I have a feeling the goaltending is going to either be average or underwhelming this year... I really hope that Mason can become 'the guy', but I'm not holding my breath considering his overall career flakiness. And we know from past experience that counting on Emery's health is a long-shot bet in and of itself.

I wouldn't be surprised to see them shell out top dollar for the biggest name goaltender AND dman next summer... and then be forced to make more salary-shedding moves as a result.
- Tomahawk

Good morning!

Good Lord, I hope you're wrong. The goaltending has to be at least league average this year -- it's just too painful to consider otherwise.

I have absolutely no doubt that, depending on the results of this season, the trade deadline or prior to the draft, if the Flyers don't like how the defense is playing, somebody's getting moved or money's getting thrown at a No.1/No.2 defenseman.

Because let's be honest: Everybody knows that's what we're missing, especially if Kimmo Timonen retires at the end of the year.

So is it better if they were forced to make a bad trade or if they willfully decided to make a bad trade?

The bottom line here is that they wasted an asset because they made the decision to spend as much against the cap as they did. I'm not going to waste time arguing pointless semantics.

You really want to argue whether they were forced or that they just made an unforced bad decision? Knock yourself out, because that's a pointless discussion.
- Jsaquella

watch out there...that's a true believer your dealing w/

Probably...

Gagne and Briere were players they would have liked to keep, but were dumped to create cap room to make other moves,
- Tomahawk

Ok. The counterpoint is that both players (Briere and Gagne) might be shot players at this point. I'm pretty comfortable with these decisions as hockey decisions.

JvR and Lupul probably wouldn't have been on the trading block if not for those hasty high-$ contract extensions,
- Tomahawk

Please explain.

So is it better if they were forced to make a bad trade or if they willfully decided to make a bad trade?

The bottom line here is that they wasted an asset because they made the decision to spend as much against the cap as they did. I'm not going to waste time arguing pointless semantics.

You really want to argue whether they were forced or that they just made an unforced bad decision? Knock yourself out, because that's a pointless discussion.
- Jsaquella

so they only want cap space then?
- hammarby31

The other issue, in keeping Meszaros, Grossmann and Gustafsson is that you'd either have a young kid that needs to play sitting in the press box, or you'd be paying a guy $5mm to grab Holmgren Dr Peppers & popcorn

The other issue, in keeping Meszaros, Grossmann and Gustafsson is that you'd either have a young kid that needs to play sitting in the press box, or you'd be paying a guy $5mm to grab Holmgren Dr Peppers & popcorn
- Jsaquella

good point. i just assume one or all of them will be hurt simultaneously or staggered, and we're going to need them all.

good point. i just assume one or all of them will be hurt simultaneously or staggered, and we're going to need them all.
- hammarby31

The 2013-14 Philadelphia Flyers. Pray For Staggered Injuries!!!

EDIT: I actually like the team they assembled and have no issue if they move Grossmann or Meszaros to reduce the cap overage issues. In the scheme of things, they're dealing with damaged goods, so getting value isn't likely.

The flip side of the coin is ensuring that Gustafsson gets the time he needs to develop.

So I want them to avoid making a bad deal and to be able to get Gustafsson a spot where he can play a lot of minutes. The two might not be possible to go hand in hand.

Ok. The counterpoint is that both players (Briere and Gagne) might be shot players at this point. I'm pretty comfortable with these decisions as hockey decisions.



Please explain.
- johndewar

Yeah, I wouldn't consider Briere a cap casualty. The hockey reasons were there, he's a player on the decline who wasn't effective on the wing. He just didn't fit on a team stacked with centers.

No question about it. Agree.
- PLindbergh31

mason's had 4 bad yrs in a row, so we have to be realistic. if the flyers have middle of the pack goaltending, that would still be an improvement.

The 2013-14 Philadelphia Flyers. Pray For Staggered Injuries!!!
- Jsaquella

Since my football season is over on Sept 23, I'm going to need an enjoyable Flyers season. I'm not asking for a Cup, but a nice relatively injury free 95+ point, playoff appearance will do.

mason's had 4 bad yrs in a row, so we have to be realistic. if the flyers have middle of the pack goaltending, that would still be an improvement.
- isaiah520

At the very least, it would be a wash but for about $3M less

Since my football season is over on Sept 23, I'm going to need an enjoyable Flyers season. I'm not asking for a Cup, but a nice relatively injury free 95+ point, playoff appearance will do.
- PLindbergh31

You're a Giants fan?

mason's had 4 bad yrs in a row, so we have to be realistic. if the flyers have middle of the pack goaltending, that would still be an improvement.
- isaiah520

Well yeah. Even the most pessimistic (me) thinks the goaltending will improve over last year. Just how much is the key.

You're a Giants fan?
- jmatchett383

Maybe Redskins.

I would love to have Kimmo back assuming he has another good year and stays healthy, but not at $6 million again. If he wants that much cash he can try another team.
- Feanor

Kimmo Timonen at 6 million dollars is right in line with what the market says Kimmo Timonen should make.

It would be great to have Timonen back at a cap friendlier number, but failing that, what do you suggest the Flyers do to replace him if they decide to be hard asses about what to offer him next season?

Since my football season is over on Sept 23, I'm going to need an enjoyable Flyers season. I'm not asking for a Cup, but a nice relatively injury free 95+ point, playoff appearance will do.
- PLindbergh31

They can rebound...NFC East could be had with an 8-8 record this year. Everybody stinks.

Yeah, I wouldn't consider Briere a cap casualty. The hockey reasons were there, he's a player on the decline who wasn't effective on the wing. He just didn't fit on a team stacked with centers.
- BulliesPhan87

Love Danny B, but he no longer fits on this team.

They can rebound...NFC East could be had with an 8-8 record this year. Everybody stinks.
- Jsaquella

This is true. But geez... Yesterday was as embarrassing as it gets. The only silver lining is Coughlin's brother was spared the humiliation.

Love Danny B, but he no longer fits on this team.
- johndewar

Samesies. Parting, sweet sorrow, whatever.

Kimmo Timonen at 6 million dollars is right in line with what the market says Kimmo Timonen should make.

It would be great to have Timonen back at a cap friendlier number, but failing that, what you suggest the Flyers do to replace him if they decide to be hard asses about what to offer him next season?
- johndewar

I don't think they will have the cap room to pay him that much next season. If he doesn't retire and insists on being paid that much they will have to replace him with a younger, cheaper and inferior player.

Love Danny B, but he no longer fits on this team.
- johndewar

It would have been great if they could have traded Briere, rather than used a CBO on him. But there was no fit for him on this year's team.

This is true. But geez... Yesterday was as embarrassing as it gets. The only silver lining is Coughlin's brother was spared the humiliation.
- PLindbergh31

You're talking to a sometimes Eagles fan. I know from embarrassment

Love Danny B, but he no longer fits on this team.
- johndewar

Exactly. He fits perfectly in the Montreal room though!

I don't think they will have the cap room to pay him that much next season. If he doesn't retire and insists on being paid that much they will have to replace him with a younger, cheaper and inferior player.
- Feanor

I think we can pencil is Morin as a Norris finalist for next year. Should be able to adequately replace what Timonen brings and more.

Please explain.
- johndewar

Lupul was extended to $4.25 AAV a year after he almost scored a point-per-game in 07-08, only to see his production fall the next season. He was traded before his extension kicked in.

JvR was extended to $4.25 AAV after his blowing up in the '11 PO's, and then fell back to earth the following season b/c of injuries. He was traded before his extension kicked in.

Both were part of decent hockey deals, but it's debatable whether or not either would have even been available if there wasn't some buyer's remorse with those extensions and the Flyers needing cap space to shore up other holes.