Salary Implications

The Inquirer's Tim Panaccio notes that the Flyers' salary commitments right now total $40,114,640 -- leaving them $3,885,360 under the $44 million cap with Simon Gagne still unsigned. General Manager Bob Clarke has repeatedly expressed confidence that the two sides will be able to work out a deal, but Gagne's agent sounded less than optimistic this week. "We spoke last week and we spoke this week, but [talks] are not moving," [agent Bob] Sauve said. "We're still talking and there is some time, but there is a gap. I can't say I'm confident right now." Panaccio goes on to mention that "a source familiar with the negotiations" is saying a deal will get done that averages $5.4 million per year, with no word on how long the deal is. If true, this would put the Flyers' salary total at $45,514,640 -- $1,514,640 over the cap. (Teams are allowed to go over the cap by up to 10% but must be at or below the cap by opening day.) As much as I love the heart and leadership that Keith Primeau brings to the Flyers, I have to think it's time for him to retire. This would serve several purposes -- preserving Primeau's quality of life chief among them, though certainly not the least of which is getting the Flyers under the cap.