Is Laughton playing in the AHL an option this season?
- BulliesPhan87

Only if he starts in the NHL and stays there until he meets the age requirement

No. Either on the roster or in Juniors
- PhillySportsGuy

Wasn't sure if he was past that point yet. Ugh @ that rule.

this is a bit concerning

Andy Strickland ‏@andystrickland 17m
Those close to Tampa Bay #Lightning say Vinny Lecavalier is still good below the dots but insist getting around the ice is a struggle

I watched some of his games this year in juniors. If you couple that with how impressive he was in his first 9 games as a Flyer... I have no doubt he will transition smoothly.

That being said, I think one of Couts or Laughton has to be moved for a young defenseman. Personally I think we can get more out of Couts, and I like Laughton's offensive game more. He was always moving to scoring postions, and hitting passes a kid on a 9 game trial should be scared to make. I was really impressed.
- youarewrong

Couturier had back to back 96 pt Seasons in Juniors. Laughton's best offensive Season was 56 pts.

Tell that to Richards.

The only way Laughton doesnt make the team out of camp is if he poop the bed. Playing on in JRs is incomparable to the NHL (even in a 4th line role).


Odds are, Laughton will not only make the team, but end up getting around 12 minutes a night.
- jak521

He made a good impression last year in camp and in the NHL. He continued his success in juniors. Assuming the same progression, he should absolutely be ready for a 4th line role with limited minutes.

He's a good two way player which means he won't need as much protection as normal 19 year olds do.

any truth to the rumor that Vinny wants to stay on East Coast? Also hearing it's down to three: Dallas, Philly and Detroit.....so if you put 2 and 2 together......I know wishful thinking and it's very doubtful he comes here, but it would be really awesome.

Only if he starts in the NHL and stays there until he meets the age requirement
- jak521

If he turns 20 while on the Flyers, they can send him down to the AHL?

The argument was that the Flyers have a history of drafting very well in the first round, so we are inclined to trust them in that area.

They are also inclined to sign big name free agents for big money when they don't necessarily need to.

We didn't criticize the draft because they usually get it right. We criticize free agency because they often get things wrong.
- PhillySportsGuy

The Flyers actually have a bad track record for drafting defensmen in the first round... so I think your logic may be flawed if that was what you were saying.

If he turns 20 while on the Flyers, they can send him down to the AHL?
- PhillySportsGuy

Sure... he is 20.

any truth to the rumor that Vinny wants to stay on East Coast? Also hearing it's down to three: Dallas, Philly and Detroit.....so if you put 2 and 2 together......I know wishful thinking and it's very doubtful he comes here, but it would be really awesome.
- flyersfan51

GM Poile is the one who said Vinny preferes east coast

this is a bit concerning

Andy Strickland ‏@andystrickland 17m
Those close to Tampa Bay #Lightning say Vinny Lecavalier is still good below the dots but insist getting around the ice is a struggle
- moylander

The Flyers actually have a bad track record for drafting defensmen in the first round... so I think your logic may be flawed if that was what you were saying.
- youarewrong

The last two(prior to this draft) they picked have been pretty good.

I think that Newbury kid has a huge upside.
- mayorofangrytown

This may be late but isn't he 31?

The Flyers actually have a bad track record for drafting defensmen in the first round... so I think your logic may be flawed if that was what you were saying.
- youarewrong

Different management. They did alright with Sbisa and he's european. They normally know the canadian leagues very well.

I'm willing to wait and see though. If Pulock turns out to be a star and Morin is a Coburn type, then I will criticize it.

Its usually power forwards who decline rapidly. And the better ones are still the exception. Vinny is going to be an 1,000 point finesse forward. He is by no means a power forward type.

EDIT: And the reason they tend to rapidly decline is because of severe health changes. The toll it takes on your body to be a power forward is insane.
- jak521

Big finesse guys aren't exempt from decline... look at what time did to Yashin and Nedved.

this is a bit concerning

Andy Strickland ‏@andystrickland 17m
Those close to Tampa Bay #Lightning say Vinny Lecavalier is still good below the dots but insist getting around the ice is a struggle
- moylander

I saw that in the games the Flyers played against them. I don't think that is incorrect, from what I saw last season.

The question then becomes: Was he in shape last year? Is this the speed he'll be? He's never had hip or leg issues, so what will the decline be like -- gradual, or off-the-cliff?

Rod Brind'Amour, to be kind, had slowed considerably when Carolina won their Cup. Eric Staal was doing the heavy lifting for that team. If anything, Peter Laviolette knows how to handle that dynamic, with a dynamic young center in the No. 1 slot and a slower veteran in the No. 2 hole.

this is a bit concerning

Andy Strickland ‏@andystrickland 17m
Those close to Tampa Bay #Lightning say Vinny Lecavalier is still good below the dots but insist getting around the ice is a struggle
- moylander

I didnt watch much Tampa games but he looked pretty good when he played against the Flyers. Think its a stretch to say he "struggles" to get around the ice.

Why is it imperative that they add one of the grossly overrated players on the market?

Horton's been living for years off being the 3rd-overall pick in 2003... a couple of decent playoff runs (with plenty of help) and a couple of 60-point seasons gets you a $6M payday? Ouch.
- Tomahawk

Not really sure. The Flyers have some work to do. I honestly don't know what direction they will go.

Big finesse guys aren't exempt from decline... look at what time did to Yashin and Nedved.
- Tomahawk

Im not saying they are exempt, but for every example of a guy that was hit by decline, I can name a few that werent... Like Jagr or Sundin.

EDIT: And I get your point that its a risk. Im not saying I want him at all costs, but I do think he could be an asset.

Tell that to Richards.

The only way Laughton doesnt make the team out of camp is if he poop the bed. Playing on in JRs is incomparable to the NHL (even in a 4th line role).


Odds are, Laughton will not only make the team, but end up getting around 12 minutes a night.
- jak521

Scott Laughton is not Mike Richards. No player is in the NHL. Richards has been a winner at every level while wearing a letter on his chest. Laughton I don't believe has ever even played internationally. I hate that every two way player gets compared to Jordan Staal or Mike richards. It's silly and we need to remove ourselves from this unless we have a real legit comparison. Laughton to Richards is not it.

This may be late but isn't he 31?
- stveshdy

He's a very young 31. Very young...

I think Laughton should play in juniors. Over the course of an 82 game schedule and only playing a 4th line, it would be quick and easy for Laughton to become ineffective as the weeks to months go by. He won't even gain the same role couturier did his rookie season. Laughton will get a much much lesser role. I also feel a lot of Laughton's success came from the increased responsibility when his star teammates and some of the more tougher opponents went to play for the worlds.
- dingo8urbaby

A 4th Junior Season would be a waste. Playing even a limited role in the NHL will be better for his develpment, then another year of beating up on younger, less physically matured players, as an overager in Juniors.

No. Either on the roster or in Juniors
- PhillySportsGuy

you'd think it'd have to be roster right?

unless he needs dat 3rd straight Lindros trophy for Oshawa

Im not saying they are exempt, but for every example of a guy that was hit by decline, I can name a few that werent... Like Jagr or Sundin.

EDIT: And I get your point that its a risk. Im not saying I want him at all costs, but I do think he could be an asset.
- jak521

I think he'd be an asset for a year, or two... but on a long-term contract, he'd most likely end up declining to 40-50 point range at best by years 3+, and be more of a roadblock to the young kids coming up than a real difference maker.

As for Jagr and Sundin.... Vinny might be the "Michael Jordan of hockey", but he's not a freak of nature like those guys.

@D_LEED: In fact, I'd even move a defenseman out, clear space and claim Russell or sign Blum. Seems smart to me.

I kind of agree with him!