I think they value Schenn more, to be honest. I think they have concerns that Couturier's offense will never really blossom and that he'll end up being a Martin Hanzal type guy. Certainly a good player, but not a franchise cornerstone.

That is just a guess...who knows, maybe they are dying to move Schenn
- Jsaquella

It's an interesting theory on Coots, supported by the fact he was pretty much always skating with 3rd and 4th line wingers, while B. Schenn was never dropped in the line-up no matter what.

It's not a no brainer... But...

Homer makes that move 8 days a week. And I like Reader. Moreso than I like Schenn even.
- GirouxForTheShow

If it was discussed at the TDL, then obviously he doesn't make that move 8 days a week.

I'm not sure I'd do it. Look at Bishop after he left Ottawa. Look at other goalies who've left defense first teams and struggled.

It's not a no brainer... But...

Homer makes that move 8 days a week. And I like Reader. Moreso than I like Schenn even.
- GirouxForTheShow

Wouldnt it be interesting though if thats the guy LA wanted?

Decent contract, hard worker and most importantly good defensively.

The Flyers should be keeping as many of their "good defensively" forwards as they can.

(frank) I know its just rumors, but it really seems at times this team has no direction. Where is the identity and philosophy? Peanuts are bursting!

We will see. I have stood behind Holmgren for the most part these last few years.

The shine of bringing in Hartnell, Timonen, Pronger and Coburn is starting to wear off though.

Its a big summer regarding the future of this team.
- flyer_nutter

I'm not advocating trading either. I would probably stand pat or make smaller moves this summer.

It's an interesting theory on Coots, supported by the fact he was pretty much always skating with 3rd and 4th line wingers, while B. Schenn was never dropped in the line-up no matter what.
- ravishingone

I think Laviolette definitely prefers Schenn more. I like Schenn a lot. I also like Couturier a lot. My preference would be to keep both. But I am open to a trade if it makes the team better now and the future

Hope Hossa and Zeus bring it home tonight.

I've wanted to see Handzus hoist the cup for a while now.

Wouldnt it be interesting though if thats the guy LA wanted?

Decent contract, hard worker and most importantly good defensively.

The Flyers should be keeping as many of their "good defensively" forwards as they can.

(frank) I know its just rumors, but it really seems at times this team has no direction. Where is the identity and philosophy? Peanuts are bursting!
- flyer_nutter

Of course, maybe it was the Kings who approached Homer about the Bernier deal at the TDL, Homer declined and ended up with Mason. Just a thought. No need to burst any peanuts, sounds a little painful and probably some rehab involved.

Well even at the ahl level schenn was a better producer than couts. Personally I think schenn breaks out this year

If it was discussed at the TDL, then obviously he doesn't make that move 8 days a week.

I'm not sure I'd do it. Look at Bishop after he left Ottawa. Look at other goalies who've left defense first teams and struggled.
- Jsaquella

Well who knows what was discussed at the TDL. Sure Bernier is unproven but that's like saying well Drouin isn't proven. Obviously not to that extent, but potential has some value especially when that potential has well over 3,000 minutes in the NHL. I'm not sure if I make that move either, I think Reads versatile two-way play and his speed are things this team is greatly missing. Just seems like a move Homer would make.

As much as it would be good to have two good young goaltenders in here, I dont see the point to bring in Bernier.

Mason will need a new deal if he plays well. Why not show some (frank)ing patience and give the kid a real year, with a mentor type to see what he has got.

The talent was clearly evident last season, it seems his head really got messed with in Columbus.

So the solution? Lets trade assets and have 2 young, unproven goaltenders test the waters and compete for a starting job in one of the toughest markets, and media locations.

Hmm what could go wrong there?

Unreal. Keep (frank)ing Mason, sign a guy to mentor him for a little while, and be done with it. Or lets create just more goalie controversy and put more pressure on both of the young goaltenders. Rediculous. Absolutely hate the idea.
- flyer_nutter

nutter brother, i have to disagree about the goalies. mason's coming off of 4 bad yrs in a row - that's a lot- and pairing him w/ a guy like bryz who would be in a make-or-break situation is no favor. having 2 younger guys splitting time until one emerges while allowing a young core to grow makes a lot of sense to me. bernier has more pedigree than practically any guy we could bring in.

I'm not advocating trading either. I would probably stand pat or make smaller moves this summer.
- Jsaquella

I'd hang on to Coots even though I will agree I do have questions regarding his foot speed and offensive game. Thing is though, he doesnt need to develop into that star.

Even if he stays a lesser player, he can still be effective.

I'd probably target Edler, Giordano and Yandle as my top 3.

I like Shattenkirk but think he will cost too much. If I am Holmgren I make myself believe that J-Bow and Johnson have syphillis and run.

I think Laviolette definitely prefers Schenn more. I like Schenn a lot. I also like Couturier a lot. My preference would be to keep both. But I am open to a trade if it makes the team better now and the future
- Jsaquella

Also, both will be RFAs at the end of the year. Also, maybe the organization really believes in the ability of Laughton. Is he in the mold like Adam Henrique (opinion of Homer) or John Madden (opinion of Bill at the draft last year)?

Well who knows what was discussed at the TDL. Sure Bernier is unproven but that's like saying well Drouin isn't proven. Obviously not to that extent, but potential has some value especially when that potential has well over 3,000 minutes in the NHL. I'm not sure if I make that move either, I think Reads versatile two-way play and his speed are things this team is greatly missing. Just seems like a move Homer would make.
- GirouxForTheShow

So far the most Holmgren has traded for any goalie is a 2nd rounder, for Martin Biron. He got Bryz for a 3rd. Boucher for a career AHLer, Leighton off waivers. Bryzgalov for a third, Mason for a third.

Not saying he absolutely wouldn't do it, but it's not a slam dunk deal where you agree to it as soon as the other GM proposes it.

Well even at the ahl level schenn was a better producer than couts. Personally I think schenn breaks out this year
- Philly1980

Which is exactly why probably the best thing would be just to hang on to both of them. Coming from a guy who doesnt think very highly of Brayden Schenn at all.

That however would require organizational patience.

If they are making a move to have say Edler or Yandle here for an extended period of time so be it, but why the hell do you bring in Bernier. The talent in Mason is clear and he has more experience, especially not behind a d-first team. Support him with a mentor!

So far the most Holmgren has traded for any goalie is a 2nd rounder, for Martin Biron. He got Bryz for a 3rd. Boucher for a career AHLer, Leighton off waivers. Bryzgalov for a third, Mason for a third.

Not saying he absolutely wouldn't do it, but it's not a slam dunk deal where you agree to it as soon as the other GM proposes it.
- Jsaquella

Bryz thing is a little misconstrued because it was for his rights. A signed Bryz, at that time, gets more I'd think. Traded for Mason rights as well.

I'd hang on to Coots even though I will agree I do have questions regarding his foot speed and offensive game. Thing is though, he doesnt need to develop into that star.

Even if he stays a lesser player, he can still be effective.

I'd probably target Edler, Giordano and Yandle as my top 3.

I like Shattenkirk but think he will cost too much. If I am Holmgren I make myself believe that J-Bow and Johnson have syphillis and run.
- flyer_nutter

I like all the players you mentioned, to varying degrees. There's other names out there, if they are actively shopping Couturier, you may see other guys become available.

I think Laviolette definitely prefers Schenn more. I like Schenn a lot. I also like Couturier a lot. My preference would be to keep both. But I am open to a trade if it makes the team better now and the future
- Jsaquella

if they moved couts and drafted a guy like monahan they could be very similar plyrs

Also, both will be RFAs at the end of the year. Also, maybe the organization really believes in the ability of Laughton. Is he in the mold like Adam Henrique (opinion of Homer) or John Madden (opinion of Bill at the draft last year)?
- ravishingone

Based on his play before the draft, I would agree with Bill. But Laughton had a monster season for the Generals, and if they re-did the draft, he'd probably jump quite a few slots

Watching those two teams go out on the ice, I dont know if I would be having a boner or poopting my pants if I was one of them.

Maybe a mix of both.

Bryz thing is a little misconstrued because it was for his rights. A signed Bryz, at that time, gets more I'd think. Traded for Mason rights as well.
- GirouxForTheShow

They didn't trade for Masons rights. He was signed and played under his existing contract.

Yes, a signed Bryz would have cost more. But he was also a lot more proven than Bernier.

I like all the players you mentioned, to varying degrees. There's other names out there, if they are actively shopping Couturier, you may see other guys become available.
- Jsaquella

I've seen Bogosian thrown around, and I'd really like them to stay away.

Injury history, not the fastest guy, and questionable defensively. I see him as a little more offensively gifted Coburn.

if they moved couts and drafted a guy like monahan they could be very similar plyrs
- isaiah520

Very true. Monahan has a good all around game. Who knows what happens?

Based on his play before the draft, I would agree with Bill. But Laughton had a monster season for the Generals, and if they re-did the draft, he'd probably jump quite a few slots
- Jsaquella

Laughton's development eases the pain of trading a Schenn or Coots for blueline help. He's not a lock for opening night, but he would have to play absolutely awful not to be there opening night in my opinion.

Based on his play before the draft, I would agree with Bill. But Laughton had a monster season for the Generals, and if they re-did the draft, he'd probably jump quite a few slots
- Jsaquella

That's the only thing that makes moving Couturier remotely palatable to me -- I actually paid to watch a couple of those games after he went back, and OMG, that kid looked AWESOME.

I try not to hype up too many young players because you just don't know, but if they truly believe Scott Laughton is a beast-in-waiting, then yeah, you just do the best you can in a deal for Sean Couturier and hope for the best, as fans.

That's the only thing that makes moving Couturier remotely palatable to me -- I actually paid to watch a couple of those games after he went back, and OMG, that kid looked AWESOME.

I try not to hype up too many young players because you just don't know, but if they truly believe Scott Laughton is a beast-in-waiting, then yeah, you just do the best you can in a deal for Sean Couturier and hope for the best, as fans.
- AllInForFlyers

I'd prefer they stand pat right now...but they won;t.