Morin's at least 2 years away, most likely 3, and I don't think we'll see his full potential for 5 or 6.
- jmatchett383

I thought Cooter was 2 years away when he made the team in 11. Stranger things have happened, but I'd really like to not rush the kid as D is a hard position to learn at the NHL level.

Agreed. If it was an option, I think close to 100% of people would want Laughton in the AHL...and Couturier probably would have started there as well. Unfortunately, there's no middle ground.
- jmatchett383

Well, Couts was 18 at the time. He was a rare case of a player who had accomplished so much in Juniors by age 18. I still think he would have made the NHL roster had he been AHL eligible.

I pretty much agree with the consensus on his analysis. But let's remember, he called Read making the team when he first came up.
- MJL

Apples-to-oranges

Well, Couts was 18 at the time. He was a rare case of a player who had accomplished so much in Juniors by age 18. I still think he would have made the NHL roster had he been AHL eligible.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yeah, you're probably right. He really stood out at camp and it was next to impossible to send him anywhere.

Again, no one has said he "CAN'T" go back to juniors, only that he should be given a shot, along with McGinn, to earn a spot. If he gets outplayed, then he goes back to juniors. MJL has said this in multiple threads.



Again, he would go back to juniors.



Cousins had an excellent junior career, and no one doubted that. But there are perceived weaknesses away from the puck that many people feel would be exploited by full-grown men at the NHL level that currently prohibit him from making the team. 2 preseason games do not change that. Let him start in the AHL and, if he earns a call-up, so be it.



Yes. The #1 thing lacking in most young players is their defensive game. Most professional players put up good to great numbers in juniors, but many flame out because their weaknesses get exposed at the AHL/NHL level, which is why it's important to be able to play well away from the puck. Much like Couturier, it's a big part of Laughton's game, and, combined with his past offensive production, is why he's ranked ahead of others. I hope that explains it.

Again, no one's going, "Oh, he knows how to play defense, he gets an automatic roster spot." It's more like, "Wow, he is a very good defensive player for a prospect who has a good offensive track record. We should give him a chance to see if he belongs in the NHL."
- jmatchett383

I question "good offensive track record." Look, I want Scott Laughton to make it as much as anybody, but 23 points, then 53 points, then 56 points, isn't a "good offensive track record."

Again: We don't have to make the guy out to be something that he's not -- 23 goals is certainly respectable, but Taylor Leier had more goals/points than that last season, on the third line, with the Portland Winterhawks.

If Scott Laughton makes the team, I would hope that he does show two-way ability, or the ability to shut down opposing players.

But I think it's totally fair to say that he hasn't shown that he's going to do that thus far in the limited sample size, and at some point, I do think it's not unreasonable to expect a player to earn a roster spot on merit, not based on what his skillset says he might be able to do.

Apples-to-oranges
- bradleyc4

Why is apples to oranges concerning Pannacio predicting a player will make the team?

Yeah, you're probably right. He really stood out at camp and it was next to impossible to send him anywhere.
- jmatchett383

He was immediately one of their best defensive forwards. He was a real contributed his rookie year. It's not like they just kept him on the team to gain experience.

Why is apples to oranges concerning Pannacio predicting a player will make the team?
- MJL

He eats both apples and oranges

I think the argument is that some in here feel Laughton is getting the keys to the car without having to prove as much as Akeson. Meanwhile Akeson isn't being considered for a more major role because of his size and draft position. Am I right?
- PhillySportsGuy

This summary is succinct, logical, and precise. What the Seravalli are you doing on Hockeybuzz?

yes and no...
overall it gets old. you can bring up your own opinion and get trashed...that's childish. it's a message board and for most of us it's an escape from our jobs.
- phi1671

I understand things can be annoying, but it takes two to tango.

Remember Jon Sim? He would light it up every Pre Season. We used to hear the same thing about him.
- MJL

Good analogy.
Past Darlings of Training Camp: 2009: Pat Maroon, 2010: Mike Testwuide, 2011: Eric Wellwood & Tyler Brown, 2012: no camp, 2013: Jason Akeson.

The Tale of the Tape - Jason Akeson (5'10") vs Jared Ross (5'9")
Scoring ability: both have led the Phantoms in points
Speed: advantage Ross
Defense: advantage Ross
Backchecking: advantage Ross
Puckhandling: draw
Strength on the puck: advantage Ross

Would anyone have ever suggested playing Jared Ross on the Flyers' top line in 08-09?

Good analogy.
Past Darlings of Training Camp: 2009: Pat Maroon, 2010: Mike Testwuide, 2011: Eric Wellwood & Tyler Brown, 2012: no camp, 2013: Jason Akeson.

The Tale of the Tape - Jason Akeson (5'10") vs Jared Ross (5'9")
Scoring ability: both have led the Phantoms in points
Speed: advantage Ross
Defense: advantage Ross
Backchecking: advantage Ross
Puckhandling: draw
Strength on the puck: advantage Ross

Would anyone have ever suggested playing Jared Ross on the Flyers' top line in 08-09?
- AHLTraveler

this is great. i was thinking about jared ross 30 minutes ago, but my mind was so numbed by the content today i forgot to post his name.

Who makes that decision? Do the Junior leagues have to agree to what the NHL says or can they say no?
- PhillySportsGuy

To be honest I always thought it was an AHL rule. But I don't really know since it seems to only apply to certain Canadian junior leagues IIRC.

Good analogy.
Past Darlings of Training Camp: 2009: Pat Maroon, 2010: Mike Testwuide, 2011: Eric Wellwood & Tyler Brown, 2012: no camp, 2013: Jason Akeson.

The Tale of the Tape - Jason Akeson (5'10") vs Jared Ross (5'9")
Scoring ability: both have led the Phantoms in points
Speed: advantage Ross
Defense: advantage Ross
Backchecking: advantage Ross
Puckhandling: draw
Strength on the puck: advantage Ross

Would anyone have ever suggested playing Jared Ross on the Flyers' top line in 08-09?
- AHLTraveler

Ross was in the lineup during the playoffs during the Bruins series in 2010. I think that was pretty much to intimidate Chara, but I can't be sure.

That wasn't your original argument. You tried to argue that Laughton being rated a better prospect then Akeson was just perception and hyperbole. Not that Laughton might not be NHL ready, and might need to be sent down for another Junior season. I don't think anyone would think that latter is something outlandish or off the wall.
- MJL

It is just perception and hyperbole until the little matter of PRODUCTION is met.

Once upon a time, Jiri Dopita was viewed as the Best Player in the World Not Playing in the NHL.

Perception. Hyperbole. NO PRODUCTION.

I question "good offensive track record." Look, I want Scott Laughton to make it as much as anybody, but 23 points, then 53 points, then 56 points, isn't a "good offensive track record."

Again: We don't have to make the guy out to be something that he's not -- 23 goals is certainly respectable, but Taylor Leier had more goals/points than that last season, on the third line, with the Portland Winterhawks.

If Scott Laughton makes the team, I would hope that he does show two-way ability, or the ability to shut down opposing players.

But I think it's totally fair to say that he hasn't shown that he's going to do that thus far in the limited sample size, and at some point, I do think it's not unreasonable to expect a player to earn a roster spot on merit, not based on what his skillset says he might be able to do.
- AllInForFlyers

Sorry, I consider 56 points in 49 games (as opposed to Leier's 62 in 64 games on a stacker Portland team) to go along with 13 points in 7 playoff games pretty good offense. Guess we'll disagree there.

Again, we are AGREEING he has to make it on merit. No one is saying he should be given a spot. He has to earn one. He has another week of training camp and several more preseason games to try to do just that. If he does, great. If he doesn't and goes back to the OHL, so be it.

noebbels needs to be admonished for his butchering of the foppa stamp move
- Crimsoninja

He hit the post...

I can't see how Morin makes the team with Meszaros and Gustaffson already fighting for the 7th spot.

This summary is succinct, logical, and precise. What the Seravalli are you doing on Hockeybuzz?


- Flyskippy

Back reading from page 4 onward... It's like eating pudding. I know it's bad for me but I keep consuming and consuming...
- Flyskippy

pudding is NOT bad for you

Ross was in the lineup during the playoffs during the Bruins series in 2010. I think that was pretty much to intimidate Chara, but I can't be sure.
- PLindbergh31

He was in the lineup for at least 1 playoff game in 2009 against the Penguins, and scored a goal in Game 3 (the game where Giroux had that crazy SH assist to Gagne).

I question "good offensive track record." Look, I want Scott Laughton to make it as much as anybody, but 23 points, then 53 points, then 56 points, isn't a "good offensive track record."

Again: We don't have to make the guy out to be something that he's not -- 23 goals is certainly respectable, but Taylor Leier had more goals/points than that last season, on the third line, with the Portland Winterhawks.

If Scott Laughton makes the team, I would hope that he does show two-way ability, or the ability to shut down opposing players.

But I think it's totally fair to say that he hasn't shown that he's going to do that thus far in the limited sample size, and at some point, I do think it's not unreasonable to expect a player to earn a roster spot on merit, not based on what his skillset says he might be able to do.
- AllInForFlyers

Nobody has stated that Scott Laughton should be handed a roster spot, and not have to earn it.

He hit the post...
- Feanor

Whenever you use The Foppa and don't succeed, it's a slap in the face to Crims

Why is apples to oranges concerning Pannacio predicting a player will make the team?
- MJL

Because we're talking about a 24-year-old forward with an NHL-ready physique and an 18-year-old defenseman.

It is just perception and hyperbole until the little matter of PRODUCTION is met.

Once upon a time, Jiri Dopita was viewed as the Best Player in the World Not Playing in the NHL.

Perception. Hyperbole. NO PRODUCTION.
- AllInForFlyers

I was SO excited when Dopita came over to the Flyers

still bums me out a little, not as much as watching Sharp on the Blackhawks, but a little bit