The problem with Downie is the emergence of Raffl to play anywhere in the line-up. They wanted a little more scoring punch on the third line and unbeknownst to them, Raffl appears he can carry that load effectively in the top 9.
- ravishingone

agreed on Raffl!

I just think Homer should be more careful with assets

Im ok with it bc really theres guys like a Talbot available every summer. We didn't give up anything to get Talbot, so it's no loss really.
- Just5

I don't know, guys like Dominic Moore would be more comparable to that, I thought Talbot was a little better then that

agreed on Raffl!

I just think Homer should be more careful with assets
- puckhead17

I wish the Flyers could clone Raffl 5X for our bottom 6.

Interesting.....I wouldn't have guessed that from the highlights. But those aren't a reliable indicator of the game flow of course
- Just5

12 minutes w/ no shots on goal after we scored the first one

The problem with Downie is the emergence of Raffl to play anywhere in the line-up. They wanted a little more scoring punch on the third line and unbeknownst to them, Raffl appears he can carry that load effectively in the top 9.
- ravishingone

would love to wake up one morning to hear downie was traded for a late first at the deadline. with the emergence of raffl and the draft being in philly it would be pretty cool. wishful thinking... i know.

I wish the Flyers could clone Raffl 5X for our bottom 6.
- Just5

agreed!

He's a better shot away from being a top line guy possibly (on a more consistent basis)
factor in he gets no PP time as well.

agreed on Raffl!

I just think Homer should be more careful with assets
- puckhead17

This team will always be aggressive, no matter who is the GM. It is just the way it is going to be. The main concern that I have with all the financial advantages the franchise has at its disposable, the draft record hasn't been that great after the first round.

Granted, the last couple of years, the organization has done a better job both in the draft and finding undrafted free agent gems. I hope this continues. I don't necessarily have a problem trading away a high draft pick, but rounds 3-7 they need to have better success.

I don't know, guys like Dominic Moore would be more comparable to that, I thought Talbot was a little better then that
- puckhead17

I just think Talbot's contract was no bargain.

This team will always be aggressive, no matter who is the GM. It is just the way it is going to be. The main concern that I have with all the financial advantages the franchise has at its disposable, the draft record hasn't been that great after the first round.

Granted, the last couple of years, the organization has done a better job both in the draft and finding undrafted free agent gems. I hope this continues. I don't necessarily have a problem trading away a high draft pick, but rounds 3-7 they need to have better success.
- ravishingone

I agree with you as well,
in bold, there are a few, Read Raffl, Gustafsson, (am I missing anybody on the current roster)?

that depends, is another guy coming in here by seasons end?

if not, you move Meszaros, play Gustafsson, & then an injury occurs to maybe Kimmo, then what?
Then other GM's know you need a "filler" defenseman & pry a 2nd from you?
as always, it depends on what else they have in mind to do
- puckhead17

You can get a depth player for less then that. I agree there is a risk and defense depth is needed. My only point is that if a good deal presents itself that strengthens the Flyers for the future, I wouldn't let that stop me from moving Meszaros if they needed to do so to create space. Otherwise I keep him for the stretch.

I just think Talbot's contract was no bargain.
- Just5

Not for the 4th line no, but Downie's contract isn't any better, if was a 40 point scorer, yes, but I think the concussions have hampered him.

The problem with Downie is the emergence of Raffl to play anywhere in the line-up. They wanted a little more scoring punch on the third line and unbeknownst to them, Raffl appears he can carry that load effectively in the top 9.
- ravishingone

This kid Raffl makes things happen where ever he plays.

Not for the 4th line no, but Downie's contract isn't any better, if was a 40 point scorer, yes, but I think the concussions have hampered him.
- puckhead17

It's better because it ends this summer haha. I think your right, maybe it is the concussions. I don't see him coming back next year.

You can get a depth player for less then that. I agree there is a risk and defense depth is needed. My only point is that if a good deal presents itself that strengthens the Flyers for the future, I wouldn't let that stop me from moving Meszaros if they needed to do so to create space. Otherwise I keep him for the stretch.
- MJL

Obviously so, but we can't even depict a top 4 on this team defense, (if your calling Meszaros a depth guy), Streit was in the bottom pairing at one time.

This team will always be aggressive, no matter who is the GM. It is just the way it is going to be. The main concern that I have with all the financial advantages the franchise has at its disposable, the draft record hasn't been that great after the first round.

Granted, the last couple of years, the organization has done a better job both in the draft and finding undrafted free agent gems. I hope this continues. I don't necessarily have a problem trading away a high draft pick, but rounds 3-7 they need to have better success.
- ravishingone

I'm completely convinced that drafting in those rounds is primarily luck. Hell I think maybe even drafting after the first round is luck.

I agree with you as well,
in bold, there are a few, Read Raffl, Gustafsson, (am I missing anybody on the current roster)?
- puckhead17

No I believe that is it for the roster. Bob was also part of that group. I think Straka who is with the Phantoms has a chance to make the big club some day. From what I read, the organization felt pretty good they were going to be able to sign Danny DeKeyser who ended up signing with Detroit and is playing 21 minutes a night.

No I believe that is it for the roster. Bob was also part of that group. I think Straka who is with the Phantoms has a chance to make the big club some day. From what I read, the organization felt pretty good they were going to be able to sign Danny DeKeyser who ended up signing with Detroit and is playing 21 minutes a night.
- ravishingone

yup, I forgot about Bob

Straka would have to play all 3 zones (like Raffl) to make it, that's what keeps Raffl here, he plays great in all 3 zones, he just needs a better scoring touch, which could still come

I'm completely convinced that drafting in those rounds is primarily luck. Hell I think maybe even drafting after the first round is luck.
- MJL

Luck is definitely part of the equation in the draft process. Throughout most of the history of the franchise, they haven't fared too well in later rounds. I don't have any statistical data to show whether they are above or below finding pro prospects in later rounds compared to other clubs.

My basic point is if the organization is not hesitant to give up first or second round draft picks to acquire a player to help the club, they better be able to use lower draft picks and/or undrafted free agent route to help replenish the pipeline. For nothing else to have guys playing in the minors who offer not much of a drop off for an injured player they are filling in for when being called up.

I think they have done a better job of utilizing those assets better in the last three years in particular.

would love to wake up one morning to hear downie was traded for a late first at the deadline. with the emergence of raffl and the draft being in philly it would be pretty cool. wishful thinking... i know.
- moylander

I don't think that is too far from a realistic possibility. We've seen lesser players cost more as rentals.

yup, I forgot about Bob

Straka would have to play all 3 zones (like Raffl) to make it, that's what keeps Raffl here, he plays great in all 3 zones, he just needs a better scoring touch, which could still come
- puckhead17

Ironically, Straka is one of the few + players on the Phantoms roster right now. I also wonder if next year they give Heeter a real shot at the back-up position. I would think so, especially if Stolarz turns pro next season or give Carsen Chubak more of a chance to start in the AHL.

Ironically, Straka is one of the few + players on the Phantoms roster right now. I also wonder if next year they give Heeter a real shot at the back-up position. I would think so, especially if Stolarz turns pro next season or give Carsen Chubak more of a chance to start in the AHL.
- ravishingone

i hope ghost turns pro....i will trek to allentown to watch them if it means ghost and stolarz

Ironically, Straka is one of the few + players on the Phantoms roster right now. I also wonder if next year they give Heeter a real shot at the back-up position. I would think so, especially if Stolarz turns pro next season or give Carsen Chubak more of a chance to start in the AHL.
- ravishingone

Its to bad that the Phantoms don't have a winning mentality because it can really do lots for confidence and can hide some of the mistakes that all young players go through.

Ironically, Straka is one of the few + players on the Phantoms roster right now. I also wonder if next year they give Heeter a real shot at the back-up position. I would think so, especially if Stolarz turns pro next season or give Carsen Chubak more of a chance to start in the AHL.
- ravishingone

I take it Alt would be a longshot?
(just wondering, as I really don't know where he stands on ever making the NHL)?

Its to bad that the Phantoms don't have a winning mentality because it can really do lots for confidence and can hide some of the mistakes that all young players go through.
- AGL_91

I think part of the solution is having better AHL veterans on the roster who can help mentor the younger guys who are turning pro. I think guys like Neil Little, Peter White, and John Stevens have a great impact on helping develop the younger players who come out of college or junior and turn pro. I'm not sure the Phantoms have had those types of professionals in recent years.

I think part of the solution is having better AHL veterans on the roster who can help mentor the younger guys who are turning pro. I think guys like Neil Little, Peter White, and John Stevens have a great impact on helping develop the younger players who come out of college or junior and turn pro. I'm not sure the Phantoms have had those types of professionals in recent years.
- ravishingone

They could use Grossman down there.