural that they targeted Grossman to fill their hole on the back-end. In-exchange for Grossman the Flyers sent a second-round pick in 2012 and a third-round pick in 2013 to the Stars. 

Coming into the season the Philadelphia Flyers believed that their defense corps were set. Had it not been for an unfortunate season ending concussion to their number one defenseman and captain, Chris Pronger, that would have been true. Since the news of the injury was announced in November the Flyers have been searching for another top-four defensive-defenseman to come and fill his spot (as best as possible). With the market shrinking almost daily the Flyers decided that it was either now or never, and made the trade to bring Niklas Grossman to Philadelphia. In Grossman they get a defenseman that excels in his own end and shuts down the opponent's top-line. His presence on the penalty kill will be a huge benefit to the Flyers especially down the stretch. The type of game he plays doesn't make too much noise, but it stabilizes the entire team. His reliability is second-to-none considering his flawless positioning and effortless defensive play. Although I believe Grossman is a great fit for Philly, there are a few concerns for them on this move. They did overpay a little bit, but give-in the market for defenseman its probably fair. With that said I still question paying that price just for the fact that he is going to be an Unrestricted Free Agent this upcoming off-season. I wouldn't be surprised if they get him signed to an extension, but it is definitely risky considering that after giving up that much for him they could lose his rights in just a few months.

On the other side of the transaction, Dallas was able to acquire two high draft picks for Grossman. Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk knew that Grossman was an important part of his defense, but after the Brad Richards debacle last season and losing him for nothing, it was clear that Nieuwendyk wasn't going to allow that to happen to another pending free agent. Despite the shrewd asset management, many critics have questioned the decision to move a top-four defenseman while being only four points out of a playoff spot. Although it is a valid point, its only fair to mention that the Stars have some talented defensemen that have earned larger roles than the ones they've had. By moving out Grossman the door is open for Philip Larsen to take top-four minutes, and Adam Pardy to fill Larsen's former spot on the bottom pair. In regards to the return, whether the Stars decide to trade them or use them, the draft picks they acquired will be extremely useful.

Sometimes you have to overlook the price a team pays when the player they acquired is perfect for their situation and I think this is one of those situations. The Flyers paid a big price for a guy who might not be with the club in six months, but for their current situation of trying to make a push for the Stanley Cup without their top defenseman, it made too much sense for them to acquire a rock solid player like Grossman. On the Stars side, if you didn't pick it up in my summary, I felt the decision to move Grossman now was not only ballsy, but smart. Its obvious that Nieuwendyk is confident in the defense depth he has and he wasn't about to get burned by losing Grossman for nothing as a free agent.