Veteran Guerin awaits Flyers' decision

Posted: October 04, 2010

BUFFALO - Bill Guerin's final preseason audition for a roster spot didn't go exactly as planned. Guerin wrapped up his tryout with a team-worst minus-4 performance in the Flyers' 9-3 shellacking at HSBC Arena last night.

"I think in the end, maybe I didn't have the best of preseasons," Guerin said. "I did what I could. But I feel that they know what I can do and what I can bring."

The Flyers' coaching staff is keen on Guerin's well-documented leadership contributions. But in the end, it may be hard for the team to justify a contract for Guerin, 39, since he wasn't head and shoulders better than younger players like Andreas Nodl. He posted one goal in five preseason contests - and played up and down the Flyers lineup. Guerin, a two-time Cup winner, posted 21 goals and 24 assists last year with Pittsburgh.

"At some point we've got to say 'yea or nay,' " general manager Paul Holmgren said last Thursday, "and a) roll the dice and hope that he helps us; or b) not roll the dice and do something else."

Guerin said he didn't know where he stood with the Flyers but did not think an infected cut on his elbow, which sidelined him for two games, changed his status.

Now, for the first time since 1992, Guerin will have to play the waiting game until Wednesday's 3 o'clock deadline, when teams must be down to their 23-man roster.

"I was pretty fortunate to be in this spot, considering where a lot of other [free agents] are," Guerin said. "We'll see what they decide."

- Frank Seravalli

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