Flyers just signed who? Well his name is Mika Pyorala, and he’s someone you should get familiar with. He’s coming over to the NHL after a number of years in the Finnish Leauge (SM-Liiga) followed by two years in the Swedish Elite League (Elitserien). Going undrafted many years ago, the talented Pyorala is already 28 and looking to make an NHL roster.
Sometimes it’s hard to nab star players like this from other top foreign leagues such as the SEL or KHL because life here in North America is tough. There’s a higher level of competition and less money for those that aren’t exactly superstars. Instead they could stay where they are and reap the benefits of lesser competition. That’s why it’s very likely that the Finnish two-way star of the SEL has likely signed a one-way contract. He’s coming to Philadelphia to make the roster.
That doesn’t mean that this signing is necessarily a bad thing. Pyorala finished 12th in total scoring and 9th in goals this season with a total of 21 goals and 22 assists for Timrå IK of the Elitserien. The best thing about him though may just be his two way play. He is a guy that can rack up penalty kill time against NHL competition in the World Championships for Finland. He played on the top line against some of the best the league has to offer. He can certainly hang with the NHL players. He won’t be a star here, but that doesn’t mean his skills can’t go a long way.
Originally he was a feisty two-way checker, but has found some offensive abilities. Because of this many teams were interested in acquiring his services, and of course the Flyers won the bid. Terms of the contract are currently unavailable, but if this kid plays wing for the Flyers I have no doubt he will be a solid pick up. Once again the Flyers still seem to have not found a face off centerman. While Pyorala is a center for Timrå IK he is not spectacular at faceoffs with a 44% win rate last season. Hopefully the Flyers put him at LW where he can be effective.
Brendan Shanahan. Shanny has officially rejected the Flyers’ offers. It’s a shame because he would’ve made another solid bottom six pick up. Instead he will either return to the Rangers or the Devils next season. The Flyers will still likely be looking elsewhere for some more depth in the bottom six. They have a little bit of room and quite a bit more if one of the overpaid bottom pairing defensemen are moved.
Ian Laperriere. Lappy had his official press conference yesterday to welcome him to the team. He looks awesome
in his number 14. Per Holmgren, “The best way that I can sum up Ian and what he brings to our team is that he comes to play.” I love it; can’t wait to see him in action on the bottom six. Certainly a quality guy, a team guy, and a hard worker.
Camp Lets Out. Flyers’ Prospect Camp is over and the results are in. Maroon had the most outstanding showing according to a lot of those involved. He is down to a reasonable size after weight problems originally held him back from being a higher draft pick. When he got in shape he tore up the OHL for a season before joining the Phantoms. He has not slowed down since. Maroon is one of the few options that Holmgren has for a roster spot in the upcoming 2009-10 season, but it may benefit the young power forward more to spend another season in the AHL. His skating was originally a big issue, but the staff has made every indication that he is up to where they want him skating wise. He continues to improve daily and still has the hands of a god.
The usual bottom six call ups this season may be players like Nodl and Kalinski who both saw action with the orange and black this season. Laliberte has certainly made a huge impression in prospect camp as well. JVR continues to improve, but we will have to see if he can make the team out of camp. The fact that Holmgren went out and got a player like Pyorala may indicate how he feels JVR’s progress has been so far. Either way there are certainly a number of open positions on this team.
Defensively the question remains whether or not the current six slated on the roster will be there come opening day. Marshall and Bourdon had stellar camps and will be looking to make the team. Meanwhile the jury is still out on Bodrov.
Everything has become basically a wait and see game until next camp unless the organization makes a move for someone.
As promised, here are some Pyorala videos (#37). Think Sami Kapanen, more offensive Patrick Thoresen, or poor-man’s Jere Lehtinen:
