A Flyers source said last week that the team had initial contract talks with Guerin just days after the Pittsburgh Penguins told him he would not be re-signed, but the Flyers "don't have room" under the $59.4 million salary cap. Currently, they have approximately $877,737 in cap space with 13 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders. Last year, Guerin earned $2 million in Pittsburgh.
The Flyers could make room for Guerin with a league-minimum contract or by sending one from among Darroll Powe, Dan Carcillo, Matt Walker or Oskars Bartulis down to the AHL at the start of the season.
Guerin decided to hold out for much of free agency, which started on July 1, to see if he could continue to play alongside Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh. He was finally notified by the Penguins on Aug. 25. Now, time is of the essence for the soon-to-be 40-year-old. Guerin's house on Long Island is for sale and his family is looking for a place to settle before the school year starts.
According to his agent, Bob Murray, numerous teams have inquired about Guerin's services. Guerin would like a contract and not to enter camp on a tryout basis, like Blair Betts did last year with the Flyers.
"I'm willing to listen to anything, to be honest. That's the kind of situation I'm in," Guerin said. "It's a business, and I never say never. Philly has a good team. They always do. It's a great sports town. Players have always wanted to come to Philadelphia."
Guerin was re-energized playing with Crosby. The native of Wilbraham, Mass., posted 21 goals and 24 assists last season with the Penguins. Only three players on the Flyers scored more than 21 goals last season. Even at 39, Guerin is durable. The three-time Olympian and four-time NHL All-Star hasn't missed more than five games in a season since 2005-06.
