Well in this case, by signing Gagne, that tells me the club is willing to go all in. They should do it. I like the idea of McGinn being the first call up in case of injury rather then a regular. He's a good player and I like having good depth players on reserve.
- dingo8urbaby

If they're all in, may as well keep Meszaros, too. In case Grossmann's injury troubles return or Gustafsson can't handle the job

Who's claiming Meszaros is fully healthy?

This is what I do know. Andrej Meszaros has been out long term with serious injuries the past two seasons. The latest was a shoulder injury. The things that make Meszaros special is his hitting and his slap shot, both come from his shoulders. Back injuries tend to slow any player down. We should also factor in that Meszaros has a four million dollar cap hit and is owed 5.5 million in salary while the Flyers are over the cap by roughly two million. Now, it's been pretty important to the Flyers to give their young players a push into the league. Playing Meszaros over Gustafsson in the top six stifles that push because Gustafsson won't be able to play every night. I think it should be the Flyers priority to move Meszaros once camp ends by any means necessary.
- dingo8urbaby

Most likely only way is to do Meszaros + 2nd for a 3rd. Better suited to stay on the team and hope he's fully healed.

If they're all in, may as well keep Meszaros, too. In case Grossmann's injury troubles return or Gustafsson can't handle the job
- Jsaquella

I agree but not as a guy who plays every night (Meaning Meszaros).

Most likely only way is to do Meszaros + 2nd for a 3rd. Better suited to stay on the team and hope he's fully healed.
- jmatchett383

I still disagree. I wouldn't put much hope in Meszaros being "fully healthy". Not with the type of injuries he's had.

I'm not a s much against the Flyers signing Gagne. I won't be upset if they do. But I'd rather see the Flyers play a young kid in that slot, to develop for the future. I don't see Gagne being a difference maker for the Flyers as a Cup team.
- MJL

Many players around the league had off seasons as far as production in this shorten season. I feel many came into camp out of shape expecting there wouldn't be a season at all. I could be wrong but I feel a healthy Gagne is still capable of a 20 goal season in the right situation. I feel a healthy gagne will far and away have a better balanced game then Scott Laughton. If Gagne was 35 or older, I would have less faith. In my opinion added an element we didn't have prior to his to returning to the Flyers. He was showing the importance of defense as a forward. He wasn't cheating. When the puck was going the other way, Gagne was one of the few coming back every single time to help the defense.

I still disagree. I wouldn't put much hope in Meszaros being "fully healthy". Not with the type of injuries he's had.
- dingo8urbaby

There is no reason why Meszaros can't fully recover from the injuries he's had.

Many players around the league had off seasons as far as production in this shorten season. I feel many came into camp out of shape expecting there wouldn't be a season at all. I could be wrong but I feel a healthy Gagne is still capable of a 20 goal season in the right situation. I feel a healthy gagne will far and away have a better balanced game then Scott Laughton. If Gagne was 35 or older, I would have less faith. In my opinion added an element we didn't have prior to his to returning to the Flyers. He was showing the importance of defense as a forward. He wasn't cheating. When the puck was going the other way, Gagne was one of the few coming back every single time to help the defense.
- dingo8urbaby

My opinion on signing Gagne has nothing to do with Gagne as a player. I still feel he is a good player.

There is no reason why Meszaros can't fully recover from the injuries he's had.
- MJL

The same thing was said last summer about Meszaros but whether or not he does remains to be seen. There are still healthier and better players then Meszaros in the top six. Meszaros has to worry about his own health and waiting for one of his teammates to go down to injury in order for him to get into the line up. Even when Meszaros has played, I haven't seen him put together a nice string of games since January 2012. He has a lot to over come.

The same thing was said last summer about Meszaros but whether or not he does remains to be seen. There are still healthier and better players then Meszaros in the top six. Meszaros has to worry about his own health and waiting for one of his teammates to go down to injury in order for him to get into the line up. Even when Meszaros has played, I haven't seen him put together a nice string of games since January 2012. He has a lot to over come.
- dingo8urbaby

He definitely does. But (as far as I remember) he doesn't have chronic injuries, likes the ones Grossmann has with his knees or the type that LeClair had. He's just had a very unfortunate string of injuries. Still, your point that he'll most likely be moved, I disagree because he has zero value, and the only way you'd move him would be to include a second asset and take a loss on the deal. Given that, he has more value, even as a question mark, on the Flyers roster.

The same thing was said last summer about Meszaros but whether or not he does remains to be seen. There are still healthier and better players then Meszaros in the top six. Meszaros has to worry about his own health and waiting for one of his teammates to go down to injury in order for him to get into the line up. Even when Meszaros has played, I haven't seen him put together a nice string of games since January 2012. He has a lot to over come.
- dingo8urbaby

Last Summer, Meszaros had an Achillies injury. Your post here is based on assumptions. One that he hasn't recovered from his injuries, and two, that someone has to go down to injury in order for him to get in the lineup. You don't know that either is the case. He has injuries to overcome, but no reason why he can't.
If he is recovered from his injuries, Meszaros could easily be in the top 6 coming out of camp.

Last Summer, Meszaros had an Achillies injury. Your post here is based on assumptions. One that he hasn't recovered from his injuries, and two, that someone has to go down to injury in order for him to get in the lineup. You don't know that either is the case. He has injuries to overcome, but no reason why he can't.
If he is recovered from his injuries, Meszaros could easily be in the top 6 coming out of camp.
- MJL

Frankly, IF he has recovered, we are in MUCH better shape on the blueline.

Last Summer, Meszaros had an Achillies injury. Your post here is based on assumptions. One that he hasn't recovered from his injuries, and two, that someone has to go down to injury in order for him to get in the lineup. You don't know that either is the case. He has injuries to overcome, but no reason why he can't.
If he is recovered from his injuries, Meszaros could easily be in the top 6 coming out of camp.
- MJL

I do know that Meszaros has to over come all I've stated. It's just fact mixed with common sense. It's the broken down Meszaros or the youthful Gustafsson for that final sixth starting spot and I'm sure the Flyers as well as Gustafsson himself would like to build from his experience in the world's and his strong play at the end of last season. It's a no brainer. The Flyers have been pushing their young players into bigger roles season by season. Gustafsson is no exception. Should Meszaros stay, he'll be the best damn seventh defenseman we have ever had. He's better then that and this is why I think he'll end up somewhere else. If I'm wrong I'm wrong but why role the dice when he's been below average for a while now when healthy? Have the Flyers ever been known to be a patient team?

He definitely does. But (as far as I remember) he doesn't have chronic injuries, likes the ones Grossmann has with his knees or the type that LeClair had. He's just had a very unfortunate string of injuries. Still, your point that he'll most likely be moved, I disagree because he has zero value, and the only way you'd move him would be to include a second asset and take a loss on the deal. Given that, he has more value, even as a question mark, on the Flyers roster.
- jmatchett383

So how we can talk up Meszaros to play well for this team if he has zero value and zero interest from other teams? I'm crossing my fingers that he has a good camp and a team with thin defensive depth are willing to take a chance on Meszaros. Maybe some of you can be his spokesmen because I have very little faith.

I do know that Meszaros has to over come all I've stated. It's just fact mixed with common sense. It's the broken down Meszaros or the youthful Gustafsson for that final sixth starting spot and I'm sure the Flyers as well as Gustafsson himself would like to build from his experience in the world's and his strong play at the end of last season. It's a no brainer. The Flyers have been pushing their young players into bigger roles season by season. Gustafsson is no exception. Should Meszaros stay, he'll be the best damn seventh defenseman we have ever had. He's better then that and this is why I think he'll end up somewhere else. If I'm wrong I'm wrong but why role the dice when he's been below average for a while now when healthy? Have the Flyers ever been known to be a patient team?
- dingo8urbaby

Meszaros when healthy has not been below average. What I'm trying to get across is that a lot of things can happen. You're again assuming that Meszaros is going to be the 7th defenseman. He may not even be with the team at the start of the Season. Or another defenseman could get moved. Or Meszaros could outplay Gustafsson and earn a top 6 spot. And you're again labeling Meszaros as "broken down" when he could be fully recovered and ready to go.
What you don't know, and neither does anyone else, is how Meszaros is going to hold up, or where he'll play in the lineup.

So how we can talk up Meszaros to play well for this team if he has zero value and zero interest from other teams? I'm crossing my fingers that he has a good camp and a team with thin defensive depth are willing to take a chance on Meszaros. Maybe some of you can be his spokesmen because I have very little faith.
- dingo8urbaby

Teams won't be willing to trade for Meszaros until he shows he is healthy and fully recovered.

Meszaros when healthy has not been below average. What I'm trying to get across is that a lot of things can happen. You're again assuming that Meszaros is going to be the 7th defenseman. He may not even be with the team at the start of the Season. Or another defenseman could get moved. Or Meszaros could outplay Gustafsson and earn a top 6 spot. And you're again labeling Meszaros as "broken down" when he could be fully recovered and ready to go.
What you don't know, and neither does anyone else, is how Meszaros is going to hold up, or where he'll play in the lineup.
- MJL

Gustafsson would have to take five steps back in development for Meszaros to beat him out in camp. Gustafsson has nothing bit improved every year at the right pace.

Yes, Meszaros has been below average when healthy. He had three average games at the start of this past season. He got hurt. He came back and I'm sorry but he did not play well. During the season of 11-12, Meszaros did not have the same chemistry with Lilja as he did with O'Donnell the season before. He just didn't. He has not put together the same string of games since winning the Barry Ashbee trophy. Now without question the Flyers have awful luck. Someone could get hurt during camp and force us to keep Meszaros but I feel it would be foolish to play Meszaros over Gustafsson at the start of this coming season. Gustafsson would have to be flat out awful out there. A tiny pylon. A kid who didn't workout at all this offseason and doesn't care where he plays. This would be a stretch.

Gustafsson would have to take five steps back in development for Meszaros to beat him out in camp. Gustafsson has nothing bit improved every year at the right pace.


- dingo8urbaby

You don't know that. Meszaros is a proven NHL defenseman who has played over 500 NHL games and is entering his 9th NHL Season. Gustafsson has played 60 NHL games and has yet to play a full NHL Season. It is very conceivable that Meszaros could outplay Gustafsson for a spot in the top 6.

Yes, Meszaros has been below average when healthy. He had three average games at the start of this past season. He got hurt. He came back and I'm sorry but he did not play well. During the season of 11-12, Meszaros did not have the same chemistry with Lilja as he did with O'Donnell the season before. He just didn't. He has not put together the same string of games since winning the Barry Ashbee trophy. Now without question the Flyers have awful luck. Someone could get hurt during camp and force us to keep Meszaros but I feel it would be foolish to play Meszaros over Gustafsson at the start of this coming season. Gustafsson would have to be flat out awful out there. A tiny pylon. A kid who didn't workout at all this offseason and doesn't care where he plays. This would be a stretch.
- dingo8urbaby

Meszaros was never 100% last Season. And I disagree that Meszaros has been a below average player when healthy. Simply not the case. The Flyers should put the best players on the ice. If that's Meszaros over Gustafsson, so be it. What would be foolish is to not play the better player.
In the 11/12 Season, Meszaros played 62 games, and Lilja played 46 games. They were not full time partners.

And to emphasize and make my last point. Nobody at this point, including the Flyers, know how this is going to play out at this point in time. There are many possibilities.

You don't know that. Meszaros is a proven NHL defenseman who has played over 500 NHL games and is entering his 9th NHL Season. Gustafsson has played 60 NHL games and has yet to play a full NHL Season. It is very conceivable that Meszaros could outplay Gustafsson for a spot in the top 6.
- MJL

I agree with the last sentence, but that Meszaros has played more games than Gustafsson should not matter at all. The best player out of camp should play whoever it is, and I hope the Flyers stick to that.

I agree with the last sentence, but that Meszaros has played more games than Gustafsson should not matter at all. The best player out of camp should play whoever it is, and I hope the Flyers stick to that.
- PhillySteen

It shouldn't matter, play the best player out of camp. That point was made to refute the poster's suggestion that Gustafsson is a lock over Meszaros. Meszaros is a proven NHL defenseman while Gustafsson is not.

You don't know that. Meszaros is a proven NHL defenseman who has played over 500 NHL games and is entering his 9th NHL Season. Gustafsson has played 60 NHL games and has yet to play a full NHL Season. It is very conceivable that Meszaros could outplay Gustafsson for a spot in the top 6.



Meszaros was never 100% last Season. And I disagree that Meszaros has been a below average player when healthy. Simply not the case. The Flyers should put the best players on the ice. If that's Meszaros over Gustafsson, so be it. What would be foolish is to not play the better player.
In the 11/12 Season, Meszaros played 62 games, and Lilja played 46 games. They were not full time partners.

And to emphasize and make my last point. Nobody at this point, including the Flyers, know how this is going to play out at this point in time. There are many possibilities.
- MJL

Again I disagree. Nobody, not even the Flyers know how the preseason will play out but I guarantee there is a plan right now in case everyone survives camp. The Flyers still need to get under the cap and I think it's a safe bet they're not going into the season without an idea of what they wanna do or who they wanna move. In my opinion I doubt the Flyers are banking on Meszaros being 100% healthy and at the top of his game. I would think the Flyers have reason to worry due to past players in similar situations hoping they'll be healthy but aren't quit there. Primeau, Pronger, Rathje etc.

Clearly you and I view how Meszaros has played differently during the last two seasons bit Gustafsson is expected to be along term player for the Philadelphia Flyers. Meszaros would have to have a monster season to even be considered to be re-signed beyond this year.

If healthy, I want him in that top 6. Never doubt Mez.

I agree but not as a guy who plays every night (Meaning Meszaros).
- dingo8urbaby

He doesn't have to play every night.

I don't count on Meszaros to be healthy, because the last two years or so he hasn't been able to stay healthy. I have only slightly more faith that Grossmann will stay healthy, which is why if it's possible, I'd hang onto Meszaros to have an insurance policy.

If they hang onto Meszaros, and he stays healthy it gives them options. He could outplay Gustafsson or Grossmann and be a solid guy in the top six. He could be used as trade bait during the season if he stays healthy and plays relatively effectively-in fact, he'd have more trade value than a guy like Gagne if he stays healthy.

And if he gets hurt, LTIR him.

Reports say that Brian Burke is joining the Calgary Flames in some capacity. Bob McKenzie tweets that he's deep in discussions with the Flames.

He doesn't have to play every night.

I don't count on Meszaros to be healthy, because the last two years or so he hasn't been able to stay healthy. I have only slightly more faith that Grossmann will stay healthy, which is why if it's possible, I'd hang onto Meszaros to have an insurance policy.

If they hang onto Meszaros, and he stays healthy it gives them options. He could outplay Gustafsson or Grossmann and be a solid guy in the top six. He could be used as trade bait during the season if he stays healthy and plays relatively effectively-in fact, he'd have more trade value than a guy like Gagne if he stays healthy.

And if he gets hurt, LTIR him.
- Jsaquella

This is reasonable, I cannot disagree with any of this. Everyone knows the term "His spot to lose". I believe it's Gustafsson's spot to lose because of Meszaros' recent injury history and play. I feel he was a very hesitant player whether or not he was playing hurt last season.

This is reasonable, I cannot disagree with any of this. Everyone knows the term "His spot to lose". I believe it's Gustafsson's spot to lose because of Meszaros' recent injury history and play. I feel he was a very hesitant player whether or not he was playing hurt last season.
- dingo8urbaby

After last season, there's very few guys that can make the claim that they have a spot to lose.

I think Laviolette is in a tight spot and he's going to play whomever plays best, because he's going to want to stay employed.

I guess my bottom line is, I wouldn't dump Meszaros just to make it easier to sign Gagne or stay out of using LTIR. They're going to utilized the LTIR exemption from Pronger, there's really no way around that.

I'd like Gagne to return, and I do think it will happen. But they have to wait to make it work cap wise.