Forward RJ Umberger will have a new address when the 2008-2009 NHL season opens.  No, he didn’t rent a penthouse in Rittenhouse Square, he was traded to Columbus.  Minutes before the NHL draft started last night, the Flyers dealt Umberger and a Fourth Round pick in the 2008 draft to the Blue Jackets for their first Round pick (19th overall), and their Third Round pick.

The twenty-six year old forward is coming off his best season as a professional, where he recorded 50 points in 76 games.  He was better known for his heroics Flyers in the playoffs, notching 16 points (11 goals, 5 assists), in 22 games.  Umberger is also a restricted free agent.  Come July 1st he could accept offers from any team, and the Flyers could either match the offer or let him go with nothing in return. Given the Flyers current salary cap situation, he was a goner. 

Going into the off-season, the Flyers had to choose either Umberger or center Jeff Carter.  When the Flyers re-signed Carter (which was scooped here first), the writing was on the wall for Umberger’s departure. 

He will miss Philadelphia, but he also seemed to be excited about his new opportunity. 

“Obviously I have mixed feelings. It’s really sad to leave Philly because it’s where I got my start and it became a home for me and my wife, but to go to Columbus is exciting. It’s closer to home and I spent a few years there when I went to college, and I’m still a big Buckeyes fan. Also, getting a chance to play for Ken Hitchcock again is a great opportunity. He is a coach I liked playing for and a guy I respect deeply. I just spoke to him and he stressed that I’m going to be playing big minutes in a big role there. I’m excited about that. The fact that he wants me there means I must have been doing something right.”

Flyers fans will no doubt miss RJ as well, but they should be excited with who they got in return.  With the 19th pick in the draft, the Flyers selected defenseman Luca Sbisa.  Sbisa is an eighteen year old from Switzerland. Sbisa spent half of 2007-2008 in the WHL and that’s where he started to gain a lot of national attention. 

More of an offensive minded defenseman, Sbisa led all WHL defenseman in playoff scoring (3 goals, 11 assists, 11 games).  He still has some holes in his game.  He tends to give up during heavy forechecks and holds the puck too long.  Given he probably won’t take the ice as a Flyer for a couple years, these are things he’ll fine tune in the minors.

While Umberger’s presence will be missed on the ice, the prospect of Sbisa is exciting.  At least to this Flyers fan.