I honestly think the only safe players are G, Vorachek, and Luke. I think Holmgren would move anyone else for a good price. Although for what he brings I think Talbot is also pretty safe.
- FlyersGrace

Is Voracek their MVP this year?
Even though G has had a slightly down season he does everything for them.
Tough call.

I honestly think the only safe players are G, Vorachek, and Luke. I think Holmgren would move anyone else for a good price. Although for what he brings I think Talbot is also pretty safe.
- FlyersGrace

I agree. Although I think the Flyers would have to be overwhelmed to deal Couturier.

I don't think that he is. If any defenseman is, Timonen is the #1 this year, and will be again next year. And reality is even Timonen is not a true #1 anymore. In my opinion, and a player isn't a #1 defenseman by default. The player is either of that caliber or he isn't. Regardless of the makeup of the team.
- MJL

Then that's more of your definition of a #1, as in if he's there by default or there because he has the skill set. I think Timonen was a soft #1 up until this year, to where he's a #2 or better suited as a 2nd pairing guy even. I think going forward, Luke Schenn is this teams top pairing guy and future #1.

Then that's more of your definition of a #1, as in if he's there by default or there because he has the skill set. I think Timonen was a soft #1 up until this year, to where he's a #2 or better suited as a 2nd pairing guy even. I think going forward, Luke Schenn is this teams top pairing guy and future #1.
- GirouxForTheShow

I'll just reiterate that I don't believe that Luke Schenn is ever going to be a #1 defenseman. Is your definition of a #1 defenseman the best defenseman on the team? Because that's not my definition. For example, the NJ Devils do not have #1 defenseman on their team.

Learning from Jagr, or pushing them. It's the same thing. It was time to move on.
- MJL

Not even close to the same thing. Learning is the onus of the learner, while pushing is more dependent on the pusher.

Guy from Central Scouting on this years draft:

Top 10 players are going to be special players.

You can probably draw a line at 35 a say that's where the next drop off is.

courtesy the Fan590

Torn on Bryz next year. The only thing that really bothers me about him (that is more abundantly clear watching Mason) is his nonexistent puck movement. I really think it contributes a lot to the wear and tear of our defensemen, and helps the other team so much knowing they can forecheck the hell out of us not worrying about good outlets by the goalie.

And it won't get better

Nope. Foster is bigger, more capable of playing stay at home, and has a strong slap shot. He's bad, don't get me wrong, just not nearly as bad as Lilja
- JAKEw1234

i've seen very little of the staying at home or the slapshot

I'll just reiterate that I don't believe that Luke Schenn is ever going to be a #1 defenseman. Is your definition of a #1 defenseman the best defenseman on the team? Because that's not my definition. For example, the NJ Devils do not have #1 defenseman on their team.
- MJL

#1 defenseman- guy who plays against other teams top lines on a consistent basis, plays the most minutes against the highest quality of opposition. Regardless of what MJL thinks of their skillset.

Is Voracek their MVP this year?
Even though G has had a slightly down season he does everything for them.
Tough call.
- Marc D

Giroux is still my MVP. If he's not there how bad does this team look?

Not even close to the same thing. Learning is the onus of the learner, while pushing is more dependent on the pusher.




- GirouxForTheShow

Okay


The Flyers made the right call.

Maybe Homer will go back to the well (Maple Leafs) and make a blockbuster trade for Phaneuf.

Laugh if you want to, but stranger things have happened.

#1 defenseman- guy who plays against other teams top lines on a consistent basis, plays the most minutes against the highest quality of opposition. Regardless of what MJL thinks of their skillset.
- GirouxForTheShow

That can be anybody. If Luke Schenn had gotten hurt, that would make Gustafsson a #1 defenseman? Some teams are forced to play who they have. Playing top minutes against top lines, doesn't make a player a #1 defenseman. It's a level and quality of play, that makes a player a #1 defenseman.

Giroux is still my MVP. If he's not there how bad does this team look?
- mayorofangrytown

he does everything for them,
I agree

I think Chechie gets the most improved award

Both would help let them keep whomever they draft to be kept in whatever league the come from to develop.
- ob18

Exactly also avoids dumb contracts

he does everything for them,
I agree

I think Chechie gets the most improved award
- Marc D

That's one of the things that has to change going forward. They have to take some of the load off of Giroux.

Guy from Central Scouting on this years draft:

Top 10 players are going to be special players.

You can probably draw a line at 35 a say that's where the next drop off is.

courtesy the Fan590
- mayorofangrytown

I was thinking it's deeper but I'll say that's fair.

#1 defenseman- guy who plays against other teams top lines on a consistent basis, plays the most minutes against the highest quality of opposition. Regardless of what MJL thinks of their skillset.
- GirouxForTheShow

GFTS, I would say that to be a #1 guy, they need to have the offensive side of the game. Puck moving, great skater, great passer, PP quarterback, hard shot.

Big Schenn is not there yet, even though he gets the toughest assignments and eats big minutes.

That can be anybody. If Luke Schenn had gotten hurt, that would make Gustafsson a #1 defenseman? Some teams are forced to play who they have. Playing top minutes against top lines, doesn't make a player a #1 defenseman.
- MJL

By your definition of a #1 defenseman, yes I'm aware that doesn't make someone #1 defenseman. Does that make Gusty the #1 defenseman for a game or so however long he was needed there, certainly I'd say, cause that's my definition. Does he deserve to be there, goodness no. But for however long that time period was I'd say he was our #1 defenseman.

Game 4 London vs Plymouth

I think the question everyone is waiting to see answered is will Homer make another JVR/Luke Schenn type deal.

The need for a top puck moving defenseman for next season is huge.

The costs are really high.

I have no doubt Homer will try to pull off something.

Gusty's recent play has thrown a mild wrench into the equation.
Can he continue to improve and take on the role of the 2nd pair puck mover, 2nd PP point defenseman next season? It is asking an awful lot of him. Also do they want Kimmo to continue to be slotted as the #1 guy with all those tough minutes next season.
- Marc D

pretty sure schenn/lauridsen is our top pair

That's one of the things that has to change going forward. They have to take some of the load off of Giroux.
- MJL

for sure
hopefully Couts and B Schenn develop further and can do more next year

Anyone hear anything about the draft lottery being moved due to ott/bos makeup game Sunday? Or are they still having it Sunday?

GFTS, I would say that to be a #1 guy, they need to have the offensive side of the game. Puck moving, great skater, great passer, PP quarterback, hard shot.

Big Schenn is not there yet, even though he gets the toughest assignments and eats big minutes.
- Marc D

I think Schenner has got everything but the great speed and the PP QB. He's a good passer, and has a hard shot, granted the wind up he has is slow. His decision making needs some work, but I've been very high on him all year. I think in the future he will be that #1 guy, just not an offensive minded #1.

By your definition of a #1 defenseman, yes I'm aware that doesn't make someone #1 defenseman. Does that make Gusty the #1 defenseman for a game or so however long he was needed there, certainly I'd say, cause that's my definition. Does he deserve to be there, goodness no. But for however long that time period was I'd say he was our #1 defenseman.
- GirouxForTheShow

Well your definition of a #1 defenseman is not the standard of how the League, and NHL Player personnel people looks at it. A player doesn't become #1 defenseman by default. That's why it was said that before the Flyers acquired Timonen, they needed a #1. And it's why they say they need a #1 defenseman to replace Timonen going forward.