I hope the PP units are only attached to Stralman and Schultz and not their regular D partners
- TheNugeIsHuge

Yeah just stralman and Schultz get PP time maybe marincin too if he finds his offense in the big leagues this year

Okay, and if Bennett goes 2 do you still take Draisaitl over Reinhart?
- Jawallstar1

Tough to pass on probably the consensus higher-ranked player, but I can't say I would understand the rationale in taking Reinhart if everyone is so hellbent about diversifying our skillset.

I've reported on here what the GM said directly from his mouth. The most plugged in guys from Edmonton confirmed it. If you aren't convinced the Oil like Draisaitl then fine, but Matheson isn't making sh%t up. He heard it from someone he trusts.
- Matt_Henderson

Then that would obviously make it more than just speculation.

Reinhart's probably the best player in the draft which would make me weary of letting him drop to calgary. Really hope BUF takes him at 2, as most seem to think
- TheNugeIsHuge

Yeah. I just hope we don't need to make that decision. Frankly I might rather pursue a trade of the 3rd overall to a team that wanted to take Reinhart then let him slip to Calgary.

I've reported on here what the GM said directly from his mouth. The most plugged in guys from Edmonton confirmed it. If you aren't convinced the Oil like Draisaitl then fine, but Matheson isn't making sh%t up. He heard it from someone he trusts.
- Matt_Henderson

Matt just don't even bother with this guy, any facts you state will be lost on him.

Being that the draft is in Philly- many speculate Hextall makes a big splash... but it will come at a cost- that I am not sure will prove equal for some time...
- saskoil21

Hextall said in his first interview he wants to just stockpile draft picks and build the team within.

Trading for 1st overall seems highly unlikely, but this is the Flyers were talking about.

if we're pulling the 'why would he sign in EDM?' card, then that should be used on all of these FAs rendering this whole conversation pointless
- TheNugeIsHuge

Seriously though. The default assumption is that Edmonton isn't anyone's destination #1.

It's not like we need a reality check of this every frigging offseason

Matt just don't even bother with this guy, any facts you state will be lost on him.
- ruttager17

Hextall said in his first interview he wants to just stockpile draft picks and build the team within.

Trading for 1st overall seems highly unlikely, but this is the Flyers were talking about.
- mochoson

Was that before or after he skewered the Oilers for doing that?

As a Flyers fan, I hope your right

As long as Giroux, Couturier, and Voracek are still on the team, I'll take Ekblad all day everyday.
- mochoson

I don't know how you do it if your PHI. Unless FLA loves Schenn on the wing and say Laughton as a prospect

Hextall said in his first interview he wants to just stockpile draft picks and build the team within.

Trading for 1st overall seems highly unlikely, but this is the Flyers were talking about.
- mochoson

My thoughts exactly

Yeah. I just hope we don't need to make that decision. Frankly I might rather pursue a trade of the 3rd overall to a team that wanted to take Reinhart then let him slip to Calgary.
- Morris

ya maybe.

whenever you say frankly I think you're saying (frank)ly

ya maybe.

whenever you say frankly I think you're saying (frank)ly
- TheNugeIsHuge

1. Don't understand why Mac T would publicly state this. Kick to the groin for Gordon (who has ok 3rd line production) and probably makes Hendricks a little less warm and fuzzy as well. More defensive zone time for them? Ouch. Why are we going this far out of our way to shelter our top 6? They need to start taking defensive zone starts and succeeding. Give our bottom 6 the odd offensive zone start to keep them sane as well. Points = bigger contracts even for fourth liners. Not getting the opportunity to score points has to rub some players the wrong way.

I personally think they should go with 4 lines. Split Gordon and Hendricks up to provide a solid base for the bottom 6 and fill out the rest with prospects and players... Like the rest of the NHL does. Drop Eberle or Yak down if they are not playing well. Bring Gordon up if he goes on a hot streak...

My faith in Mac T has diminished a bit with his "strategy".

2. No one I really want on the team long term anyways is available.

3. Cap space will evaporate with signing Petry and Shultz + etc... Or are they going a different route? Mac T saying stuff like this doesn't look good for Petry at least.

4. I appreciate we do not want to rely on our prospects but this has got to be a vote of no confidence to the scouting staff and players like Lander and Pitlick.

5. Just makes sense. Although reading between the lines here and the extra attempt to shelter the top 3 lines makes me think Gagner may be staying put.

6. I heard Mac T basically said it's highly unlikely they move from their current spot. He said they need a D-man or center and at #3 that exactly what they will be getting. No reason to truly entertain any thoughts otherwise.

Kind of a gloomy and wishy washy presser from mac T the way you summarize it.

ya maybe.

whenever you say frankly I think you're saying (frank)ly
- TheNugeIsHuge

I don't know how you do it if your PHI. Unless FLA loves Schenn on the wing and say Laughton as a prospect
- TheNugeIsHuge

Schenn is ok at wing, better at center.

Would have to be a combination of the 17th pick, Brayden Schenn, and Laughton. Could also see them taking Lecavlier and us taking back a high salary like Fleischman as well.

Was that before or after he skewered the Oilers for doing that?
- Morris

my favourite was coming into a situation as boss with Giroux, voracek, simmonds, couturier, Coburn etc. already in the stables and then saying;
" he wont sit back and let the team collect 1st overalls one after another".....ballsy....

I think Matt Niskanen would be a waste of money.

We obviously need defense though.

Schenn is ok at wing, better at center.

Would have to be a combination of the 17th pick, Brayden Schenn, and Laughton. Could also see them taking Lecavlier and us taking back a high salary like Fleischman as well.
- mochoson

I'd gladly take Fleischmann. Vinny's an anchor to his linemates on a bad contract

I doubt FLA would want Schenn at C unless at 3C behind Barkov and Bjugstad

I think Matt Niskanen would be a waste of money.

We obviously need defense though.
- Morris

The more I read on Stralman, the more I'm convinced EDM's gotta back up the money truck onto his driveway.

I'd gladly take Fleischmann. Vinny's an anchor to his linemates on a bad contract

I doubt FLA would want Schenn at C unless at 3C behind Barkov and Bjugstad
- TheNugeIsHuge

Vinny's contract isn't bad at all, we just have no room for him here with Laughton coming up at some point.

I think they'd still use him at center first. He can always play wing, but Barkov and Bjugstad aren't anymore proven then Schenn is. You roll 3 good lines and your 4th lines your checking line.

1. Don't understand why Mac T would publicly state this. Kick to the groin for Gordon (who has ok 3rd line production) and probably makes Hendricks a little less warm and fuzzy as well. More defensive zone time for them? Ouch. Why are we going this far out of our way to shelter our top 6? They need to start taking defensive zone starts and succeeding. Give our bottom 6 the odd offensive zone start to keep them sane as well. Points = bigger contracts even for fourth liners. Not getting the opportunity to score points has to rub some players the wrong way.

I personally think they should go with 4 lines. Split Gordon and Hendricks up to provide a solid base for the bottom 6 and fill out the rest with prospects and players... Like the rest of the NHL does. Drop Eberle or Yak down if they are not playing well. Bring Gordon up if he goes on a hot streak...

My faith in Mac T has diminished a bit with his "strategy".

2. No one I really want on the team long term anyways is available.

3. Cap space will evaporate with signing Petry and Shultz + etc... Or are they going a different route? Mac T saying stuff like this doesn't look good for Petry at least.

4. I appreciate we do not want to rely on our prospects but this has got to be a vote of no confidence to the scouting staff and players like Lander and Pitlick.

5. Just makes sense. Although reading between the lines here and the extra attempt to shelter the top 3 lines makes me think Gagner may be staying put.

6. I heard Mac T basically said it's highly unlikely they move from their current spot. He said they need a D-man or center and at #3 that exactly what they will be getting. No reason to truly entertain any thoughts otherwise.

Kind of a gloomy and wishy washy presser from mac T the way you summarize it.
- Aerchon

gordons getting paid 3 million to do that job.
how is this a kick in the nuts? he's not a scorer. he was brought here for his defensive ability. I think he'd relish it.

also, those other teams have proven and quality experience in the top roles and can afford to experiment with cap saving kids in those lower roles. and more importantly still have success.
we don't.

we've got lot of cap space. I don't see many scenarios where he subtracts the few prven assets we have on the backend. even through adding others.
take a step forward with a quality signing and then take a half step back by dealing petry.

Vinny's contract isn't bad at all, we just have no room for him here with Laughton coming up at some point.

I think they'd still use him at center first. He can always play wing, but Barkov and Bjugstad aren't anymore proven then Schenn is. You roll 3 good lines and your 4th lines your checking line.
- mochoson

Vinny's contract is bad. Look at his WOWYs in year 1. Anchor

If your options for top 6 wingers are Upshall, Fleischmann, Boyes, and Bergenheim I'd bet you wouldn't be playing Schenn at 3C

I'd gladly take Fleischmann. Vinny's an anchor to his linemates on a bad contract

I doubt FLA would want Schenn at C unless at 3C behind Barkov and Bjugstad
- TheNugeIsHuge

There are worse things in the world then Schenn as you 3C

I'd be very inclined to call about Schenn and I think Schenn is a Mac T type player too. Imagine if we pick Draisaitl then plug him in the lineup after another year of junior

Hall Nuge Eberle
___ Draisiatl Yakupov
Perron Schenn ____

That'd be a solid top 9. Schenn as a 2C for the next year or two would be great too. I'm hesitant to offer a 1st IMO.

1. Don't understand why Mac T would publicly state this. Kick to the groin for Gordon (who has ok 3rd line production) and probably makes Hendricks a little less warm and fuzzy as well. More defensive zone time for them? Ouch. Why are we going this far out of our way to shelter our top 6? They need to start taking defensive zone starts and succeeding. Give our bottom 6 the odd offensive zone start to keep them sane as well. Points = bigger contracts even for fourth liners. Not getting the opportunity to score points has to rub some players the wrong way.

I personally think they should go with 4 lines. Split Gordon and Hendricks up to provide a solid base for the bottom 6 and fill out the rest with prospects and players... Like the rest of the NHL does. Drop Eberle or Yak down if they are not playing well. Bring Gordon up if he goes on a hot streak...

My faith in Mac T has diminished a bit with his "strategy".


- Aerchon

I would think at this point in their careers Hendricks and Gordon would know that they aren't paid for their offensive production

Also I think most teams go with 4 lines