Even though the Flyers missed out on Langenbrunner, it's a positive sign that Holmgren isn't willing to settle with his team in first place in the Eastern Conference at the midway point.
A report on AOL Fan House earlier in the week cited sources saying Holmgren is looking for "one significant piece" to add before the Feb. 28 trade deadline. Holmgren knows that things can change in an instant, and that you never can have too much depth or too much leadership.
Langenbrunner, who was having a subpar year with the Devils but clearly still could play, with 61 points in 81 games last season, would have come with little risk. The Flyers don't have a second-round pick, they are more likely to hang on to their first-round pick because they haven't had one since 2008, and if they continue at this pace, their third-rounder will be deep in the order.
Even so, Holmgren is in a position of power. If he doesn't make a move before the deadline, the Flyers won't be worse off for it.
Barring a catastrophic injury, the Flyers don't need any more depth on defense. With Michael Leighton being sent to Adirondack, they seem to be set in net. But they could use another scoring threat on the wing to balance out the lines.
And there are plenty of fish in the sea - especially among teams who could turn into sellers instead of buyers at the deadline.
With Leighton off the books, the Flyers are under the salary cap for the first time all season and banking space that can be used at the end of the season. With Matt Walker and Ian Laperriere on long-term injury reserve, the Flyers have approximately $3.68 million in acquisition space.
