So, seeing as the Flyers cap space is $4.141M, and the combined cap hits of Walker and Pronger are $6.821, why wouldn't it make sense to LTIR them both for a savings of $2.68M (assuming Walker fits the description of LTIR) and then send him down once he's healthy? Doesn't seem to make sense to keep him around, unless that last part about it not being "free cap space" at the deadline comes into play.
- jmatchett

One thing about LTIR that Bill did not mention, is that there is no LTIR exemption unless replacing that player puts you over the Upper Limit. So as of right now, the Flyers have Cap space still available. So unless they bring in some other players, they aren't saving anything on the Cap.

With a 48 game schedule, might not be afforded the luxury of waiting to the TDL. As it stands right now Gervais and Lilja are in the lineup, and an injury away from having a Brandon Manning in there as well.
- PLindbergh31

I'm not overly concerned about Lilja & Gervais playing, more concerned about overtaxing the top 4. They have two solid pairs in Timonen-Schenn & Grossmann-Coburn. Both Gervais & Lilja can play solidly in limited roles. The concern is obviously more limiting them while not running the top 4 into the ground and match-ups.

We can apparently forget about Paul Ranger, seems like he wants to stay in the Toronto area.

I'm not overly concerned about Lilja & Gervais playing, more concerned about overtaxing the top 4. They have two solid pairs in Timonen-Schenn & Grossmann-Coburn. Both Gervais & Lilja can play solidly in limited roles. The concern is obviously more limiting them while not running the top 4 into the ground and match-ups.
- Jsaquella

Good point. I'm concerned about the top 4 too. Timonen is coming off significant injuries and is 37, Grossmann's knees are a legit concern. Schenn is going to need some time to get acclimated.

Outside of a couple teams, every team has issues entering the season. No reason to be overly concerned until we see some games.

Good point. I'm concerned about the top 4 too. Timonen is coming off significant injuries and is 37, Grossmann's knees are a legit concern. Schenn is going to need some time to get acclimated.

Outside of a couple teams, every team has issues entering the season. No reason to be overly concerned until we see some games.
- PLindbergh31

Agreed...but that said, if the right deal comes along on Sunday, go ahead.

Well, the KHL is supposedly throwing a ton of cash and pressure at him, and in Russia, they can make that money tax free.
- Jsaquella

True but if he were to void his contract would he lose the $80+ million he stands to make in the NHL and, if so, will he ever come close to making that in the KHL in the long run?

Leddy is a smallish, but good young defenseman. If he's available, I'd think the Flyers have to kick the tires.

Hjalmarsson is a more developed(i.e. more proven) defenseman, but he is a more defense first guy with a bigger cap hit
- Jsaquella

Any idea if Leddy could fill the Carle role? Feels like we need another good puck mover since we have the hitters/crease clearing d-men already.

True but if he were to void his contract would he lose the $80+ million he stands to make in the NHL and, if so, will he ever come close to making that in the KHL in the long run?
- NickTheKid87

He could make more money in the KHL. Government and businesses throwing money at NHL stars to stay + less taxation + no escrow.

He could make a lot more over there.

He could make more money in the KHL. Government and businesses throwing money at NHL stars to stay + less taxation + no escrow.

He could make a lot more over there.
- bradleyc4

Well I guess we'll see how dedicated he is to the Devils and the NHL. I for one think he'll return.

Any idea if Leddy could fill the Carle role? Feels like we need another good puck mover since we have the hitters/crease clearing d-men already.
- fnmjoe13

He's the same sort of guy, but not as good as Carle yet. He won't be as good at blocking shots or handling the minutes Carle did

True but if he were to void his contract would he lose the $80+ million he stands to make in the NHL and, if so, will he ever come close to making that in the KHL in the long run?
- NickTheKid87

He could probably make that in 5 years, especially if the league & government combine to compensate him wildly

Have we had the captaincy debate lately? Seems like G will be getting the C any day now.

Have we had the captaincy debate lately? Seems like G will be getting the C any day now.
- NickTheKid87

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Not on Giroux, but the whole captaincy debate. It's not a huge deal

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

Not on Giroux, but the whole captaincy debate. It's not a huge deal
- Jsaquella

I agree.

The Hawks blogger Jaeckel has a story that the Hawks may be shopping a couple of d-men. Hjmarlsson & Leddy (sp). Any thoughts on these guys Bill? Upgrades to what we have or more or less 5-7th guys?
- fnmjoe13

Both are upgrades. Would LOVE to get Leddy in particular, but doubtful he's really available.

I agree.
- NickTheKid87

End debate

Bill, what's wrong with Wellwood? I was big fan of him, you know.. Is he losing his edge?
- Ondrej F

I'm not going to attempt to speak for Bill... but from what I have seen personally from him this season, he's still hustling and trying to make things happen, he just isn't getting there, offensive-wise. Personally, I think as far as offensive chances, he was looking better when he was up with the Flyers last season.

I don't think it's as much of him "losing his edge" as it is just not putting the puck in the net. But in his defense, for some reason, that seems to be the story with the entire team. While Schenn and Coots have performed individually, the overall team has struggled game in and game out.

I still love Eric's play.. he's a sharp guy, he's quick, and he hustles his butt off every shift... unfortunately, you need to be able to find the back of the net too. I'm hoping he can pick up his play this season yet, and start performing offensively a little more. I really want to see him with the big club again soon!

I'm not going to attempt to speak for Bill... but from what I have seen personally from him this season, he's still hustling and trying to make things happen, he just isn't getting there, offensive-wise. Personally, I think as far as offensive chances, he was looking better when he was up with the Flyers last season.

I don't think it's as much of him "losing his edge" as it is just not putting the puck in the net. But in his defense, for some reason, that seems to be the story with the entire team. While Schenn and Coots have performed individually, the overall team has struggled game in and game out.

I still love Eric's play.. he's a sharp guy, he's quick, and he hustles his butt off every shift... unfortunately, you need to be able to find the back of the net too. I'm hoping he can pick up his play this season yet, and start performing offensively a little more. I really want to see him with the big club again soon!
- WarriorHockey21

One statement made by Terry Murray that seems affirm your opinion is that Murray said that Wellwood has had enough quality chances to have 20 goals already. He just lacks the ability to finish.

John Shannon ‏@JSportsnet

NHL Regular Season to start Jan 19, ends April 27. SC Playoffs start May 1, could go as long as June 28

Cosmonaut Bryzgalov will be fantastic this year
- ob18

Good point. I'm concerned about the top 4 too. Timonen is coming off significant injuries and is 37, Grossmann's knees are a legit concern. Schenn is going to need some time to get acclimated.

Outside of a couple teams, every team has issues entering the season. No reason to be overly concerned until we see some games.
- PLindbergh31

Mostly agree, but what are the Rangers concerns?

It's boring to say, but the Flyers are likely the 3rd - 5th best team in the east, which will likely be reflected with their seeding and record.

Personally, no one talks about it, but I would like to see a reverse of last year's trend, whereby the Flyers give up early goals and play from behind. Also, they were unable to protect leads. I think that type of play is unsustainable. We need to get up early and hold leads. May require some mental adjustments and changes in style of play.

Good day. Cheers!

Bill, what's wrong with Wellwood? I was big fan of him, you know.. Is he losing his edge?
- Ondrej F

Terry Murray wanted to see him be more assertive. There was nothing "wrong" with his play so much as that he hit a lull in November. He continued to play good positional defense, but wasn't involved enough on the forecheck and in using his speed to his advantage. He still continued to get outmuscled on the boards. When he did get scoring chances, he struggled to finish. So he ended up a healthy scratch for awhile.

He played better in his latter games. Not coincidentally, he finally popped a few goals after he was placed on Couturier's line.

Some of the schedule has been leaked already. Toronto opens up January 19 in Montreal.

Flyers will play a home and home with Pens January 19, and 20.
- PLindbergh31

Where did you see this? Good way to get the hate flowing early...

Mostly agree, but what are the Rangers concerns?

It's boring to say, but the Flyers are likely the 3rd - 5th best team in the east, which will likely be reflected with their seeding and record.

Personally, no one talks about it, but I would like to see a reverse of last year's trend, whereby the Flyers give up early goals and play from behind. Also, they were unable to protect leads. I think that type of play is unsustainable. We need to get up early and hold leads. May require some mental adjustments and changes in style of play.

Good day. Cheers!
- Daman

The Rangers may be the team to beat right now but they have lost some of their gritty foot soldiers. Of course, they've added a front line talent in Rick Nash to an already impressive cast, but it is still a team that needs to be driven by its work ethic and turning defense into offense.

Ahhh.. It feels SO nice to be back on this website with actual hockey around the corner.

Bill, I dont think I need to explain to you how thankful we are all for your amazing work to keep us sane during this long and ragged void, but nevertheless, THANK YOU!

I am pumped!!! Lets go Flyers!