From the OHL reporters and bloggers I follow and read, the consensus is that Laughton isn't ready yet. But of course the Flyers often determine their own timetable for youngsters.

While it is possible that Laughton could be another Couturier, I fear he'll be a Sbisa-show flashes, hit the rookie wall and end up wasting a season off his ELC for no good reason.
- Jsaquella

That appears to be the consensus .....not every player makes an impact like couturier...we got spoiled....(at18)

I'm not overly excited about a signing for Foster. I'd rather the Flyers go with what they have now. And save the Cap space for a better move later. But I'll also keep an open mind and judge Foster on his play, if the move does happen. Hopefully the signing is for less than a prorated 900K.
- MJL

If it's about adding a huge body who can shoot the puck (but isn't physical), I'd rather swing a deal with Calgary for Anton Babchuk where they retain half the salary... he's got more game left in him. Foster's bounced around for a reason... the guy isn't a top-six dman on a healthy NHL team anymore.

That appears to be the consensus .....not every player makes an impact like couturier...we got spoiled....(at18)
- landros 2

I just think that Laughton benefits more from playing 2nd line minutes with the Generals than he would egtting 4th line minutes here.

He's not likely to get as much time in Philly as Couturier did, because he's not as polished defensively, which means not getting used on PK

I'm not overly excited about a signing for Foster. I'd rather the Flyers go with what they have now. And save the Cap space for a better move later. But I'll also keep an open mind and judge Foster on his play, if the move does happen. Hopefully the signing is for less than a prorated 900K.
- MJL

Lets see what holmgren has up his sleeve.....today could be like trade deadline day, after the players announce ratification at noon.

Lets see what holmgren has up his sleeve.....today could be like trade deadline day, after the players announce ratification at noon.
- landros 2

Today could be wild, once the MOU is signed.

Imagine a bunch of crackheads being told they can't do crack for 4 months, then suddenly they get 30 lbs of crack and freedom to do as much as they want

If it's about adding a huge body who can shoot the puck (but isn't physical), I'd rather swing a deal with Calgary for Anton Babchuk where they retain half the salary... he's got more game left in him. Foster's bounced around for a reason... the guy isn't a top-six dman on a healthy NHL team anymore.
- Tomahawk

I'm not at all a fan of Babchuk, but would definitely prefer him over Foster. I have no idea if he's available. But with Calgary's Cap issues, I doubt you'd get them to pay part of his salary unless they're getting a very good return.

There's quite a few flaws, for sure....but in a week it won't matter
- Jsaquella

Its gonna be weird watching the Flyers and i'm not playing on the team...

They're gonna miss my 200 goals a season =P

I just think that Laughton benefits more from playing 2nd line minutes with the Generals than he would egtting 4th line minutes here.

He's not likely to get as much time in Philly as Couturier did, because he's not as polished defensively, which means not getting used on PK
- Jsaquella

Two other points......his minutes will take away from Couturiers....who I think still needs the time...
And
Laughton will become the first line center if Boone Jenner sticks in Columbus....he gets those minutes anyways because he plays d on the first pp and kills penalties... I guess we will see....

I'm not at all a fan of Babchuk, but would definitely prefer him over Foster. I have no idea if he's available. But with Calgary's Cap issues, I doubt you'd get them to pay part of his salary unless they're getting a very good return.
- MJL

Still think the Flyers are one defenseman away. Plenty of time to get one though.

Hey Bill,
You seem to have the best and most measured opinion when it comes to prospects. I think one can usually get idea on progression of forwards based on production (i.e. most scoring forwards in the NHL were point per game players in the AHL at least) as far as possible pro potential. That's not to say everyone who is ppg player in the ahl makes it but it is something to track. However, how can you tell with defensemen and goalies? Is there any numbers to look for? How can you tell if players like Larsson, Willcox or Stolarz are progressing to having serious NHL potential.

Still think the Flyers are one defenseman away. Plenty of time to get one though.
- stveshdy

I think so also. But I know the one defenseman they need, likely isn't going to be available right now. Unless the Flyers are willing to wait and be very patient for a year or two. They're likely going to have to trade some key pieces to get what they need on the defense, if it become available.

I'm not at all a fan of Babchuk, but would definitely prefer him over Foster. I have no idea if he's available. But with Calgary's Cap issues, I doubt you'd get them to pay part of his salary unless they're getting a very good return.
- MJL

They'd love to get rid of his contract... and he's got a NTC, so their options are limited. Getting at least 50% cap relief on him seems like a pretty good deal in and of itself -- a minor draft pick should be enough bait, I would think.

Honestly, I hate Babchuk as a player, but Babchuk > Foster for sure.

Two other points......his minutes will take away from Couturiers....who I think still needs the time...
And
Laughton will become the first line center if Boone Jenner sticks in Columbus....he gets those minutes anyways because he pays d on the first pp and kills penalties... I guess we will see....
- landros 2

Yeah, I forgot about Jenner...very good point

They'd love to get rid of his contract... and he's got a NTC, so their options are limited. Getting at least 50% cap relief on him seems like a pretty good deal in and of itself -- a minor draft pick should be enough bait, I would think.

Honestly, I hate Babchuk as a player, but Babchuk > Foster for sure.
- Tomahawk

This is part of what is wrong with Hockey. Anton Babchuk has a NTC. That's pretty ridiculous.

I think so also. But I know the one defenseman they need, likely isn't going to be available right now. Unless the Flyers are willing to wait and be very patient for a year or two. They're likely going to have to trade some key pieces to get what they need on the defense, if it become available.
- MJL

I would be happy getting a 4th, 5th or 6th defenseman who has experience and is reliable in his own end. Doesn't have to be anything special. Just a solid guy who can eat some minutes up and not hurt you at the same time.

I would be happy getting a 4th, 5th or 6th defenseman who has experience and is reliable in his own end. Doesn't have to be anything special. Just a solid guy who can eat some minutes up and not hurt you at the same time.
- stveshdy

They pretty much already have that for the 3rd pair. Hopefully Gustafsson can get healthy and play well.

They pretty much already have that for the 3rd pair. Hopefully Gustafsson can get healthy and play well.
- MJL

Gervais and Lilja.....seriously...if they can't help now? Which I don't believe the Flyers think so, then why are they here?
They were signed as a six a seven d spot I assume ....they are needed now, the Flyers are in no position to take on any bad contract unless the player is a substantial upgrade on the back end.

Today could be wild, once the MOU is signed.

Imagine a bunch of crackheads being told they can't do crack for 4 months, then suddenly they get 30 lbs of crack and freedom to do as much as they want
- Jsaquella

Gervais and Lilja.....seriously...if they can't help now? Which I don't believe the Flyers think so, then why are they here?
They were signed as a six a seven d spot I assume ....they are needed now, the Flyers are in no position to take on any bad contract unless the player is a substantial upgrade on the back end.
- landros 2

Gervais can be solid, so long as he's used right. Got to watch his minutes and matchups, but he's not a bad player.

He's a capable 6th defenseman.

- Flyskippy

I'm waiting for teams to swap 2nd rounders for 2nd rounders, just to say they made a trade

Hey Bill,
You seem to have the best and most measured opinion when it comes to prospects. I think one can usually get idea on progression of forwards based on production (i.e. most scoring forwards in the NHL were point per game players in the AHL at least) as far as possible pro potential. That's not to say everyone who is ppg player in the ahl makes it but it is something to track. However, how can you tell with defensemen and goalies? Is there any numbers to look for? How can you tell if players like Larsson, Willcox or Stolarz are progressing to having serious NHL potential.
- psuhockey

First and foremost, there's no substitute for seeing some games the player plays -- webcast usually has to suffice, as seeing them live isn't often an option -- and talking to scouts.

But even without watching the players first-hand, there are things anyone can look at for some general hints and trends on how he's progressing.

For defenseman, I look at their ice time (if available) and which pairing on the depth chart they play on. Plus-minus is more a team-play stat than an individual one, but it can sometimes tell you things if there's a big disparity between that player and the norms for the other regulars on that team.

For goalies, I look at playing time and whether there is a marked difference between that goaltender, the league norms for sv% and GAA, and between the two goalies on a given team.

In all cases -- goalies, D-men and forwards -- I look at the level of competition they're currently playing against and whether they are national team candidates (it can bode well if they are U20 team candidates by age 18).

For instance, I'm more impressed that an 18 y/o Swedish player is playing regularly on the 4th line or bottom D-pairing of an Elitserien (or minor league Allsvenskan) team, even if the minutes and stats aren't eye-catching, than I would be with a 19 year old who is tearing up the J20 SuperElit league but has yet to debut at the senior level.

Gervais can be solid, so long as he's used right. Got to watch his minutes and matchups, but he's not a bad player.

He's a capable 6th defenseman.
- Jsaquella

No question in my mind. And you really don't want Lilja in the lineup every game. He's much better suited as a part time player and 7th defenseman. But he is capable of filling in until either Meszaros or Gustafsson get ready to play.

No question in my mind. And you really don't want Lilja in the lineup every game. He's much better suited as a part time player and 7th defenseman. But he is capable of filling in until either Meszaros or Gustafsson get ready to play.
- MJL

If they do end up with Foster, they can rotate him & Lilja on that 3rd pair for awhile and likely be OK for the short term.

Wouldn't it be a nice birthday present from Homer if he offered Giroux the captaincy of the Philadelphia Flyers today? Captain Giroux, happy birthday!

No question in my mind. And you really don't want Lilja in the lineup every game. He's much better suited as a part time player and 7th defenseman. But he is capable of filling in until either Meszaros or Gustafsson get ready to play.
- MJL

Foster player on 5 different teams since 2009. Three (four if he signs somewhere) since last year.

That says enough to me.