Meat Markets Open Today

July 1st is finally here. After a month of speculation and a few weeks of casual swapping, the NBA and NHL free agency periods both open today.

Being one of just two teams in the whole league with significant cap space, the Sixers are poised to be big players in free agency, that is, if they choose to be. As Philly luck would have it, this year's class is a little on the thin side, so if Ed Stefanski doesn't see a deal he loves, he could take a conservative approach. They'll likely do something pretty noteworthy, we just don't know if it will be one of the more bandied-about names like Josh Smith or Elton Brand. The other strong possibility is the Sixers will use their flexibility to be involved in a multi-team deal. Stefanski quickly hung the "willing partner" sign outside the Wachovia Center, so we could see a big deal shake-up the team. We don't expect much actual signing to happen today, but the talks and visits will start immediately.

Having spent big money last summer, the Flyers are in the opposite position, with little cap room to work within. Fortunately, they have fewer gaping holes to fill than the Sixers.

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It's against the Flyers' nature to stand pat, so we expect them to move
fast and make a signing or two, even if it isn't Brian Campbell. One way the Flyers may improve this off-season is by simply not getting
worse [/spadaro], and with all the players changing teams in the near future, it'll take some patience by Flyers fans when the team isn't among the big spenders this year. Other than R.J. Umberger, who is a notable (but manageable)
loss, the Flyers won't be losing any major pieces, whereas other teams
are already tallying a few key departures.

The most popular name in Flyers' circles right now is Mark Streit. Most fans have all but given up hope of signing the top defenseman on the market (Campbell), as his salary demands will likely exceed what they have to spend, which is very little. There's also a belief that Campbell wants to head back to the Northeast Division. Montreal's Streit won't be cheap, and he fits the bill as a puck-moving defenseman with a scoring touch, so the line to talk to him will be long. Just don't fall in love with last year's stats; he spent a decent amount of time lined up as a forward for the Habs. Another interesting player to watch is Michael Roszival of the Rangers, and also Jay Bouwmeester of the Panthers, either of which would be big moves for the Flyers—if they can afford them.

When we look back at this year's market, we may be celebrating the lesser signings that proved to be the best fits as opposed to the big splash/big bucks moves, and there's a chance we won't be talking about the new impact player in town while watching fireworks this weekend.

The Flyers are another team that might be interested in building through a trade. Mike Knuble is the name we hear the most, and he certainly has value in this market. The team will have to be sure they can replace the goals he scored as well as the assists of R.J. Umberger to let them both go though.