I do realize this, and therein lies my problem with Akeson. Obviously a very talented player, but I don't think he's ever going to turn into a top-6 player with the Flyers. Is there a team out there (Nashville maybe, or Florida) that could maybe find him a scoring line role in return for a decent D/G prospect or mid-round (3rd/4th) pick? I don't want to see another Sharp for Ellison deal, but I don't think he's ever going to get a legit shot here.
- jmatchett383

I dont think Akeson would be a top-6 player for the sole fact that his skating is not a top line talent. You never know though, you never know what to expect when it comes to the Flyers.

I do realize this, and therein lies my problem with Akeson. Obviously a very talented player, but I don't think he's ever going to turn into a top-6 player with the Flyers. Is there a team out there (Nashville maybe, or Florida) that could maybe find him a scoring line role in return for a decent D/G prospect or mid-round (3rd/4th) pick? I don't want to see another Sharp for Ellison deal, but I don't think he's ever going to get a legit shot here.
- jmatchett383

I dont think Akeson would be a top-6 player for the sole fact that his skating is not a top line talent. You never know though, you never know what to expect when it comes to the Flyers.

Clearly 5-hole.
- jmatchett383

B, no. G, yes.

I think a lot of it has to do with size and speed. Akeson is below average in both. Those are two major hurdles to climb to be successful in the NHL.
- PhillySportsGuy

There are so many guys who have been successful in the NHL who are slower and smaller -- Ray Whitney comes to mind, right now. Ray Sheppard, for those who recall, might've been the slowest skater to ever play in the NHL.

Again: It's all perception and how guys get labeled. I'm not saying that Akeson should or shouldn't make the team. But it's complete hyperbole, pulled out of nowhere, that Akeson "might not even be an NHL player."

He's only 23 years old -- the same age as Oliver Lauridsen, who is still developing, and younger than Matt Read, who didn't hit the NHL until age 25.

I think a lot of it has to do with size and speed. Akeson is below average in both. Those are two major hurdles to climb to be successful in the NHL.
- PhillySportsGuy

All I am saying is Akeson and Giroux have a history. I can't remember where I read it. If they played together, or are just really good friends. Last night Voracek also said something about how he and Akeson have good chemistry. Sometimes there is a certain chemistry that players can have as a unit that if you break them up, they wont have. IF.... and it's a big IF, Akeson can make the team, and shows amazing chemistry with Grioux, there is a chance it oculd happen. Especially if Hartnell continues to struggle, which I dont think he will, but I think everyone just assumes that he is going to go back to pre 2012 season form....

are we seriously debating whether Tyler Akeson should be on the first line?

O.M.G.

Also, happy birthday Constitution!

Laughton centered Read and McGinn last night.
Schenn played with Cousins.

On Laughton, he is not a flashy player and he doesn't really stand out, except when you watch him he is positionally very sound and the puck finds him a lot.

He may have a hard time making the team this year because of that lack of offensive 'flashiness' but I think he could play on the bottom six and help the team.

Right now Mez seems like a way better option then Gusty for a starting spot, if he isn't traded.

Wish I could have watched Morin.

Who cares about what draft pundits think? If draft pundits knew anything, Henrik Zetterberg wouldn't have been drafted in the sixth round.

My point is this: You have relentlessly pimped Scott Laughton for a roster spot "if he's ready." But what if Jason Akeson's ready? What if Nick Cousins is ready?

You totally dismissed Akeson's ability to even play in the NHL -- for what reason? No reason. Other than there are some guys who "consensus" says should be able to play.
- AllInForFlyers

So I just came up with what I think about Akeson out of the blue? There was nothing behind coming to that conclusion? If Akeson proves that he's ready, and earns a spot, then he deserves it. Same for Cousins or any other player. But I do not belive at this point that either player is ready. Akeson may never be an NHL player.

the rangers shooters - kind of a strange list: christensen, parentau, jokinen. fonzi might have gone with a different list on shootouts 2-10.

and yes, still ridiculous how it all ended, especially considering much-maligned matt carle scored the tying goal in the 3rd period to send it to OT.

(frank) the rangers. good lord do i hate that (frank)ing team.
- hammarby31

That was a weird two games. Jody Shelley scoring multiple goals, the Flyers totally outplaying the Rangers in both games. Then the Flyers beating Lundqvist in a shootout.

There are so many guys who have been successful in the NHL who are slower and smaller -- Ray Whitney comes to mind, right now. Ray Sheppard, for those who recall, might've been the slowest skater to ever play in the NHL.

Again: It's all perception and how guys get labeled. I'm not saying that Akeson should or shouldn't make the team. But it's complete hyperbole, pulled out of nowhere, that Akeson "might not even be an NHL player."

He's only 23 years old -- the same age as Oliver Lauridsen, who is still developing, and younger than Matt Read, who didn't hit the NHL until age 25.
- AllInForFlyers

For some reason when I read this, I feel like you're yelling it at me. I don't know why.

I think Cousins needs to work on his defense because he's not expected to be an offensively-minded player at the pro level. And I think Akeson needs to work on his play away from the puck as well as his skating before getting a full-time spot (if he ever does).

The general thinking is that most junior players need to be sound defensively to not be a liability in the NHL, and have the scoring come to them gradually (unless you're a Crosby/Stamkos/etc). As far as that goes, Laughton is the most "NHL-ready" forward prospect.
- jmatchett383

Exactly. Akeson would have to score at a high level to become an NHL player. Because there is little else to his game. Which is why Terry Murray demoted him to the ECHL, to show him that he needs to develop some other parts of his game, to give himself a better chance at making the NHL.

Laughton centered Read and McGinn last night.
Schenn played with Cousins.

On Laughton, he is not a flashy player and he doesn't really stand out, except when you watch him he is positionally very sound and the puck finds him a lot.

He may have a hard time making the team this year because of that lack of offensive 'flashiness' but I think he could play on the bottom six and help the team.

Right now Mez seems like a way better option then Gusty for a starting spot, if he isn't traded.

Wish I could have watched Morin.
- Marc D

THE NEXT MIKE RICHARDS!!!!!

For some reason when I read this, I feel like you're yelling it at me. I don't know why.
- PhillySportsGuy

Ha! Not yelling, at all!

Just pointing out that the consensus views on players can really turn around once a little time has passed.

Scott Laughton's the flavor of the month right now because he's positionally sound at 19...but if his game never develops more than right now? He's Brian Sutherby. Or maybe Boyd Gordon.

It doesn't sound as great if he's Dominic Moore II, right?

There are so many guys who have been successful in the NHL who are slower and smaller -- Ray Whitney comes to mind, right now. Ray Sheppard, for those who recall, might've been the slowest skater to ever play in the NHL.

Again: It's all perception and how guys get labeled. I'm not saying that Akeson should or shouldn't make the team. But it's complete hyperbole, pulled out of nowhere, that Akeson "might not even be an NHL player."

He's only 23 years old -- the same age as Oliver Lauridsen, who is still developing, and younger than Matt Read, who didn't hit the NHL until age 25.
- AllInForFlyers

No it's not perception, nor is it hyperbole. That's where you have it completly wrong. It's based on Akeson's skillset as a player, and how he projects. Defenseman take much longer to develop in most cases. You never know what's going to happen, because player evaluations aren't an exact science. But the most likely career path for Akeson is as a career minor leaguer, who occasionally get's called up. There's is always the chance that he could breakout and surpass those expectations. But I certainly don't want him on the Flyers top line this upcoming Season.

Ha! Not yelling, at all!

Just pointing out that the consensus views on players can really turn around once a little time has passed.

Scott Laughton's the flavor of the month right now because he's positionally sound at 19...but if his game never develops more than right now? He's Brian Sutherby. Or maybe Boyd Gordon.

It doesn't sound as great if he's Dominic Moore II, right?
- AllInForFlyers

Mike Richards, at age 21, scored 11 goals as a rookie. I think Laughton could put up at least 8-10 as a 19-year-old rookie. He could never find his game, he could be a 35-goal scorer (not likely). But right now, he is the best NHL-ready prospect in the organization. Only way to find out how he does is to play him, whether it's this year or next.

are we seriously debating whether Tyler Akeson should be on the first line?

O.M.G.

Also, happy birthday Constitution!
- KGBflyers10

Jason Akeson

He does have great offensive instincts

His size and skating work against his chances

I could see him as a top six call up in case of injuries this year
Hard to see him getting a top six wing spot ahead of Hartsy, Jake, Schenn, or Read at this point

There are so many guys who have been successful in the NHL who are slower and smaller -- Ray Whitney comes to mind, right now. Ray Sheppard, for those who recall, might've been the slowest skater to ever play in the NHL.

Again: It's all perception and how guys get labeled. I'm not saying that Akeson should or shouldn't make the team. But it's complete hyperbole, pulled out of nowhere, that Akeson "might not even be an NHL player."

He's only 23 years old -- the same age as Oliver Lauridsen, who is still developing, and younger than Matt Read, who didn't hit the NHL until age 25.
- AllInForFlyers

Or they become Alexandre Giroux or Keith Aucoin (who finally made it age 33).

Jason Akeson

He does have great offensive instincts

His size and skating work against his chances

I could see him as a top six call up in case of injuries this year
Hard to see him getting a top six wing spot ahead of Hartsy, Jake, Schenn, or Read at this point
- Marc D

Yeah, I see him getting a top-6 spot if a winger goes down, but that's most likely his only spot. Like MJL said, most likely (not definitely) a career AHLer who gets called up for scoring line duty due to injury.

THE NEXT MIKE RICHARDS!!!!!
- PhillySportsGuy

He's not there yet

All I am saying is Akeson and Giroux have a history. I can't remember where I read it. If they played together, or are just really good friends. Last night Voracek also said something about how he and Akeson have good chemistry. Sometimes there is a certain chemistry that players can have as a unit that if you break them up, they wont have. IF.... and it's a big IF, Akeson can make the team, and shows amazing chemistry with Grioux, there is a chance it oculd happen. Especially if Hartnell continues to struggle, which I dont think he will, but I think everyone just assumes that he is going to go back to pre 2012 season form....
- youarewrong

If Akeson makes the team, he will be playing top 6 minutes and probably be getting PP time on the second unit.

He needs to be a VERY good offensive player to offset his lack of size, speed and defensive inability. Not saying he can't do it, but it won't be easy or automatic by any means.

If Akeson makes the team, he will be playing top 6 minutes and probably be getting PP time on the second unit.

He needs to be a VERY good offensive player to offset his lack of size, speed and defensive inability. Not saying he can't do it, but it won't be easy or automatic by any means.
- PhillySportsGuy

It's also very highly unlikely.

If Akeson makes the team, he will be playing top 6 minutes and probably be getting PP time on the second unit.

He needs to be a VERY good offensive player to offset his lack of size, speed and defensive inability. Not saying he can't do it, but it won't be easy or automatic by any means.
- PhillySportsGuy

But dude, 2 games 2 goals...how much more do you need?

Unless Akeson is the next Zac Rinaldo and/or have a killer nickname, he doesn't stand a chance in this organization.

Mike Richards, at age 21, scored 11 goals as a rookie. I think Laughton could put up at least 8-10 as a 19-year-old rookie. He could never find his game, he could be a 35-goal scorer (not likely). But right now, he is the best NHL-ready prospect in the organization. Only way to find out how he does is to play him, whether it's this year or next.
- jmatchett383

I don't think he's more NHL-ready than Tye McGinn, who has been playing against men for two seasons. But we'll see -- but what will your opinion be if Laughton scores...two goals?

For franks sake, are we really arguing whether or not Jason FRANKING Akeson should be playing on the top line or not?


Lets reel ourselves back in to reality here people.