Guerin Diverting South to Philly?

By: Tim Brennan

As the off-season winds down and a multitude of free agents continue to look for homes, former Pittsburgh Penguin forward Bill Guerin might have found his.

According to Tim Panaccio of CSNPhilly.com, Guerin was seen working out at the Flyers practice facility in Voorhees, N.J. on Wednesday. The 39 year old from Worcester, Massachusetts was cut loose by the Penguins last week following a prolonged negotiation to stay in Pittsburgh that ultimately fell apart. Guerin stated that he talked to Flyers GM Paul Holmgren about possibly spending some time on the ice to stay in shape while in the area visiting family, to which Holmgren obliged.

Could this mean that Guerin wants to become a member of the Broad Street Bullies?

Guerin expressed interest in a few teams, including Philadelphia, but since he worked out in the orange and black, one has to think that the 17 year veteran is aiming at either a tryout or a contract. The ex-Penguin seemed pleased with an opportunity to get back onto the ice and couldn't be more complementary of the Flyers organization.

Now if Holmgren can make a pitch for Guerin to join the team come time for training camp, the Flyers will look that much better at repeating last year's run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Guerin, a 2 time Stanley Cup winner, knows what it takes to claim hockey's ultimate prize and puts everything on the line to win. Along with a tremendous scoring ability, Guerin possesses grit and tenacity which are attributes the Flyers love to see in their players. Guerin also is considered to be a vocal leader on and off the ice and sticks up for teammates.

In terms of what the Flyers might get out of Guerin, they will have a top 9 forward who can mentor and help out youngsters James van Riemsdyk and Claude Giroux as well as post 15-20 goals and 40 or more points. Guerin's 45 point season last year only proves that the guy still has what it takes even at his age. The loss of Arron Asham leaves a spot open on the JVR/Giroux line and who better to fill the gap than Guerin?

Whatever happens in the upcoming weeks leading up to the season, Bill Guerin will find a home whether it's in Philadelphia or not. Based on the fact that Guerin has spent 9 of his 17 years playing for teams in the Atlantic Division, the odds are high in Philadelphia's favor.