Suter leaving despite them extending Rinne and going all-in the previous trade deadline probably had more to do with them matching than the pure value of the OS compensation.

4 first-round picks was a staggering sum, and I can't say that I didn't let out a huge sigh of relief when the Preds matched.
- Tomahawk

I think needing a marquee player to build around was a big part of it.

I don't know that they wouldn't be exactly where they are right now... accommodating an $8M/year cap-hit would have forced them to move out multiple roster players. Imagine what a nightmare that might have been in the end, if one or more of the compensatory picks had ended up as lottery selections.
- Tomahawk

and i also failed to take into consideration that the cap is dropping this year and the Flyers are (if i read capgeek correctly earlier) already over 3 million over it.

So, yeah...

I'm inclined to agree. Draft picks are a little like lottery tickets, you may win or you may have wasted your time and money.

The Flyers once drafted Claude Giroux late in the first round, which is where Nashville would most likely be drafting if you added Weber to the Flyers roster.

They also once drafted Ryan Sittler and Jason Bowen (in the same year) at 7 and 15.

I can see why Nashville matched the Flyers offer. It should've been a no-brainer if the funds were available, which they apparently were.
- Doc_Sarcasm

In related news, the Nashville Predators released pictures of their charter for certain away games for 2013-2014:

and i also failed to take into consideration that the cap is dropping this year and the Flyers are (if i read capgeek correctly earlier) already over 3 million over it.

So, yeah...
- Doc_Sarcasm

Pretty much... most fans lament it as an opportunity lost, but if you stop and think about it, it will probably be looked back on as a HUGE bullet dodged.

You write as if it's unprecedented that an organization can keep a young up and coming goalie as a backup even with an expensive starting goalie signed to a long term megadeal. LA signed Quick to a deal even bigger than Bryzgalov's but you don't see them trying to unload Bernier for a couple of 2nd rd picks.

As for Snider telling Holmgren to get Bryz at any cost, it was Holmgren's mistake for not knowing the goalie market, ie, the demand for Bryz amongst his GM colleagues. He outbid himself and way overestimated the goalie demand around the league. Poor job on Holmgren there for way overpaying for Bryzgalov.
- phillydentist

Can't compare Bryzgalov/Bobrovsky to Quick/Bernier. There were many in Kings organization not too long ago who felt Bernier would unseat Quick as the starter in near future... then Quick had that great year last year, won the Cup and got the huge extension. Also, there is a not-insignificant chance that Bernier will finally be dealt this offseason... one year after the other goalie's extension.

A better example might be Tuukka Rask's prolonged waiting period behind Tim Thomas. Oddly enough, both goalies have the same agent, so you know there had to be some awkwardness there. Even there, though, Thomas was in his mid-30s and there was a more defined end point.

Holmgren does not manage the Flyers' cap numbers. That's Barry Hanrahan's job. In terms of the Flyers bidding against themselves,you are right. But who made that call do it? There was pressure from Ed Snider to make sure the team got Bryzgalov's negotiating rights ASAP and pre-empted his UFA status by getting him signed.

Can't compare Bryzgalov/Bobrovsky to Quick/Bernier. There were many in Kings organization not too long ago who felt Bernier would unseat Quick as the starter in near future... then Quick had that great year last year, won the Cup and got the huge extension. Also, there is a not-insignificant chance that Bernier will finally be dealt this offseason... one year after the other goalie's extension.

A better example might be Tuukka Rask's prolonged waiting period behind Tim Thomas. Oddly enough, both goalies have the same agent, so you know there had to be some awkwardness there. Even there, though, Thomas was in his mid-30s and there was a more defined end point.

Holmgren does not manage the Flyers' cap numbers. That's Barry Hanrahan's job. In terms of the Flyers bidding against themselves,you are right. But who made that call do it? There was pressure from Ed Snider to make sure the team got Bryzgalov's negotiating rights ASAP and pre-empted his UFA status by getting him signed.
- bmeltzer

Speaking of Thomas, do you think there's any chance Flyers amnesty Bryz and go after Thomas and see if Mason bounces back?

Speaking of Thomas, do you think there's any chance Flyers amnesty Bryz and go after Thomas and see if Mason bounces back?
- flyguy12

I can't imagine the Flyers chasing after him. Heck, I can't imagine him coming back to play. No idea what he's doing, but after he walked away from the Bruins how desperate would you have to be to sign Thomas.

I can't imagine the Flyers chasing after him. Heck, I can't imagine him coming back to play. No idea what he's doing, but after he walked away from the Bruins how desperate would you have to be to sign Thomas.
- mayorofangrytown

This is a goalie graveyard.

Speaking of Thomas, do you think there's any chance Flyers amnesty Bryz and go after Thomas and see if Mason bounces back?
- flyguy12

and spin the goaltending carousel another time? sure! count me in!

Speaking of Thomas, do you think there's any chance Flyers amnesty Bryz and go after Thomas and see if Mason bounces back?
- flyguy12

He might be a distraction like bryz but at least he plays at an elite level.

The handling of the goalies in the 2011 playoffs, not just Bobrovsky, led to Snider's declaration that they wouldn't go through the goalie carousel again. Snider's a proud guy and he was embarrassed.

The thing is, fans are quick to jump to blaming Holmgren or Snider, but it was the coach who was burying the different goalies whenever one had a rough period. The Flyers put their faith in Laviolette and he panicked like a kid playing Xbox.

Certainly, Snider and Holmgren(under the direction of Snider) overreacted and bid against themselves to land the top UFA goalie on the market. But had Laviolette simply stuck with Bobrovsky, it's likely they wouldn't have.

As to whether or not he could have achieved a Vezina nomination here...it's possible. Jeff Reese gets criticized, but overall he's done well with the goalies he's been given. The one outlier is Bryzgalov, but that's a special case.

The guys who have come in and been willing to listen to Reese and work have shown marked improvement. Bobrovsky's work ethic is as good as any other goalie around.

That said, is he a flash in the pan? Maybe. But Bobrovsky's the past. The Flyers have to decide what they're going to do moving forward. Love or hate Bryzgalov, I really can't see him being here until the end of his deal. Mason is a bit of a wildcard. He's shown a ton of natural ability and athleticism in his short time in Philly, but he's shown flashes before in Columbus. There's been rumors about his willingness to work, and there were definite communication issues, but if he's willing to listen to Reese and work his ass off, he could possibly be a very good goalie.

I can't imagine the Flyers chasing after him. Heck, I can't imagine him coming back to play. No idea what he's doing, but after he walked away from the Bruins how desperate would you have to be to sign Thomas.
- mayorofangrytown

Flyers and their Goaltending? Wouldn't completely surprise me.

I can't imagine the Flyers chasing after him. Heck, I can't imagine him coming back to play. No idea what he's doing, but after he walked away from the Bruins how desperate would you have to be to sign Thomas.
- mayorofangrytown

If he's focused on hockey, and not on his causes, I'd have zero issue with bringing Thomas in on a short term deal to be a security blanket while they give Mason a chance to carry the mail.

But his extracurricular activities definitely became a distraction in Boston, and it got to a significant level. I don't agree with his politics, but I also don't care about them, if he's playing well and helping the team win. I'd want to see him promise that he'd be here to play goal, not be a spokesman for any particular issues.

The handling of the goalies in the 2011 playoffs, not just Bobrovsky, led to Snider's declaration that they wouldn't go through the goalie carousel again. Snider's a proud guy and he was embarrassed.

The thing is, fans are quick to jump to blaming Holmgren or Snider, but it was the coach who was burying the different goalies whenever one had a rough period. The Flyers put their faith in Laviolette and he panicked like a kid playing Xbox.

Certainly, Snider and Holmgren(under the direction of Snider) overreacted and bid against themselves to land the top UFA goalie on the market. But had Laviolette simply stuck with Bobrovsky, it's likely they wouldn't have.

As to whether or not he could have achieved a Vezina nomination here...it's possible. Jeff Reese gets criticized, but overall he's done well with the goalies he's been given. The one outlier is Bryzgalov, but that's a special case.

The guys who have come in and been willing to listen to Reese and work have shown marked improvement. Bobrovsky's work ethic is as good as any other goalie around.

That said, is he a flash in the pan? Maybe. But Bobrovsky's the past. The Flyers have to decide what they're going to do moving forward. Love or hate Bryzgalov, I really can't see him being here until the end of his deal. Mason is a bit of a wildcard. He's shown a ton of natural ability and athleticism in his short time in Philly, but he's shown flashes before in Columbus. There's been rumors about his willingness to work, and there were definite communication issues, but if he's willing to listen to Reese and work his ass off, he could possibly be a very good goalie.
- Jsaquella

100% agree. I think that could be the case this year.

add more fire to the hate bryzgalov machine

The one thing for me here...

Bryzgalov was signed, and I am sure like many, I thought the situation was dealt with. He was an experienced goaltender, who showed an ability to simply carry a team.

The fact that there is even talk of buying out Bryzgalov, who was supposed to be the solution, is just such a joke.

Media distractions, inconsistent play, whatever else... This whole experiment has not gone anywhere close to planned.

The one thing for me here...

Bryzgalov was signed, and I am sure like many, I thought the situation was dealt with. He was an experienced goaltender, who showed an ability to simply carry a team.

The fact that there is even talk of buying out Bryzgalov, who was supposed to be the solution, is just such a joke.

Media distractions, inconsistent play, whatever else... This whole experiment has not gone anywhere close to planned.
- flyer_nutter

It's only talked about b/c he hasn't been very good. Whatever the excuses are he's been okay so far. Problem is they paid a lot of money for better than "okay" production. Sometimes you have to admit your mistake and move on from it.

100% agree. I think that could be the case this year.
- stveshdy

Which is why I would really try and explore other options. I do like Hiller, but that would be a trade.

I've been all for looking around at a stopgap like Backstrom or Emery in FA, although that is basically putting long term hope into Mason. He has been good, but so was Bryzgalov when he first arrived here.

As much as I think it would be good for the team to bring in someone else and end this whole experiment, it may just be a better idea to hang on to him one more year and make a run at one of the FA goaltenders in 2014.

List includes:
Lundqvist
Miller
Hiller
Halak (my choice)


At the end of it all who knows. These next couple years will really be crucial for getting this team to be a consistent elite team, not one that runs so hot and cold. The odds of trading for Miller, or signing a bought out Luongo is pretty high as well imo.

It's only talked about b/c he hasn't been very good. Whatever the excuses are he's been okay so far. Problem is they paid a lot of money for better than "okay" production. Sometimes you have to admit your mistake and move on from it.
- stveshdy

But what is the mistake? Bringing in Russian cultured player who is very colorful (most positive connotation I could spin on that one) at the least, into a market where every player is scrutinized especially goaltenders down to the word and tone of voice? Or providing said goaltender with little-to-no defensive help and expecting the same results as he did in a defensive PHX system?

If he's focused on hockey, and not on his causes, I'd have zero issue with bringing Thomas in on a short term deal to be a security blanket while they give Mason a chance to carry the mail.

But his extracurricular activities definitely became a distraction in Boston, and it got to a significant level. I don't agree with his politics, but I also don't care about them, if he's playing well and helping the team win. I'd want to see him promise that he'd be here to play goal, not be a spokesman for any particular issues.
- Jsaquella

His playing is also a gamble not just his "distractions." I am less willing to give him a shot. Better be on a league minimum/ 1 yr and even then! Mason/ Thomas?! That is the thing dead GMs are made of.

The only way I could be OK with him coming is if it meant cap space opened up for a huge hole being filled. Not just to keep Briere.

Which is why I would really try and explore other options. I do like Hiller, but that would be a trade.

I've been all for looking around at a stopgap like Backstrom or Emery in FA, although that is basically putting long term hope into Mason. He has been good, but so was Bryzgalov when he first arrived here.

As much as I think it would be good for the team to bring in someone else and end this whole experiment, it may just be a better idea to hang on to him one more year and make a run at one of the FA goaltenders in 2014.

List includes:
Lundqvist
Miller
Hiller
Halak (my choice)


At the end of it all who knows. These next couple years will really be crucial for getting this team to be a consistent elite team, not one that runs so hot and cold. The odds of trading for Miller, or signing a bought out Luongo is pretty high as well imo.
- flyer_nutter

Miller would get eaten alive here if he pulled any of his whine-y baby poop. I'd personally beat his rat looking face in.

It's only talked about b/c he hasn't been very good. Whatever the excuses are he's been okay so far. Problem is they paid a lot of money for better than "okay" production. Sometimes you have to admit your mistake and move on from it.
- stveshdy

At the end of it yes. He says he was burned out this season, but there were other goaltenders who also played a lot of games, and are playing them right now.

I would agree with the notion that the Flyers kind of set him up to fail though. This team has for a long while had forwards who are pretty bad defensively. The lack of back-up this season I do believe lead to some of the issues. Unfortunately when you look at the fact that Bryz wanted more time when Sergi was here, and now says he was burned out...

I think a few have said it on here, but Bryzgalov will have to be Vezina material next season for them to hang on to him long term imo. If they do hang on to him, which I could see happening because Snider seems to really stand by the guy, they better be damn sure he is the solution.

The one thing for me here...

Bryzgalov was signed, and I am sure like many, I thought the situation was dealt with. He was an experienced goaltender, who showed an ability to simply carry a team.

The fact that there is even talk of buying out Bryzgalov, who was supposed to be the solution, is just such a joke.

Media distractions, inconsistent play, whatever else... This whole experiment has not gone anywhere close to planned.
- flyer_nutter

Yea it sucks that as of right now, there are still question marks about the Flyers goaltending. But if it turns out that Bryzgalov doesn't work out here. Who's fault is it?

But what is the mistake? Bringing in Russian cultured player who is very colorful (most positive connotation I could spin on that one) at the least, into a market where every player is scrutinized especially goaltenders down to the word and tone of voice? Or providing said goaltender with little-to-no defensive help and expecting the same results as he did in a defensive PHX system?
- GirouxForTheShow

The mistake was expecting Bryzgalov to be able to adjust and be a better than average goalie, despite the defensive issues. It's been said before, Bryz hasn't been THE problem, but he also hasn't been the solution, either.

The defensive issues are very real, but so are the issues Bryz has had with consistency.

But what is the mistake? Bringing in Russian cultured player who is very colorful (most positive connotation I could spin on that one) at the least, into a market where every player is scrutinized especially goaltenders down to the word and tone of voice? Or providing said goaltender with little-to-no defensive help and expecting the same results as he did in a defensive PHX system?
- GirouxForTheShow

The thing is, its not almost the fact that he didnt make the big saves, like he is paid and expected to do. He did at times, but was so inconsistent with that.

My bigger issue was the continous trend to NOT stop pucks that were stoppable, and letting up weak goals. He didnt have the help he should have, but he did make his own bed to a degree. He ran too hot and cold.