The contract was intentionally structured to harm the nashville franchise.... so your oversimplification of the issue is not accurate.

The options imo are:

swallow the poison pill to lock up weber for life.
Trade with the flyers... only the flyers
Accept the 4 picks for weber.

And decide by Wednesday.

Who put them in this spot.... the team with the power did. If the OS was such a great thing for Nashville they would have already said hell yeah flyers... keep your damn picks!!!
- moylander

You are saying the same thing I did, but erroneously suggested the Flyers have the power when they clearly dont. They are waiting for a decision from another team. Unless a person is the submissive type, not sure how waiting for anothers position is that of power.

If the Flyers truly had the power, there wouldnt be 100 fans peeing themselves on here hoping we get Weber.

So Holmgren will have gone after Parise, Suter, Weber, and Doan, and missed on every one of them? Whoa....
- PLindbergh31

It would suck if he misses on all of them but I can't fault him for trying. Our GM goes after it even if he can or can't get his guy.

So Holmgren will have gone after Parise, Suter, Weber, and Doan, and missed on every one of them? Whoa....
- PLindbergh31

Parise anad Suter were never coming here due to the fact they wanted to play together. Doan wants to stay in PHX. If they get there finances worked out, teams can write him a blank check, he won't leave. Ryan would be the one we really missed out on. But if they are asking for Cooter or Schenn, then they can go pound sand. Weber, we are taking our shot, if they match, then nothing truly lost.

I know he's the best, but it is a team game. Who plays wing on the top line then? What do our defensive pairings look like next year if Kimmo and Mezzy are gone? (or this year for that matter considering Kimmo might miss some time) and to give up picks on top of all that? I fully understand Weber's worth to a team but that's too much.
- hereticpride

This move is not a "how will the team look this and next year" move. This is a 14 year commitment to the best d-man in the NHL. This is a "what kind of position will this move put us in for the next decade" type of move.

Here is how the next decade shakes out if you make that deal...

Goalie:
- Bryz is locked up for the next 8 seasons, and they clearly believe in him as their future in net.

Defense:
- Weber for the next 14 years (26 years old)
- Coburn for the next 4 years minimum (24 years old)
- Grossman for the next 4 years minimum (27 years old)
- Schenn for the next 4 years minimum (22 years old)

Defensively that is 4 big, physical young d-men locked up for the next 4 years. Possibly the best 4 man unit the league will see over the next 4 years. Defensively, the team is in a tremendous position for the next 4 seasons. Maybe the best situation league wide.

Offense:
- Claude Giroux for the next decade minimum (24 years old)
- Schenn/Couturier on entry level deals for 2 more seasons with clear intentions to keep long term
- Mr playoffs Danny Briere locked up for the next 3 seasons
- Hartnell most likely will receive a new deal
- Wayne Simmonds a RFA next season will probably get a reasonable contract

Offensively, you have one of the top 5 players in the game long term. Two of the top young players in all of the NHL (Schenn/Couturier) and other players around them who have had great success (Briere/Hartnell). Not to mention the increased offensive contributions you are going to get out of Shea Weber for the next decade plus.


Overall, the team would be in an EXTREMELY strong situation moving forward. They would take a hit offensively for sure. However, looking at it from a GM's stand point they are sitting on a tremendous top 4 d-men for 4 years minimum, a goalie they believe in and a top 5 player in the game followed by 2 of the best young up and coming players in the game behind him. Not to mention, Flyers have historically been very good at bringing in forwards who contribute right away. How many offseasons ahve we said "they are in trouble they lost too much offense" and BAM top 1-5 team in the league offensively.

Acquiring Weber without giving up Giroux, Schenn(s), Couturier, Coburn.... puts this team in one of the best situations league wide moving forward.

I like the idea of the picks as well. I like this team a lot. If Weber is on it, I will love the poop out of it. This team still would need another winger in my opinion. But the TDL could be fun to watch this year(If we don't get Weber).
- Deasr1

Will see what happens.

It would suck if he misses on all of them but I can't fault him for trying. Our GM goes after it even if he can or can't get his guy.
- stveshdy

Odds of missing on all of them.... 0.0%

I'd have no issue if the price was Voracek, Read and Meszaros, along with 2 firsts. You'd have holes to fill, but you'd also have cap room to fill them.
- Jsaquella

I don't think they can give up Vorachek AND Read. Too much drop off after losing JVR and Jagr. Plus, I would really like to see what Read can do in a more prominent role.

And IMO Mesz may or may not be worthy of a 1st round pick, but when you factor in his salary and play, he should be worth a 2016 1st round pick, which is a bit discounted.

Parise anad Suter were never coming here due to the fact they wanted to play together. Doan wants to stay in PHX. If they get there finances worked out, teams can write him a blank check, he won't leave. Ryan would be the one we really missed out on. But if they are asking for Cooter or Schenn, then they can go pound sand. Weber, we are taking our shot, if they match, then nothing truly lost.
- Deasr1

The Flyers offered Parise and Suter contracts, and by reports the most money. If they wanted to play together it could have been in Philadelphia. They took less money to go to a team that has far less chance of winning.

You are saying the same thing I did, but erroneously suggested the Flyers have the power when they clearly dont. They are waiting for a decision from another team. Unless a person is the submissive type, not sure how waiting for anothers position is that of power.

If the Flyers truly had the power, there wouldnt be 100 fans peeing themselves on here hoping we get Weber.
- Daman

I agree that the Flyers have the bargaining power with any type of trade. Nashville is the team who has to say yes or no to signing the deal, but the Flyers know the financial situation saying yes would put Nashville in. So when it comes to sitting down at the negotiating table to "compensate" Nashville for not saying yes to the offer sheet, I definitely feel as though Philly has the bargaining power.

I don't think they can give up Vorachek AND Read. Too much drop off after losing JVR and Jagr. Plus, I would really like to see what Read can do in a more prominent role.

And IMO Mesz may or may not be worthy of a 1st round pick, but when you factor in his salary and play, he should be worth a 2016 1st round pick, which is a bit discounted.
- TheGreat28

To get Weber, I'd do it. And then I'd used the freed up room to land Doan or another free agent winger. And that team is better than it would be if you had kept the other 3 players.

I don't think they can give up Vorachek AND Read. Too much drop off after losing JVR and Jagr. Plus, I would really like to see what Read can do in a more prominent role.

And IMO Mesz may or may not be worthy of a 1st round pick, but when you factor in his salary and play, he should be worth a 2016 1st round pick, which is a bit discounted.
- TheGreat28

You would have Weber, Coburn, Grossman, Schenn locked up for the next 4 seasons and a goalie in net the organization clearly believes in. You would have Giroux, Schenn, Couturier offensively and the strength of the Flyers is finding, trading for and developing offensive talent.

The Flyers offered Parise and Suter contracts, and by reports the most money. If they wanted to play together it could have been in Philadelphia. They took less money to go to a team that has far less chance of winning.
- PLindbergh31

The Flyers could not have afforded both players. As soon as one accepted the 2nd offer likely would have been pulled. Just like when they presented identical offers to Briere and Drury

The Flyers could not have afforded both players. As soon as one accepted the 2nd offer likely would have been pulled. Just like when they presented identical offers to Briere and Drury
- Jsaquella

They could have had trades lined up contingent if Parise and Suter both agreed.

To get Weber, I'd do it. And then I'd used the freed up room to land Doan or another free agent winger. And that team is better than it would be if you had kept the other 3 players.
- Jsaquella

Problem is Doan isn't a lock, and the only other truly viable option would be Semin IMO. Even though I would do it, I don't see the Flyers signing Semin. So then you become a 1 1/2 line team.

Hartsy - G - Schenn
Simmonds - Briere - Rusty
Talbot - Couturier - Wellwood
Sestito - Holmstrom - Rinaldo

If you shut down the G line, you have a good chance of winning a low scoring game.

This move is not a "how will the team look this and next year" move. This is a 14 year commitment to the best d-man in the NHL. This is a "what kind of position will this move put us in for the next decade" type of move.

Here is how the next decade shakes out if you make that deal...

Goalie:
- Bryz is locked up for the next 8 seasons, and they clearly believe in him as their future in net.

Defense:
- Weber for the next 14 years (26 years old)
- Coburn for the next 4 years minimum (24 years old)
- Grossman for the next 4 years minimum (27 years old)
- Schenn for the next 4 years minimum (22 years old)

Defensively that is 4 big, physical young d-men locked up for the next 4 years. Possibly the best 4 man unit the league will see over the next 4 years. Defensively, the team is in a tremendous position for the next 4 seasons. Maybe the best situation league wide.

Offense:
- Claude Giroux for the next decade minimum (24 years old)
- Schenn/Couturier on entry level deals for 2 more seasons with clear intentions to keep long term
- Mr playoffs Danny Briere locked up for the next 3 seasons
- Hartnell most likely will receive a new deal
- Wayne Simmonds a RFA next season will probably get a reasonable contract

Offensively, you have one of the top 5 players in the game long term. Two of the top young players in all of the NHL (Schenn/Couturier) and other players around them who have had great success (Briere/Hartnell). Not to mention the increased offensive contributions you are going to get out of Shea Weber for the next decade plus.


Overall, the team would be in an EXTREMELY strong situation moving forward. They would take a hit offensively for sure. However, looking at it from a GM's stand point they are sitting on a tremendous top 4 d-men for 4 years minimum, a goalie they believe in and a top 5 player in the game followed by 2 of the best young up and coming players in the game behind him. Not to mention, Flyers have historically been very good at bringing in forwards who contribute right away. How many offseasons ahve we said "they are in trouble they lost too much offense" and BAM top 1-5 team in the league offensively.

Acquiring Weber without giving up Giroux, Schenn(s), Couturier, Coburn.... puts this team in one of the best situations league wide moving forward.
- Flyers2821

And after Briere leaves, Laughton slides in at 3rd line center, Couturier moves up to 2nd line center and Schenn goes to 1st line wing.

They could have had trades lined up contingent if Parise and Suter both agreed.
- PLindbergh31

Possible, but not likely. There's no evidence to support that theory. Let's not forget that the Flyers are not the only team spurned by Suter and Parise. Detroit and Pittsburgh, two teams seem as having stellar reputations and who could easily draw free agents got burned, too.

Toss in that the Flyers were hardly favorites to land either from the get go, and that it would be a massive long shot, and it's not really as if they missed the boat.

Probably is Doan isn't a lock, and the only other truly viable option would be Semin IMO. Even though I would do it, I don't see the Flyers signing Semin. So then you become a 1 1/2 line team.

Hartsy - G - Schenn
Simmonds - Briere - Rusty
Talbot - Couturier - Wellwood
Sestito - Holmstrom - Rinaldo

If you shut down the G line, you have a good chance of winning a low scoring game.
- TheGreat28

Fedetenko on the second line? Ummm... yeah no thanks. The 4th line is a line is a minor league line, and Wellwood in the top 9 is far from ideal. That team would stuggle big time scoring.

Problem is Doan isn't a lock, and the only other truly viable option would be Semin IMO. Even though I would do it, I don't see the Flyers signing Semin. So then you become a 1 1/2 line team.

Hartsy - G - Schenn
Simmonds - Briere - Rusty
Talbot - Couturier - Wellwood
Sestito - Holmstrom - Rinaldo

If you shut down the G line, you have a good chance of winning a low scoring game.
- TheGreat28

Doan isn't a lock, but there are other options. I like Voracek, Read and Meszaros, but I'd still move all three for Weber. Three nice, solid player for one Elite player is a move I'd make. Especially given the Flyers past track record of finding scoring through the draft and free agency

Fedetenko on the second line? Ummm... yeah no thanks. The 4th line is a line is a minor league line, and Wellwood in the top 9 is far from ideal. That team would stuggle big time scoring.
- PLindbergh31

You are more concerned about next year. Acquiring Weber for the next 14 years the Flyers are concerned with the long term.

Possible, but not likely. There's no evidence to support that theory. Let's not forget that the Flyers are not the only team spurned by Suter and Parise. Detroit and Pittsburgh, two teams seem as having stellar reputations and who could easily draw free agents got burned, too.

Toss in that the Flyers were hardly favorites to land either from the get go, and that it would be a massive long shot, and it's not really as if they missed the boat.
- Jsaquella

Fair points. I didn't want Suter at those numbers anyway, and it would have been a mistake giving him that type of contract imo. Parise, I would have liked to see him with Giroux, but he decided to play at home where his Dad played. Can't fault him for that. I'm glad Parise is out of the division. That's the positive I take from that.

I'm hoping the Flyers get Weber for the 4 first rounders, and sign Voracek. And go to war with that team. That is best case scenario, and a likely one imo.

Fair points. I didn't want Suter at those numbers anyway, and it would have been a mistake giving him that type of contract imo. Parise, I would have liked to see him with Giroux, but he decided to play at home where his Dad played. Can't fault him for that. I'm glad Parise is out of the division. That's the positive I take from that.

I'm hoping the Flyers get Weber for the 4 first rounders, and sign Voracek. And go to war with that team. That is best case scenario, and a likely one imo.
- PLindbergh31

That is financially impossible.

The Flyers currently have somewhere between 7-8 mill in cap space. Acquiring Weber evaporates that cap space immediately.

How do you sign Voracek?

To get Weber, I'd do it. And then I'd used the freed up room to land Doan or another free agent winger. And that team is better than it would be if you had kept the other 3 players.
- Jsaquella

so:

Weber long term
Doan on an over 35 deal for 4 years
1, potentially 2 1st rounders over the next four years

vs

Weber long term(call their damn bluff)
Jake(22 yr old future 1st liner)
Mezzy(top 4 D man)
Read(cap hit made of gold, 47 point rookie year)
No 1st rounder for 4 years

It's a tough call to make. I call their bluff though. I'd be a lot more willing to consider the deal if Read isnt included tho. Doan in for Jake and Read(and Jagr too if you think about it) leaves a LOT of offense to replace. Would they take Laughton over Read? If we arent trading Schenn or Coots another center is a little superfluous, no?

You are more concerned about next year. Acquiring Weber for the next 14 years the Flyers are concerned with the long term.
- Flyers2821

Damn right I'm concerned about next year. How many prime years do you think Bryzgalov has left? You want to make hay at the front end of his contract. Not hope you catch lightning in a bottle when he is 36-37

Damn right I'm concerned about next year. How many prime years do you think Bryzgalov has left? You want to make hay at the front end of his contract. Not hope you catch lightning in a bottle when he is 36-37
- PLindbergh31

From the Flyers standpoint, they signed Bryz to that deal expecting him to produce for a good portion of that deal. They are not looking at it as Bryz has 1-2 years left of being a productive goalie and then he is going to suck. Maybe you are, but they absolutely are not.

Fedetenko on the second line? Ummm... yeah no thanks. The 4th line is a line is a minor league line, and Wellwood in the top 9 is far from ideal. That team would stuggle big time scoring.
- PLindbergh31

That's exactly my point. Read to me can play a top 6 role. In a perfect world, you'd also get Doan.

With Doan

Hartsy - G - Doan
Read/Simmonds - Briere - Schenn
Wellwood / Rusty - Coots - Simmonds/Read
Wellwood / Rusty - Talbot - Sestito/Rinaldo


Without Doan

Hartsy - G - Schenn
Simmonds - Briere - Read
Rusty - Coots - Wellwood (shut-down defensive line)
Sestito/Rinando - Talbot - Holmstrom

Still a little bit of an issue, but much better than without Read.