The Colorado Avalanche have traded winger Steve Downie to the Philadelphia Flyers for winger Maxime Talbot.
The 26-year old Downie was drafted 29th overall in the 1st round of the 2005 draft by the Flyers. Downie carries a $2.65 million salary cap hit, $2.75 million salary. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
The 29-year old Talbot was drafted 234th overall in the 8th round of the 2002 draft by the Penguins. Talbot carries a $1.75 million salary cap hit, with a $2 million salary this season. He has two more years left on his deal after this season, with salaries of $1.25 million and $1 million.
Thoughts from twitter:
- James Mirtle: “Joe Sakic on Downie for Talbot trade with Flyers: “Maxime is a veteran forward who has won a Stanley Cup and has a lot of NHL experience.”
- Seth Rorabaugh: Avs have a young talented team. Bring in an experienced Cup winner who has a history of playing with young, elite talent.”
- Joe Yerdon: “Wonder if Talbot fit in with what Berube was doing in Philly. Also wonder if Avs were done with Downie and what he does.”
- John Boruk: “Can’t help but like the Downie-Talbot trade. Berube’s influence will go a long way in Steve’s success. Definitely has more upside than Max.”
- Brian Lawton: “Obviously @Avalanche was not happy about price 2 re sign Downie who is an impending UFA. Steve is an excellent person & player. #bigloss4avs”
- Will DePaoli: “Max Talbot dealt to Avs.Flyers signed Talbot summer 11 to change culture of room.19 goals in 11-12 but he’s been on trade block since summer”
- Gus Katsaros: “Pre injury, Downie was actually quite an effective piece .. wonder if he gets a bigger offensive role in Philly. he’s a good 15 goal scorer.”
- Ken Campbell: “Am I the only one who thinks there’s more to this Colo-Phi trade than meets the eye? In games I watched, Downie was one of Avs’ best player.”
- John Shannon: “Was impressed with Downie’s play in Denver.Thought he was a catalyst.Played 32 games over 3 seasons with Avs.Team was 22-9-2 in those games.”
- CapGeek: “Flyers still have around $2.9M in cap space after the Downie-Talbot swap.”
- David Pagnotta: “Good trade for both clubs… Avs save some money and keep the intensity up with Talbot, while the Flyers get a more offensive minded grinder.”
Steve Downie
Max Talbot
