Hello there Coburn lover. I caught your reponse to my post the other day
- flyer_nutter

I think he gets unfairly evaluated by the fanbase. The issue is not how he plays, per se, but the role he's been asked to play. He doesn't fit that role, so he gets exposed. Plus, when he'd try to be "Matt Carle" with the puck and the forwards were so far away that they were sitting in Lincoln Financial Field instead of where he could pass the puck to them, that's not his fault either.

Does he have to play better? Yes. Absolutely, but the coaching staff needs to better utilize him.

100% agreed. Once you decide to move on, no need to wait a year to do it. What's changed your mind on bryz? Masons play?
- SMS4016

If there is no one available this year to replace him, but there will be next year, you don't cut bait now.

Buffalo's not going to trade Vanek for Read and Coburn.
- MJL

I'll gladly pay you tuesday for a hamburger today.

I think he gets unfairly evaluated by the fanbase. The issue is not how he plays, per se, but the role he's been asked to play. He doesn't fit that role, so he gets exposed. Plus, when he'd try to be "Matt Carle" with the puck and the forwards were so far away that they were sitting in Lincoln Financial Field instead of where he could pass the puck to them, that's not his fault either.

Does he have to play better? Yes. Absolutely, but the coaching staff needs to better utilize him.
- Flyskippy

It comes down to three of your top 4 D-men and most of your 5-8 D men not being puckmovers. Guys are going to have to play outside their comfort zone. It's a really horrible makeup for a D group.

Re-signing Grossmann was fine, but they should have moved Coburn and kept Carle to maintain some sort of balance.

Does anyone in here really want Iglina as a Flyer? Are you willing to pay the price? Do you think he could still put up big numbers next to Giroux? I think Iglina would be good for this team. I think he would be a nice balance in the locker room. Kind of a fix between both Jagr and Pronger.
- SuperSchennBros

Don't you think the Flyers have enough RWs?

Reports say Bryz is sticking around at least one more season...
- SuperSchennBros

reports could change if a number of viable options become available. what if backstrom, emory and/or luongo are FAs?

if no goalies of note are to be had, delaying the inevitable for a yr won't kill them, however.

It comes down to three of your top 4 D-men and most of your 5-8 D men not being puckmovers. Guys are going to have to play outside their comfort zone. It's a really horrible makeup for a D group.

Re-signing Grossmann was fine, but they should have moved Coburn and kept Carle to maintain some sort of balance.
- hereticpride

All Carle does is turn the puck over. This year he was on pace for almost 38 points in an 82 game schedule, which isn't bad at all, but is it worth the turnovers when there are many more guys out there who can produce equally or only slightly lesser and not be such a painful liability on defense?

reports could change if a number of viable options become available. what if backstrom, emory and/or luongo are FAs?

if no goalies of note are to be had, delaying the inevitable for a yr won't kill them, however.
- isaiah520

Tim Thomas is, but doubt we could sign him for much less money than we have Bryz on contract for.

All Carle does is turn the puck over. This year he was on pace for almost 38 points in an 82 game schedule, which isn't bad at all, but is it worth the turnovers when there are many more guys out there who can produce equally or only slightly lesser and not be such a painful liability on defense?
- JAKEw1234

Dont get me wrong, I was never a huge Carle fan, and his turnovers drove me absolutely nuts. But he would have brought a little more speed to the D. Maybe Bryz wouldn't have had to see so many breakaways?

Carle's turnovers vs. Coburn's minor penalties. There's a debate for a day that I'm well out of reach of an internet connection.

So we will be 1 11th or 12th rite??

All Carle does is turn the puck over. This year he was on pace for almost 38 points in an 82 game schedule, which isn't bad at all, but is it worth the turnovers when there are many more guys out there who can produce equally or only slightly lesser and not be such a painful liability on defense?
- JAKEw1234

Stating that all Carle does is turn the puck over is not accurate. Nor is he a liability on defense. Again, that is inaccurate. Who are the many guys out there who can produce equally?

Tim Thomas is, but doubt we could sign him for much less money than we have Bryz on contract for.
- JAKEw1234

My thing would be this.

I lean more toward buying out Bryzgalov now. Cutting the cord.

Only if however there seem to be signs that the team can sign one of Backstrom or Emery. I'd probably prefer Backstrom as is. If both are re-signed however then I stand pat with Bryzgalov.

Things should be more clear around the buyout period.

So we will be 1 11th or 12th rite??
- griouxmvp2012

I thought you could move up? Just not down more than ___ (I forget the number) spots? (Doesn't really apply to the Flyers here because obviously the lowest team right now would have pick #12)

My thing would be this.

I lean more toward buying out Bryzgalov now. Cutting the cord.

Only if however there seem to be signs that the team can sign one of Backstrom or Emery. I'd probably prefer Backstrom as is. If both are re-signed however then I stand pat with Bryzgalov.

Things should be more clear around the buyout period.
- flyer_nutter

Backstrom is not going to come cheap. And he would be a 35+ deal if you give him a multi year deal.

My thing would be this.

I lean more toward buying out Bryzgalov now. Cutting the cord.

Only if however there seem to be signs that the team can sign one of Backstrom or Emery. I'd probably prefer Backstrom as is. If both are re-signed however then I stand pat with Bryzgalov.

Things should be more clear around the buyout period.
- flyer_nutter

So then Backstrom can get hurt, because that's what happens in this city.

THEN, it'll be all Mason from there. It's part of the plan!

So we will be 1 11th or 12th rite??
- griouxmvp2012

12th....Book it

I think he gets unfairly evaluated by the fanbase. The issue is not how he plays, per se, but the role he's been asked to play. He doesn't fit that role, so he gets exposed. Plus, when he'd try to be "Matt Carle" with the puck and the forwards were so far away that they were sitting in Lincoln Financial Field instead of where he could pass the puck to them, that's not his fault either.

Does he have to play better? Yes. Absolutely, but the coaching staff needs to better utilize him.
- Flyskippy

See my issues with Coburn had nothing to do with him being able to step up in the transition game. Nor do I think that hurt him in the aspects I'm about to mention...

Blown defensive coverages when he has ample opportunity to get into position (as in he has the puck coming at him, instead of chasing the play). Stupid penalties. Inconsistent effort along the wall.

The first two mainly.

Doesnt the Bryz debate basically boil down to: do they buy him out this offseason or next? I cant see any way they keep him for 7 more years with a 5.7 million cap hit. So the only real question to ask is whats better for next season: Bryz at 5.7 or is their an equivalent option at a better price. Personally I would rather pay someone like Ray Emery 2 million or so and pair him with Mason; leaving the team more cap flexibility. As I've said before, I think Bryz is good but not good enough for his cap hit.

Game 7 after 1

Barrie - 1
Belleville - 1

Winner gets London in the OHL final

So then Backstrom can get hurt, because that's what happens in this city.

THEN, it'll be all Mason from there. It's part of the plan!
- Giroux_Is_God

I'm trying not to get too high on Mason. Bryzgalov came in here balls on fire, and so did Niity at times.

If he can regain some of his form it would make the Bovrosvky situation a little easier to swallow.

Regarding Backstrom he has a lot of experience. Playing behind a lot of different styles for Finland, Minny's trap era and lately. If he comes in, or Emery for that matter I wouldnt expect more than 50 games. Mason does deserve a shot.

Edit: No matter what happens I want Mason to be handled properly. If he has a bad stretch of games, I'd prefer they let him work through it instead of doing the Bobrovsky approach.

Mood... before we win the lottery?

Doesnt the Bryz debate basically boil down to: do they buy him out this offseason or next? I cant see any way they keep him for 7 more years with a 5.7 million cap hit. So the only real question to ask is whats better for next season: Bryz at 5.7 or is their an equivalent option at a better price. Personally I would rather pay someone like Ray Emery 2 million or so and pair him with Mason; leaving the team more cap flexibility. As I've said before, I think Bryz is good but not good enough for his cap hit.
- BiggE

I think it comes down to the desperation contract they gave him. Unless he leads us to a cup next year I don't see how they keep the contract. And that is nothing against Bryz. That is their own damn fault for forcing themselves into that situation.

But yeah, barring major, major overhauls this team isn;t going to be making a cup run next year so I wouldn't put my money on seeing Bryz here in 2014-2015.

Tim Thomas is, but doubt we could sign him for much less money than we have Bryz on contract for.
- JAKEw1234

less term for sure. i'd like to avoid +35 contracts, however.

Mood... before we win the lottery?
- Rocktane

Keep on scratchin'

Doesnt the Bryz debate basically boil down to: do they buy him out this offseason or next? I cant see any way they keep him for 7 more years with a 5.7 million cap hit. So the only real question to ask is whats better for next season: Bryz at 5.7 or is their an equivalent option at a better price. Personally I would rather pay someone like Ray Emery 2 million or so and pair him with Mason; leaving the team more cap flexibility. As I've said before, I think Bryz is good but not good enough for his cap hit.
- BiggE

There's more to that. What are they going to do with the saved Cap space? Spend it just to spend it? I don't just want moves to be made. I want the right moves to be made.