Not only did defenseman Matt Carle signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but GM Paul Holmgren only managed to make a few depth moves by acquiring Luke Schenn, Bruno Gervais and forward Ruslan Fedotenko so far this off-season.
While Holmgren is desperately looking for a way to improve his roster, Panaccio notes that his efforts should not be wasted on trying to acquire Ryan, who recorded 31 goals and 26 assists for 57 points in 82 games with the Ducks last season.
Panaccio comments that the Flyers don't need more scoring but fewer goals against, as the team has a big hole to fill on the blueline.
In addition, to pry Ryan out of Anaheim, Ducks GM Bob Murray is likely to demand talented young players and is reportedly looking for defensive help as well, which would be even more detrimental to the Flyers.
While there remains no unrestricted blueliners on the open market anywhere close to the caliber of Suter or Weber, the Flyers should continue to explore options to improve their back end and stray from trading for a highly sought-after forward.
Holmgren could keep an eye on next summer's pool of veteran defensemen who are/or will be, 35 or older, as well as another younger blueliner in San Jose Sharks Douglas Murray, who could hit the free agent market next year.
