I prefer Gagne with Couturier, because Gagne is more creative offensively. It'd be nice to see Couturier play with Read and Gagne for full year and maybe develop his offensive game a bit.

I don't see Gagne as a guy they absolutely have to bring back, but if they do, he's a lock for the third line, IMO
- Jsaquella

I agree with that. Gagne would be a nice fit with Couturier.

I'm against Talbot on the 4th line. I want him playing with better players in a more expanded role.
- MJL

As wildly crazy as this may sound to fans, I think Max Talbot would be lucky to see another 19 goal season. I really don't think he'll ever do it again and if he does, it will be only once more and never again. In my opinion he's a fourth line player and a marginal thirds line player.

I prefer Gagne with Couturier, because Gagne is more creative offensively. It'd be nice to see Couturier play with Read and Gagne for full year and maybe develop his offensive game a bit.

I don't see Gagne as a guy they absolutely have to bring back, but if they do, he's a lock for the third line, IMO
- Jsaquella

my only prob w/ such a proposed line is that it is decidedly unphysical...esp for a 3rd unit. in every other respect, it makes sense.

As wildly crazy as this may sound to fans, I think Max Talbot would be lucky to see another 19 goal season. I really don't think he'll ever do it again and if he does, it will be only once more and never again. In my opinion he's a fourth line player and a marginal thirds line player.
- dingo8urbaby

He doesn't have to score 19 goals again to be effective. He's more then capable of scoring 10-12 goals, and playing solid 2 way Hockey. The defensive side of Hockey is just as important as scoring goals is. The Flyers have plenty of offense. They need to be a tougher team to play against in all 3 zones. Talbot brings that and a physical edge to the ice. He's a solid 3rd line NHL player. He is also suited for a 4th line checking role. But I think he has more to give to a team then that.

my only prob w/ such a proposed line is that it is decidedly unphysical...esp for a 3rd unit. in every other respect, it makes sense.
- isaiah520

Good point.

my only prob w/ such a proposed line is that it is decidedly unphysical...esp for a 3rd unit. in every other respect, it makes sense.
- isaiah520

But you don't have to be physical to be good defensively. That line right there is a great two-way line.

But you don't have to be physical to be good defensively. That line right there is a great two-way line.
- KGBflyers10

an effective 3rd line has to bring more grit. throw a guy like chimera in there and that would be more like it.

I have a feeling Snider is going to respond to the 76ers/Devils deal by dumping the WFC on the 76ers and building the Flyers their own house.

Looking back at some of the responses to my post about our division, I forgot that we have a much taller task, much bigger division this season. What I would like to see is a predictions blog for the upcoming season.

Outside of Giroux, who will be our second best offensive threat? Voracek or Lecavalier?

Who will earn the starting job for the playoffs? Mason or Emery?

Who will have a break out season among the youth and take that next step? Schenn, Read or Couturier?

Where will the Flyers rank in the East?

Will Laughton make the team or will Gagne be resigned?

Who do you feel is likely to Win the Cup this season?.
- dingo8urbaby

1) Voracek is the clear favorite, but I wouldn't count out someone like Simmonds. Possibly Lecavalier, but I don't think he'll produce as much as Jake. Then there darkhorse candidates like Schenn, who could finally break out, or Hartnell, who could should bounce back. In terms of just being an offensive threat I'd go with Jake or possibly Simmonds.
2) assuming the Flyers make the playoffs (and I am), I'd guess Mason. I think it's his job to lose.
3) I wouldn't include Read with players like Schenn or Coots. Sure he could take another step but I think we know what he is- a solid two-way forward with 20 goal potential. I'd put my money on Schenn. Flyers fans have seemed to always dislike Schenn bc he hasn't lived up to the hype. But the kid's only 21, an age when most prospects haven't seen a minute in the NHL. Maybe it's cuz he was compared to Richards. But I think this season Schenn finally reaches the 20goal plateau. Look out for Gustafsson as well.
4) Idk where they end up in the East, but that doesn't really matter anymore with realignment. As for the Metro, I think they end up 3rd behind the Pens and Rangers and ahead the Isles and Caps.
5) Gagne seems to be waiting around so I think he'll land back here. He'd add to a solid 3rd line and deep forward group. If they cant move Mez they'll have to wait to sign him til Pronger's LTIR exception kicks in. But I believe they squeeze Gags in and Laughton gets one more development year.
6) Not sure about this... out West I'd look towards Chicago (obviously), LA, St Louis, and the darkhorse, San Jose. In the East it's the usual suspects- Pens and Bruins. Flyers are a longshot but you never can predict a playoff run. I think Montreal and Ottawa take a step back. Toronto could be a darkhorse. So, I have no clue.

I have a feeling Snider is going to respond to the 76ers/Devils deal by dumping the WFC on the 76ers and building the Flyers their own house.
- hereticpride

or the 76ers move to NJ

I have a feeling Snider is going to respond to the 76ers/Devils deal by dumping the WFC on the 76ers and building the Flyers their own house.
- hereticpride

The Flyers already have their own house. And they have a tenant whom they can make money off of. The Sixers.

The Flyers already have their own house. And they have a tenant whom they can make money off of. The Sixers.
- MJL

As wildly crazy as this may sound to fans, I think Max Talbot would be lucky to see another 19 goal season. I really don't think he'll ever do it again and if he does, it will be only once more and never again. In my opinion he's a fourth line player and a marginal thirds line player.
- dingo8urbaby

We didn't sign him to score 19 goals. We signed him to score 8-11 who is a good PKer and can play any role on the bottom 6.

- hammarby31

Well I didn't say a lot of money!