I'm biased, I'm a Wiggins guy. His physical talent is just at a freakish level. Once he refines his game with that physical ability, wow. I take Wiggins at #3. I'm pretty sure Embiid will go to the Cavs at #1. I can see Hinkie taking Exum over Parker.

Finally, I think Thad is gone at the draft. I read at last year's draft, Thad was close to being dealt to the Kings. Fast forward, and the Kings are shopping #8. It would be a Hinkie move to have three first rounders in the top 10.

Here's a interesting core

Exum - Gordon -Stauskas- Noel
- ravishingone

I forgot all about Chad Johnson. I'd have interest in him, too. Did a good job for the Bruins.

There's a few good names. I agree with OB about Greiss & Tomahawk about Stalock.
- Jsaquella

I don't believe you can have enough good NHL goalies under the age of 30. There's such a glut of under 30 goalies available, it certainly looks like a buyer's market.

Keep hearing vanek's name suggested as option for flyers. I just don't see it happening, for 1 his salary and 2 it's no secret he loves Minnesota. Another thing is he hasn't shown me much in post season, of course he might have been playing injured for all we know.
- EastBeast18

Cap space makes it really, really difficult.

I don't believe you can have enough good NHL goalies under the age of 30. There's such a glut of under 30 goalies available, it certainly looks like a buyer's market.
- ravishingone

Yeah, there's a few really capable back-ups in UFA, and who knows, they could always go the trade route.

It's nice to talk about needing a back up goalie and not a starter

I love being able to watch the HNIC feed for these games. NBC should be embarrassed.

- PhillySportsGuy

I really believe Hinkie gets the Kings pick at #8. Actually MCW makes a lot of sense for them with McLemore and Cousins on the roster. Thomas is an undersized PG. They could sell their fan base on trading #8 for the rookie of the year the previous season. However, MCW/Exum backcourt would be ridicously long, steals galore.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what Hinkie has planned.

Cap space makes it really, really difficult.
- Jsaquella

Yeah they would have to clear quite a bit of space for him. I feel if any substancial cap space is made it will be for a top D man.

Heard an interesting offer today.

10th overall, Thad, and one of the early 2nd rounders

for

7th overall, expiring contract of Steve Nash


The thought being at 7 you're going to get a real nice player. From what I understand the gap between 7 and 10 could be pretty big this year. From the Lakers side it gives them some big cap relief that they are desperate for.
- hereticpride

7-10 you should have Vonlah, Mcdermitt, Gordon, Sarij, Nurkic.. Not sure there's much separation among those players. Cap wise Young and Nash have the same salary but Young has an extra player option. I don't see that as a good deal for the 76ers.

Yeah, there's a few really capable back-ups in UFA, and who knows, they could always go the trade route.

It's nice to talk about needing a back up goalie and not a starter
- Jsaquella

Having a goalie is the reason I believe the Flyers should view themselves as contenders. I'm not advocating going on a spending spree in the summer, but adding a few key pieces (Jokinen, Stralman possibly), resolving the Vinny dilemma and the young guys continue to keep growing, I say why not them. Especially with the new playoff format as long as you stay out of the wild card spot, the Flyers are going to avoid Boston or Detroit until the ECF. I'll take my chances against anybody from the Metro including a rematch with the Rangers.

Yeah they would have to clear quite a bit of space for him. I feel if any substancial cap space is made it will be for a top D man.
- EastBeast18

Agreed. It should be interesting. Hextall's made a lot out of being patient with kids, but he's also said he'll be looking hard at how the pieces fit. It'll be interesting to see what he thinks the team needs and what he can and can not do.

Having a goalie is the reason I believe the Flyers should view themselves as contenders. I'm not advocating going on a spending spree in the summer, but adding a few key pieces (Jokinen, Stralman possibly), resolving the Vinny dilemma and the young guys continue to keep growing, I say why not them. Especially with the new playoff format as long as you stay out of the wild card spot, the Flyers are going to avoid Boston or Detroit until the ECF. I'll take my chances against anybody from the Metro including a rematch with the Rangers.
- ravishingone

I think they are a second tier contender, for sure. I also feel that if they're smart, they could be serious contenders in short order.

There's talent on this team. They have some key pieces in place, and being smart they can find the other pieces they need.

Keep hearing vanek's name suggested as option for flyers. I just don't see it happening, for 1 his salary and 2 it's no secret he loves Minnesota. Another thing is he hasn't shown me much in post season, of course he might have been playing injured for all we know.
- EastBeast18

We are weak at LW but I dont see a fit. Im not sure he is the right sort of guy to pair with G and Jake. Maybe if they ran out a line of Vanek, G and Simmonds but idk. I think Vanek is going to see absolutely ridiculous offers this summer.

Id sooner like to see the Flyers come up with a trade to land a 1st line LW that fits what the team is trying to do.

Kris Versteeg, healthy scratch

Kris Versteeg, healthy scratch
- Jsaquella

So they flew this girl singing the anthem in from Vegas just for a Richards and Carter post game celebration?

WTF was that National Anthem in LA just now?

I really believe Hinkie gets the Kings pick at #8. Actually MCW makes a lot of sense for them with McLemore and Cousins on the roster. Thomas is an undersized PG. They could sell their fan base on trading #8 for the rookie of the year the previous season. However, MCW/Exum backcourt would be ridicously long, steals galore.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what Hinkie has planned.
- ravishingone

Exum won't be there at 8. I can guarantee that

So they flew this girl singing the anthem in from Vegas just for a Richards and Carter post game celebration?
- rockychocbill

No.

They also flew in a load of blow and 3 cases of tequila

Kris Versteeg, healthy scratch
- Jsaquella

Good call by Q.

I think they are a second tier contender, for sure. I also feel that if they're smart, they could be serious contenders in short order.

There's talent on this team. They have some key pieces in place, and being smart they can find the other pieces they need.
- Jsaquella

For some reason, I like the idea of pairing Stralman with Streit. I think they would compliment each other really well. I think the 5 on 5 scoring can improve with minimal changes to the forwards, if they can find d-men who are better puck handlers that can do more then simply chip it off the glass and hope the forward can catch up to the puck.

Good call by Q.


- rockychocbill

Wow...Grace Jones looks like Hell

Agreed. It should be interesting. Hextall's made a lot out of being patient with kids, but he's also said he'll be looking hard at how the pieces fit. It'll be interesting to see what he thinks the team needs and what he can and can not do.
- Jsaquella

I think some people are taking his words to literal. Yes I fully believe he wants to draft properly, stock picks, and raise our "own" talent, but he also realizes he MUST improve team for next season. There for i believe we will see some crafty moves , but not really any jaw dropping homer style type of stuff. Then again it's the flyers and Ed is still the owner sooooo anything goes.

For some reason, I like the idea of pairing Stralman with Streit. I think they would compliment each other really well. I think the 5 on 5 scoring can improve with minimal changes to the forwards, if they can find d-men who are better puck handlers that can do more then simply chip it off the glass and hope the forward can catch up to the puck.
- ravishingone

I agree. That'd be a good pair. Streit and Grossmann did well down the stretch, but I think he'd be better suited with a guy like Stralman or Coburn who are mobile and solid defensively.

No.

They also flew in a load of blow and 3 cases of tequila
- Jsaquella

Well, she looks like she's seen a razor or two in her lifetime.

I think some people are taking his words to literal. Yes I fully believe he wants to draft properly, stock picks, and raise our "own" talent, but he also realizes he MUST improve team for next season. There for i believe we will see some crafty moves , but not really any jaw dropping homer style type of stuff. Then again it's the flyers and Ed is still the owner sooooo anything goes.
- EastBeast18

I think he's serious about it, but will definitely be active and trying to improve now, while making sure the future isn't gutted with short sighted trades.