Not that the rumors have any merit to them , but I wouldn't be categorically opposed to Big Buff. He's been a dynamic blueliner who had been top producer in the league over the past 5 years. He can hit, skate, move the puck with aplomb, clear crease and he features a rocket of a shot. Certainly the Flyers can use such things, no?

I know many have chided the player and made jokes about his weight etc., but I find it perplexing that he's so maligned and unwanted amongst posters (and bloggers) on H Buzz, as if the player is garbage, with no redeeming value and this could never change. Some may recall I've posted in the past, some views counter to that prevailing sentiment. I'm not here to lobby for trading for him, but I suppose I'm more open minded to the idea of Buff as a Flyer than most. One point I raised previously was that players can change. I posted about how Buff could potentially be motivated to commit more to his game and being in shape, especially with a change of scenery that would come with moving to a new team. People pretty much wrote off or ignored that notion. Well, Buff is still with the Jets, but by all accounts, he worked hard in the offseason and came into camp trimmed down and re-committed to his game. He's put in extra practice time with coaches and has a better, more workman like attitude.

The major point the Buff detractors tend to raise is the fitness level and attitude/committment level. I see people are still chirping about this, as if they are unaware thay there has been any change. If it is indeed true that Buff has committed more to fitness and to his game, wouldn't that address the major concern that people here have in possibly obtaining the player? What other concerns, if any, would remain, that would still make it not worth bringing in such a dynamic player?

Reference:

http://www.winnipegfreepr...y-to-shine-224549651.html

http://www.theglobeandmai...no-fluff/article14718472/
http://www.winnipegfreepr...ecret-diet-223586081.html
- exlund

Its all wasted breath if he has indeed matured to this level...esp if the jets keep winning. They would have zero interest in trading him

No question the biggest issue with Buff is his commitment and dedication.

No one on the Flyers has the flaw where they could potentially and unpredictably balloon up to 300 lbs, do they?
- johndewar

Seems like his weight has been in-check throughout his whole career, and he's putting up big numbers despite it.

No one on the Flyers has the flaw where they could potentially and unpredictably balloon up to 300 lbs, do they?
- johndewar

Well, thank you. I'm glad you been in touch with GMs and AGMs around the league to be able to confirm this for us all.
- bradleyc4

Don't need to be in touch with GM's and AGM's. 3.5M for a solid defenseman is peanuts. And as the Cap goes up, it's becomes even a better value.

Seems like his weight has been in-check throughout his whole career, and he's putting up big numbers despite it.
- bradleyc4

Um, ok, sure.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...peg-season-131116224.html

anyone thinking of moving to florida should know spanish...I live in this 3rd world country called Miami
- vejim

If I move to florida, it will be to North Eastern Side in St Augustine. I loved the area. Great history. Great food. Not too much tourism, but enough to boost the local economy, and not Orlando type of tourists or Maimi type of tourists... More higher class tourists.

- PLindbergh31

- PLindbergh31

I stand corrected.

/does "cabbage patch" and "running man" dance in office

I was in NJ last year and I won tickets. I heard some people bought theirs for like 100 bucks. That might be 50 per seat. And it is all general seating. Remember NJ doesn't have as many saeson ticket holders as Philly, and you have to make room for the players, players families, media, ect... I would doubt there will be many tickets open for even winning them in a raffle like in NJ.

After going last year, I spent an entire day driving to Newark, waiting around for the doors to open and the draft to being. Then, they only call the players to the stage during the 1st round. Every other round the GM just calls the name from their tables.

I would go again to this one in Philly because it is close, but I dont think I would waste time or money doing another in another state.
- youarewrong

it was fun going and a bit of a sports bucket list item for me but I actually missed hearing what was said about the players and interviews that you get on TV. plus this year will probably go back to the format of the first round being Friday night and the rest on Saturday. It made for a long ass day in NJ but I liked having it all on one day. I would say half the arena left after round 1 and the majority was gone by end of round 2/3.

I'm not saying he's untradeable. There are plenty of fools out there.

Just not as confident as others that someone would want to acquire a 3rd pairing sequoia with bad knees with that contract, and give up something of value.

Especially when guys like Hal Gill are signing for under $1 million.
- bradleyc4

Hal Gill at this point of his career, where he'd be willing to sign for 1M doesn't compare to Grossmann as a defenseman.

- -davies-

Looks like my bookshelf. With LOTR & Hobbit on one side and about 50 Star Wars books on the other. I read for entertainment, not knowledge or hidden meanings... lol.

But they are already missing 1 3rd line player, so really they need to get another 2.
- youarewrong

They have Talbot/Couturier/Read on the 3rd line.

Um, ok, sure.

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...peg-season-131116224.html
- johndewar

And yet, still 8 goals and 20 assists in 43 games.

- PLindbergh31

He isnt still doing that shtick is he? Should have retired him with DUPE.

Some people would rather emphasize his weaknesses and ignore his strengths and the lament his cap hit.
- jmatchett383

The cap hit alarmists crack me up. Let's bottom basement shop, and wind up with a bottom basement team.

And yet, still 8 goals and 20 assists in 43 games.
- bradleyc4

Know what doesn't work out well as you get older?

Carrying 300 lbs around.

it was fun going and a bit of a sports bucket list item for me but I actually missed hearing what was said about the players and interviews that you get on TV. plus this year will probably go back to the format of the first round being Friday night and the rest on Saturday. It made for a long ass day in NJ but I liked having it all on one day. I would say half the arena left after round 1 and the majority was gone by end of round 2/3.
- nastyflyergirl

I was witha ranges fan, so I had to stick around until his team picked a few times, so i didnt get to leave until the 5th round.

Some people are great are overvaluing the players on their favorite sports team.
- bradleyc4

And some are great at undervaluing them and getting worked up over a very reasonable Cap hit for a player.

Know what doesn't work out well as you get older?

Carrying 300 lbs around.
- johndewar

He's 28 with only 2 years left on his deal.

You're overvaluing his "strengths" imo. Being able to and willing to sacrifice your body to block a shot is admirable and a trait I want. It becomes an issue (to me) when it's your only line of defense. Courageous does not necessarily equal good.
- bradleyc4

So you're saying that Grossmann's only line of defense is blocking a shot? And were back to things that aren't good in Hockey, such as shot blocking apparently.

He's 28 with only 2 years left on his deal.
- bradleyc4

No thanks. Let someone else sweat that and whatever assets they'd have to part with to get him.

I take exception to that.
- PLindbergh31

And some are great at undervaluing them and getting worked up over a very reasonable Cap hit for a player.
- MJL

He's good on the PK. That's about it.

I wouldn't pay $3.5 million for a 3rd pairing PKer who can't move. But it's clear I'm in the minority here.

They have Talbot/Couturier/Read on the 3rd line.
- MJL

right. And a lot of us feel that Talbot is a better 4th line player then 3rd line player, and the point was that we would be trading Read. So that would make 2 3rd line players. Try and keep up.

So you're saying that Grossmann's only line of defense is blocking a shot? And were back to things that aren't good in Hockey, such as shot blocking apparently.
- MJL

Pretty sure you misread that.