Now that the Philadelphia Flyers freed up some cap space by losing out on the Shea Weber bidding war, they have to sign their existing free agents. One such free agent is Jakub Voracek.
The 22 year-old Czech Republic was drafted 7th overall in 2007 by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Thrown right into the mix, he played 80 games in the 2008-2009 season, contributing for 9 goals and 29 assists for 38 points. He helped the Blue Jackets to their first post-season, later losing to the Detroit Red Wings in the Conference Quarterfinals.
The 2009-2010 season saw an even better year for Voracek who nearly doubled his goal production in 81 games, posting 16 goals and 34 assists for a respectable 50 point season. In his last season with the Blue Jackets, the 2010-2011 season, Voracek had 14 goals and 32 assist for 46 points in 80 games played.
The winger made headlines as he was involved in a trade between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Columbus Blue Jackets, where the Flyers shocked the hockey community by shipping Jeff Carter in return for Voracek and both a first and third round draft pick. In 78 games with the Flyers and new teammates, he posted yet another successful season with 49 points; 18 goals and 31 assists. Not a bad trade for the Flyers considering Carter was suffering from injuries that resulted in 27 missed games and contributed for only 34 points; 15 points less than Voracek.
The Flyers see the potential of the 22 year-old to develop into one of the elite players in the league, and such, has signed the restricted free agent to a four-year, $17 million dollar contract. Fantasy owners take note, he is expected to take the top line spot of departing Jaromir Jagr that is centered by Claude Giroux.
The Flyers have shown they are willing to throw money at players that could potentially lead them to a Stanley Cup. Although the Weber deal did not pan out, rumors of trying to sign Shane Doan or Alexander Semin are surfacing. Either signing, in addition with the locking up of Voracek, will round out the top 6. The inability to sign Weber is a blessing in disguise as the Flyers are once again Stanley Cup contenders.
