But now the cap issue is upon them. There has been much speculation about what will be done, including a possible trade of a high-profile player and the return of Sbisa to juniors.
Don't look for a trade. It won't happen. With Josh Gratton and Jon Kalinski both on long-term injury, sending Kukkonen to the Phantoms will get Holmgren close to what he needs.
So close that he may even be able to keep Sbisa by sending Darroll Powe or Claude Giroux to the Phantoms. Both have played well and could make a case for the NHL. Powe has speed and determination and can mix it up. Giroux has vision and skill but gets knocked around easily.
The real question is Sbisa. He has been a healthy scratch. And he is part of a stacked defensive corps that already can't find room for Parent. Remember him? He was the centerpiece of the Peter Forsberg trade to Nashville that also brought Scottie Upshall.
Parent played 22 games with the Flyers last season and stayed through the playoffs, where he was impressive. His shoulder injury cost him a spot this season; now he is with the Phantoms.
So can the Flyers justify keeping Sbisa and leave no chance to bring up Parent?
The decision I see coming is the return of Sbisa to Lethbridge in the Western Hockey League, where he will play every game and skate huge minutes.
He's young and confident and as much as keeping him would be good for the Flyers' locker room and for Sbisa's confidence, there doesn't seem to be a better solution.
Boxing Day
For the Flyers, boxing day is any day that they are playing. For some reason, the Flyers can't seem to stop taking avoidable minor penalties and stay out of the penalty box.
