Certainly not as good as last year.
- section32

Would you say it is better defensively though? I would

you wouldn't trade him for Weber? I would. As valuable as Couturier is, a top-notch blue-liner like Weber, who puts up about as many points as a Couturier, is more valuable.
- JoeRussomanno

coots is 19 and look at his play as a rookie with zero ahl experience playing in a somewhat limited, checking/defensive role. hockey sense off the charts. if it comes down to schenn or coots, it's a no-brainer for me. not even close.

There is no doubt about that. And if this was a standard trade, I would agree wholeheartedly. But it isn't. It's a situation where the Flyers have Nashville on the ropes. They could go for the knockout, or allow Nashville to withdraw with some respect. So I think Nashville still has to take it on the chin a little, and not walk away with a top player in Schenn or Couturier.
- MJL

Yup. Makes no sense to give either up at this point.

I'm sure they can make it work, the problem is what's the result? I made three car payments work it ended up me being broke as a joke.
- JoeRussomanno

That's exactly what I mean about making it work for them. If the result puts them in the financial toilet in two years then it ain't working. That's something the numbers people should know upfront.

Yup. Makes no sense to give either up at this point.
- stveshdy

Look at some of the deals the Flyers have had to make in the past, when at a disadvantage. In trading Gagne, and having to take back Walker. Or other deals they had to make because of Cap issues. Flyers hold the advantage here. Nashville needs to take a hit. Not a crushing devastating blow. But a hit nonetheless.

This whole thing is interesting to say the least so many angles... whew i just hope its done before weds... i cant take this poop anymore...if theres a trade tho the flyers have the leverage not nashville.... means nash cant match so why would we give up couts or schenn

You can't dismiss the numbers and make a deal as if the situation didn't exist. And it was a standard trade where both sides are looking for a fit and a fair deal. I'd be willing to give Nashville something for the good of the League and the sport.
- MJL

It is a mistake to think Nashville owners are seeking a charitable donation. They now own the process. The up front financing costs is not a lot of money for high end investors. If you put them in a take it or leave it position they will walk.

Look at some of the deals the Flyers have had to make in the past, when at a disadvantage. In trading Gagne, and having to take back Walker. Or other deals they had to make because of Cap issues. Flyers hold the advantage here. Nashville needs to take a hit. Not a crushing devastating blow. But a hit nonetheless.
- MJL

I agree. Flyers have the advantage. Homer knows more than any of us and theres a reason the offer sheet is set up the way it is.

you wouldn't trade him for Weber? I would. As valuable as Couturier is, a top-notch blue-liner like Weber, who puts up about as many points as a Couturier, is more valuable.
- JoeRussomanno

if the situation ever comes to be that he Flyers are in the predicament that they are unable to keep some these guys, i would rather be on the end of getting packages of assets than these guys being part of a package. eg Jordan Staal

I agree. Flyers have the advantage. Homer knows more than any of us and theres a reason the offer sheet is set up the way it is.
- stveshdy

Find it hard seeing homer sticking it to Pollie .. I really do i believe we will have a trade but it wont be couts or schenn... Mez and or Voracek will go for either 1 or 2 picks depending what else is in the package.... To me its not about the money thats the telling sign (well it is) but Nash was told about the Offer sheet and then they tried to trade weber with multiple teams...Logic would say if they were goin to match no matter what... why try to trade him?... Just my opinion... add the agents comments that there leaning to Philly instead of Nashville...

cant believe it!!
- Crimsoninja

It is a mistake to think Nashville owners are seeking a charitable donation. They now own the process. The up front financing costs is not a lot of money for high end investors. If you put them in a take it or leave it position they will walk.
- spatso

it's a mistake for you to assume that I think that the Nashville owners are seeking a charitable donation. Or that I suggested that in any way. Bottom line is that, barring a trade, whether Nashville matches, or doesn't match. They are going to come away wounded financially from this. So it is in Nashville's best interests, if they aren't going to match to make a deal. And in making that deal, they aren't dealing from a position of strength.

Was watching the instant classic Flyers Pens Gm1.... I forgot how much of beast Schenn was... Homer will not give Couts or Schenn for anyone...includes alot of Players... Ryan.. etc

Find it hard seeing homer sticking it to Pollie .. I really do i believe we will have a trade but it wont be couts or schenn... Mez and or Voracek will go for either 1 or 2 picks depending what else is in the package.... To me its not about the money thats the telling sign (well it is) but Nash was told about the Offer sheet and then they tried to trade weber with multiple teams...Logic would say if they were goin to match no matter what... why try to trade him?... Just my opinion... add the agents comments that there leaning to Philly instead of Nashville...
- Slammed81

I don't know whats going to happen but when the announcement comes people will be sitting on the edge of their seats. This is one of the biggest decisions I've seen in many years.

"A deal that would send Voracek, Meszaros , one of Bourdon or Gustafsson and two or three of the first-round picks to Nashville for Weber and the return of one or two of the first-round picks may or may not get it done.

I'm sure David Poile would prefer one of Couturier or Brayden Schenn and the healthier Coburn instead of Meszaros (who is coming off back surgery but is just a year removed from winning the Barry Ashbee Trophy as the Flyers top defenseman). However, I would think that, if that is the case, Paul Holmgren would tell the Predators to go ahead and match the offer sheet if they can.

If the Flyers had been willing to trade all that in the first place, they wouldn't have gone the offer sheet route."

Thats where I stand as well.
- stveshdy

Why in the world would the Flyers give up 3 1st rounders and 3 very decent, young roster players fr a guy who all signs point to him leaving!? This isn't a trade. And last i checked, all Nashville is entitled to is 4 1st rounders..take it or leave it.

Lets not forget, If nashville were going to sign Weber, they would have already.
Nashville cant afford this contract. AND, most of all, Weber made it clear he wants to be a Flyer. This is Nashvilles best opportunity to get something for Weber before losing him for nothing next year. The cards are in the Flyers favor. Give them 3 picks and snd Mez and Bourdon over for 1 pick back...thats it...All this Voracek talk is Bullsh*t...cant lose an entire forward line in one offseason...

on a whole new topic...I think the Flyers would be the team affected the most (in a negative way) by a lockout. Especially if its not a full season that is lost. Here is why

1. The team is young and needs to develop more

2. Part of developing includes learning how to perfect Lavy's system

3. Lavy's system needs to be tweaked a bit

4. New players coming in (possibly Weber, Doan) would lose time to connect with current players

5. If it is a full year you miss out on your best chance of winning a cup with Timonen, he and Hartnell could be gone next year.

Find it hard seeing homer sticking it to Pollie .. I really do i believe we will have a trade but it wont be couts or schenn... Mez and or Voracek will go for either 1 or 2 picks depending what else is in the package.... To me its not about the money thats the telling sign (well it is) but Nash was told about the Offer sheet and then they tried to trade weber with multiple teams...Logic would say if they were goin to match no matter what... why try to trade him?... Just my opinion... add the agents comments that there leaning to Philly instead of Nashville...
- Slammed81

There is a big difference between trying to trade him, and listening to offers. And seeing what your options are.

This whole thing is interesting to say the least so many angles... whew i just hope its done before weds... i cant take this poop anymore...if theres a trade tho the flyers have the leverage not nashville.... means nash cant match so why would we give up couts or schenn
- Slammed81

The Flyers have played their ace. All the leverage is now with Nashville. Word will leak on Monday that Poile has been given approval by ownership to match or do a deal. He will negotiate one last time with Holmgren knowing he can control the final outcome.

I think Poile wants to do a deal. I think Holmgren wants to do a deal. The offer will have be a little bit better than the offer Holmgren made before dropping the offer sheet. Anything less would not be honorable.

It is a mistake to think Nashville owners are seeking a charitable donation. They now own the process. The up front financing costs is not a lot of money for high end investors. If you put them in a take it or leave it position they will walk.
- spatso

just my opinion, but i see a distinction between take it or leave it and not giving in to their exact demands

it's not like the flyers are offering scraps simply because they choose to hold on to schenn and couturier

i think homer has to hold strong on this. i think allowing the preds to work one of those players into the deal at this stage would be caving, and getting out managed. maybe that wouldn't have been the case before the offer sheet, but it is now. if they are willing to take on that contract and bring weber back, even with the flyers offering to give them a more palatable deal, i think homer has to let them

i also agree, however, that if i'm the preds that's what i do

The Flyers have played their ace. All the leverage is now with Nashville. Word will leak on Monday that Poile has been given approval by ownership to match or do a deal. He will negotiate one last time with Holmgren knowing he can control the final outcome.

I think Poile wants to do a deal. I think Holmgren wants to do a deal. The offer will have be a little bit better than the offer Holmgren made before dropping the offer sheet. Anything less would not be honorable.
- spatso

Why do a deal if hes been giving permission to match. Why not keep Weber?

Was watching the instant classic Flyers Pens Gm1.... I forgot how much of beast Schenn was... Homer will not give Couts or Schenn for anyone...includes alot of Players... Ryan.. etc
- Slammed81

Especially when Schenn lays out Adams, and Adams get's up. And Schenn basically drifts towards him with body language saying "what are you going to do about it?". Right there shows me the competitiveness that's in this kid. Similar to another kid on this team that wears #28.

The Flyers have played their ace. All the leverage is now with Nashville. Word will leak on Monday that Poile has been given approval by ownership to match or do a deal. He will negotiate one last time with Holmgren knowing he can control the final outcome.

I think Poile wants to do a deal. I think Holmgren wants to do a deal. The offer will have be a little bit better than the offer Holmgren made before dropping the offer sheet. Anything less would not be honorable.
- spatso

I see your point but Homer could call his bluff again...

Especially when Schenn lays out Adams, and Adams get's up. And Schenn basically drifts towards him with body language saying "what are you going to do about it?". Right there shows me the competitiveness that's in this kid. Similar to another kid on this team that wears #28.
- MJL

Yes 2 assists and the nice tip... physcial play awesome game

Why in the world would the Flyers give up 3 1st rounders and 3 very decent, young roster players fr a guy who all signs point to him leaving!? This isn't a trade. And last i checked, all Nashville is entitled to is 4 1st rounders..take it or leave it.

Lets not forget, If nashville were going to sign Weber, they would have already.
Nashville cant afford this contract. AND, most of all, Weber made it clear he wants to be a Flyer. This is Nashvilles best opportunity to get something for Weber before losing him for nothing next year. The cards are in the Flyers favor. Give them 3 picks and snd Mez and Bourdon over for 1 pick back...thats it...All this Voracek talk is Bullsh*t...cant lose an entire forward line in one offseason...
- Mozzy

Let's not forget that a player has to agree to sign, if a team is going to sign him.

Twenty years ago we were waiting for the arbitrator's decision on Lindros. I feel the same way now except that I'm fat, bald and everything hurts.