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Avs send Steve Downie to Flyers in exchange for Max Talbot
Steve Downie began his career as a Philadelphia Flyer. On Thursday, he received the news that he'd be heading back east after the Flyers acquired the forward from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Max Talbot.
From the Avs:
“Maxime is a veteran forward who has won a Stanley Cup and has a lot of NHL experience,” said Avalanche Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations Joe Sakic. “We’re looking forward to him bringing that experience to our club.”
Talbot has two points in 11 games and Downie has seven over the same span. Instantly, Downie ties Vincent Lecavalier for the team lead in points.
The top-ranked penalty kill in the NHL gets stronger in the addition of Talbot (3:35 SH TOI), while Downie certainly helps the offensively-challenged Flyers if he can continue to provide his usual 30-40 points a season.
Looking at salary cap implications, the move gives Flyers general manager Paul Holgrem some flexibility in the summer. According to CapGeek, Talbot still has two more seasons with a $1.75 million cap hit remaining. Downie is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent after this season.
Holmgren frees up some money to spend in the summer -- or maybe he shouldn't -- while Avs GM Greg Sherman takes on Talbot's hit without having to hand Downie a multi-year deal in the summer worth in excess of $3 million per season.
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