Anyone else find it curious Gagne is still not playing for a team...
- JW98FlyerFan

Not at all. Gagne and his agent are being smart about it. Wait until after the Olympics, near the deadline. Find out which teams are looking good to win the cup and one that could use a two-way forward that is completely healty and fresh, that can score goals, and that can play anywhere from top line to 3rd line, PP to PK... and sign a contract for one year low on salary, but high on signing bonus.

He will sign mid-to late season with an Eastern Conf contender, and proceed to score the GWG that eliminates the Flyers from the playoffs.
- PLindbergh31

Wait, that didn't happen already?

:leaving:

Sometimes I think I'm being thick and I don't get it...

This wasn't one of those times.
- mayorofangrytown

Agreed.

Just making sure: did I email you a copy of M4's schedule? And did you send me one of J's? I'm hoping to see a game of his since I've not been able to make one yet.

Agreed.

Just making sure: did I email you a copy of M4's schedule? And did you send me one of J's? I'm hoping to see a game of his since I've not been able to make one yet.
- Flyskippy

I have M4s, yes. I can get you a link this afternoon if I didn't already.

Edit: This probably isn't the year. They blow and he plays all over the place to the point where his game is mostly a solo project.

Anyone else find it curious Gagne is still not playing for a team...
- JW98FlyerFan

Are there other veterans of Gagne's ilk that found themselves out of a job despite being serviceable players because the cap is artificially down this year?

I saw enough of Gagne last year and I can't believe he couldn't help somebody. I feel like it's more a question of cap space that teams have relative to their need of a guy like Gagne.

Are there other veterans of Gagne's ilk that found themselves out of a job despite being serviceable players because the cap is artificially down this year?

I saw enough of Gagne last year and I can't believe he couldn't help somebody. I feel like it's more a question of cap space that teams have relative to their need of a guy like Gagne.
- johndewar

Former Flyer Vinny Prospal for one.

Yeah, but then you are not having Coburn (who's been a horse over the last 15 games) and Hagg. I'm not sold on Nurse at all. Not a bit.
- jmatchett383

FWIW, I know some doubted his upside, but Nurse has indeed continued his offensive progression as I had expected...worked hard on his shot and offensive game...he's been over a point per game in 22 games (7g 17a), good for 2nd in scoring for D men in the OHL. I really wanted that kid.

Maybe there's still a trade with Edmonton to make for him...

He was a huge, bulging, beastly man. in a blue Argos jersey.... plates were from Ontario....


- PLindbergh31

Are there other veterans of Gagne's ilk that found themselves out of a job despite being serviceable players because the cap is artificially down this year?

I saw enough of Gagne last year and I can't believe he couldn't help somebody. I feel like it's more a question of cap space that teams have relative to their need of a guy like Gagne.
- johndewar

Remember Cap hit is per day. The closer to TDL teams get, the more money they have to add someone like Gagne. If Gagne wanted to play a full season for the Cap minimum he could surely find a team. But if he wait until the TDL he will likely get more money out of a signing bonus then he would have gotten out of a salary this year.

Was just thinking about that this morning. I thought the Flyers were going to try & fit him in during the 1-7 start. Maybe they did and he told them to get bent?
- Flyskippy

So he wants his career to be over? Cause no one else is calling, and he won't be anywhere near game shape if he signs in February.

Remember Cap hit is per day. The closer to TDL teams get, the more money they have to add someone like Gagne. If Gagne wanted to play a full season for the Cap minimum he could surely find a team. But if he wait until the TDL he will likely get more money out of a signing bonus then he would have gotten out of a salary this year.
- youarewrong

The longer he's not playing, the rustier he gets. And the later it gets in the season, the less tolerance teams will have for putting up with a guy that needs substantial time to get up to speed physically and time to learn new systems/teammates. It's a vicious cycle that could either land him in Europe, or end his career.

Are there other veterans of Gagne's ilk that found themselves out of a job despite being serviceable players because the cap is artificially down this year?

I saw enough of Gagne last year and I can't believe he couldn't help somebody. I feel like it's more a question of cap space that teams have relative to their need of a guy like Gagne.
- johndewar

Kuba, Lydman, Mayers, Prospal, Reasoner, Redden, Sullivan, Theodore, White all don't have homes either. Knuble, Hedberg, Langenbrunner, and Pandolfo are as good as retired.

The longer he's not playing, the rustier he gets. And the later it gets in the season, the less tolerance teams will have for putting up with a guy that needs substantial time to get up to speed physically and time to learn new systems/teammates. It's a vicious cycle that could either land him in Europe, or end his career.
- Tomahawk

As long as he is staying in shape he will be fine. Its not like we are talking about a 20 something kid here. It wont take Gagne long to learn whatever "system" is in place. Most Systems are a variation of something they already know anyway. It would be no different the aquiring a guy at the deadline, or having an injured player come off a long IR before the playoffs, only they dont have to give up any assets.

The longer he's not playing, the rustier he gets. And the later it gets in the season, the less tolerance teams will have for putting up with a guy that needs substantial time to get up to speed physically and time to learn new systems/teammates. It's a vicious cycle that could either land him in Europe, or end his career.
- Tomahawk

Do the guys that fit into this category feel like they cheapen themselves with one of those AHL contracts like Knuble signed? Or is it a case of "I don't want to take another guy's job"?

I would think they'd rather get a paycheck (albeit way smaller) and playing competitive hockey rather than just running or skating on their own.

As long as he is staying in shape he will be fine. Its not like we are talking about a 20 something kid here. It wont take Gagne long to learn whatever "system" is in place. Most Systems are a variation of something they already know anyway. It would be no different the aquiring a guy at the deadline, or having an injured player come off a long IR before the playoffs, only they dont have to give up any assets.
- youarewrong

I think there is a difference between being "in shape" and being in "hockey shape".

I think there is a difference between being "in shape" and being in "hockey shape".
- johndewar

Not to mention the huge difference between basic hockey shape and mid/late-season form. Gagne would be behind the 8-ball if he came back right now... by the TDL, you might as well not even bother signing him... he wouldn't be fully up to speed until well into the PO's.

i love you at times like these

- hogweed

Glad to be of service!!

Tonight's Flyers-Sabres matchup marks the first time 2 Native Canadian coaches will play against each other:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/bl...tm?id=23003&cmpid=nhl-twt

Tonight's Flyers-Sabres matchup marks the first time 2 Native Canadian coaches will play against each other:
http://www.nhl.com/ice/bl...tm?id=23003&cmpid=nhl-twt
- JAKEw1234

Huh. How bout that.

I think there is a difference between being "in shape" and being in "hockey shape".
- johndewar

What is the difference between A player coming off the IR from a long-term injury, and a team signing a player that hasn't played? But as you said, come February Gagne can sign a contract with an AHL or ECHL team, get into hockey shape, then bam, come TDL time he is in hockey shape and doesnt have the injury or fatigue problems from playing a full season.

Huh. How bout that.
- Giroux_Is_God

I personally had no idea Berube was Native Canadian.

So what do you guys think the biggest reason for the Flyers turn around is?

A) The Talbot for Downie trade.

B) The Emery fight

C) A text from Mike Richards to Claude Giroux, which leads to Giroux breaking his goal scoring slump.

D) The entire group finally getting the hang of Berube's new system

E) Inspired play by Mason

F) All of the above

I have M4s, yes. I can get you a link this afternoon if I didn't already.

Edit: This probably isn't the year. They blow and he plays all over the place to the point where his game is mostly a solo project.
- mayorofangrytown

Ah, then he & M4 have switched fortune this year. M4's team is 6-1 and is averaging 8 GF & 2 GA. He made his first foray on Saturday into "Mark Howe territory" & put one off the goalie's glove before it rolled wide. His coaches want him trying things offensively since he's solid on the D side of the puck. He's become adept at lifting the stick, stealing the puck, & passing it up in fluid motion. It's been fun watching him on this team where the better skaters force him to be just as quick as they are.

I personally had no idea Berube was Native Canadian.
- JAKEw1234

I'm old, so I remember when Berube was a rookie and Berube's heritage was mentioned quite a bit.

I personally had no idea Berube was Native Canadian.
- JAKEw1234

Jake! Cmon man....The Chief??