So you're saying you'd be upset if Morin become a solid 2nd-pairing guy?
- Tomahawk

Depends. If he becomes a Coburn-type second pairing, I'd be underwhelmed but okay with it. If he becomes a Dallas-era Grossmann 2nd pairing guy, then yes.

So you're saying you'd be upset if Morin become a solid 2nd-pairing guy?
- Tomahawk

You expect to get a better player with the #11 pick then a 2nd pairing defensive defenseman.

Not at all. But for a guy chosen #11 overall in a VERY deep crop of defensemen, I'd hope that he brings more than just being big and mean.
- jmatchett383

I mean, we know they were rolling the dice by taking him that high... and probability isn't on their side. I'd take a Bryan Allen over a Dylan McIlrath any day of the week... most of these hulking giants don't exactly end up in the NHL... the minors are littered with them.

I mean, we know they were rolling the dice by taking him that high... and probability isn't on their side. I'd take a Bryan Allen over a Dylan McIlrath any day of the week... most of these hulking giants don't exactly end up in the NHL... the minors are littered with them.
- Tomahawk

I agree. I think the pick, while not a "boom or bust" for the player was a but of a "boom or bust" for the pick. His raw physical makeup and his mean streak can't be taught, so if he can fill in his game offensively, it will work. They definitely didn't the the more sure thing (as sure as can be) with Pulock or Risto, that's for sure. At #11 overall, if you take a wild card over a more polished product, then you're definitely taking a big chance.

I mean, we know they were rolling the dice by taking him that high... and probability isn't on their side. I'd take a Bryan Allen over a Dylan McIlrath any day of the week... most of these hulking giants don't exactly end up in the NHL... the minors are littered with them.
- Tomahawk

How do we know that they were rolling the dice by taking him that high?

Depends. If he becomes a Coburn-type second pairing, I'd be underwhelmed but okay with it. If he becomes a Dallas-era Grossmann 2nd pairing guy, then yes.
- jmatchett383

Coburn has broken 20-points once since 2009... but he's still a linchpin on D. I'd be over the moon if Morin proved to be that integral. If they wanted points from the back end, they should have taken Morrissey, who's looking like the Karlsson of that draft.

Coburn has broken 20-points once since 2009... but he's still a linchpin on D. I'd be over the moon if Morin proved to be that integral. If they wanted points from the back end, they should have taken Morrissey, who's looking like the Karlsson of that draft.
- Tomahawk

He has taken a decline in his production. But if Morin can come in and play like Coburn has over the bulk of his career, I'd be okay with it.
Basically, I'd like him (enough) to be Derian Hatcher with good knees. That's a guy who is competent offensively and is a player you don't want to be going up against.

I agree. I think the pick, while not a "boom or bust" for the player was a but of a "boom or bust" for the pick. His raw physical makeup and his mean streak can't be taught, so if he can fill in his game offensively, it will work. They definitely didn't the the more sure thing (as sure as can be) with Pulock or Risto, that's for sure. At #11 overall, if you take a wild card over a more polished product, then you're definitely taking a big chance.
- jmatchett383

I think Morin has a fairly high floor. His physical ability should allow him to be, at worst, a top 4 defensive defenseman.

Offensive defenseman need to produce points or they're useless.

Anyone know if Stolarz is back yet?

I think Morin has a fairly high floor. His physical ability should allow him to be, at worst, a top 4 defensive defenseman.

Offensive defenseman need to produce points or they're useless.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think he's at minimum an NHL-caliber defenseman. He has enough raw ability all-around to play in the NHL (right now) at a level comparable to what I saw from Lauridsen, who I think makes the team next year. I just hope he can add some more offensive flair, not necessarily 50 points but a nice 20-30 point player, without losing the rest of his game.

I think he's at minimum an NHL-caliber defenseman. He has enough raw ability all-around to play in the NHL (right now) at a level comparable to what I saw from Lauridsen, who I think makes the team next year. I just hope he can add some more offensive flair, not necessarily 50 points but a nice 20-30 point player, without losing the rest of his game.
- jmatchett383

It will be interesting. Some players will have to be moved for Lauridsen to make the team.

I think he's at minimum an NHL-caliber defenseman. He has enough raw ability all-around to play in the NHL (right now) at a level comparable to what I saw from Lauridsen, who I think makes the team next year. I just hope he can add some more offensive flair, not necessarily 50 points but a nice 20-30 point player, without losing the rest of his game.
- jmatchett383

I agree. My main point of this whole thing was that Panaccio's article touts Morin as a future stud who should not be traded for Weber.

I can already see Panaccio gushing over him at camp next year. He's going to make everyone believe Morin is the next great thing. Then, after 3 years of strong defensive play with little offense, Panaccio will be advocating a trade of Morin for 45 year old Jagr.

It will be interesting. Some players will have to be moved for Lauridsen to make the team.
- MJL

I really do think that wither Schenn or Grossmann gets moved this offseason, and I'd think Grossmann is more likely. Lauridsen can't replace what Grossmann gives you (blah blah blah advanced stats) on a consistent basis, but could grow into it. I think he could step in next year on the 3rd pairing in at least 40-50 games and be adequate.

I agree. My main point of this whole thing was that Panaccio's article touts Morin as a future stud who should not be traded for Weber.

I can already see Panaccio gushing over him at camp next year. He's going to make everyone believe Morin is the next great thing. Then, after 3 years of strong defensive play with little offense, Panaccio will be advocating a trade of Morin for 45 year old Jagr.
- PhillySportsGuy

I haven't seen him much, but at the 2 preseason game I watched, he looked like he belonged. Granted, it's preseason, with preseason rosters and preseason intensity. But he didn't look like he was rushing things, and he didn't shy away from anything. But if you can trade a wild card for a sure thing, then you should almost always do it. That whole 2 in the bush, 1 in the hand thing.

I really do think that wither Schenn or Grossmann gets moved this offseason, and I'd think Grossmann is more likely. Lauridsen can't replace what Grossmann gives you (blah blah blah advanced stats) on a consistent basis, but could grow into it. I think he could step in next year on the 3rd pairing in at least 40-50 games and be adequate.
- jmatchett383

Definitely a possibility. Lauridsen has some physical skills for sure. And one of those players could definitely be moved. I'm luke warm at best on Lauridsen. I think he's got a 50/50 shot. Could become a regular 3rd pair NHL defenseman. Or could wind up a career AHL player with occasional call ups.

I really do think that wither Schenn or Grossmann gets moved this offseason, and I'd think Grossmann is more likely. Lauridsen can't replace what Grossmann gives you (blah blah blah advanced stats) on a consistent basis, but could grow into it. I think he could step in next year on the 3rd pairing in at least 40-50 games and be adequate.
- jmatchett383

I agree about moving Grossmann. They need more mobility. The only problem is that Gus and Streit aren't suited for the PK on a regular basis. If they lose Timonen and Grossmann, they will need to have two guys step in and be able to play on the PK.

This offseason is looking more and more like Girardi or Niskanen is going to be signed.

I really do think that wither Schenn or Grossmann gets moved this offseason, and I'd think Grossmann is more likely. Lauridsen can't replace what Grossmann gives you (blah blah blah advanced stats) on a consistent basis, but could grow into it. I think he could step in next year on the 3rd pairing in at least 40-50 games and be adequate.
- jmatchett383

The only guaranteed thing in Flyerland is massive player turnover... I'm betting everything that isn't nailed down on D will be gone by the end of 2015.

I agree. My main point of this whole thing was that Panaccio's article touts Morin as a future stud who should not be traded for Weber.

I can already see Panaccio gushing over him at camp next year. He's going to make everyone believe Morin is the next great thing. Then, after 3 years of strong defensive play with little offense, Panaccio will be advocating a trade of Morin for 45 year old Jagr.
- PhillySportsGuy

I do agree with Panaccio that if they do trade for a player like Weber, they should try to not include Morin in the deal. I don't know if that would be possible or not. But I would try to keep him out of it.

I agree about moving Grossmann. They need more mobility. The only problem is that Gus and Streit aren't suited for the PK on a regular basis. If they lose Timonen and Grossmann, they will need to have two guys step in and be able to play on the PK.

This offseason is looking more and more like Girardi or Niskanen is going to be signed.
- PhillySportsGuy

I'd rather have Grossmann playing on the 3rd pair if they can add a high minute all situations player for the top 4, over Lauridsen on the 3rd pair.

I haven't seen him much, but at the 2 preseason game I watched, he looked like he belonged. Granted, it's preseason, with preseason rosters and preseason intensity. But he didn't look like he was rushing things, and he didn't shy away from anything. But if you can trade a wild card for a sure thing, then you should almost always do it. That whole 2 in the bush, 1 in the hand thing.
- jmatchett383

Apparently, Panaccio is the only one who knows a scout who touts him as a potential #1 damn. Most people who have watched him say possible top 4 defensive defenseman.

Apparently, Panaccio is the only one who knows a scout who touts him as a potential #1 damn. Most people who have watched him say possible top 4 defensive defenseman.
- PhillySportsGuy

I would say that Flyers scouts think that he's going to be more then just a possible top 4 defensive defenseman.

I'd rather have Grossmann playing on the 3rd pair if they can add a high minute all situations player for the top 4, over Lauridsen on the 3rd pair.
- MJL

They may need to move some money around. I would like to see them upgrade the overall skill and mobility of the blue line. Timonen is set to retire, Coburn is our best dman, Streit isn't going anywhere, Schenn's value is at an all time low and most of us would like to see Gus get a full time spot. That leaves only Grossmann.

They may need to move some money around. I would like to see them upgrade the overall skill and mobility of the blue line. Timonen is set to retire, Coburn is our best dman, Streit isn't going anywhere, Schenn's value is at an all time low and most of us would like to see Gus get a full time spot. That leaves only Grossmann.
- PhillySportsGuy

The Cap might force some moves. And so far I haven't seen a lot of signs that the Flyers are enamored with Gustafsson. We'll see what happens down the stretch. I'd like to see them put him in the lineup and leave him there.

Apparently, Panaccio is the only one who knows a scout who touts him as a potential #1 damn. Most people who have watched him say possible top 4 defensive defenseman.
- PhillySportsGuy

He does has the raw skills and makeup to be a #1 defenseman, but he has a very, very long way to go to get there.

He does has the raw skills and makeup to be a #1 defenseman, but he has a very, very long way to go to get there.
- jmatchett383

Most 18 year old defenseman do.