Wow, easily the most fragile ego I come across daily, simply because we have a difference of opinion.
- SuperSchennBros

Not even reading whatever you're writing any more. Just want to see what it feels like to be you and not use stats or logic to form a retort.

Lein0 can't play anymore. Ask any Buffalo fan.
- Feanor

Much like Downie, if he would accept a tryout at camp to prove that last season (and the season prior) are behind him, I wouldn't be opposed. No risk associated. If he wanted a 1-year deal that can be buried in the AHL/ECHL if need be, I wouldn't like it but wouldn't be totally against it.

Not even reading whatever you're writing any more. Just want to see what it feels like to be you and not use stats or logic to form a retort.
- jmatchett383

Okay, I looked at your list and your list is stupid. You've provided, points, ice time, shots and plus/minus. This proves what for a bottom 6 grinder?? That's is exactly what he is. Especially for a player who was playing with Read and Couturier who were playing against toughest compositions in defensive situations.

Now this isn't to say he played extremely well. Once again, he had 2 concussions last season that we know about. There was something clearly wrong.

Anything else?

Okay, I looked at your list and your list is stupid. You've provided, points, ice time, shots and plus/minus. This proves what for a bottom 6 grinder?? That's is exactly what he is. Especially for a player who was playing with Read and Couturier who was playing against toughest compositions in defensive situations.

Now this isn't to say he played extremely well. Once again, he had 2 concussions last season that we know about. There was something clearly wrong.

Anything else?
- SuperSchennBros

Look, a shiny penny on the ground!

Still a beauty:


- Tomahawk

Look, a shiny penny on the ground!
- jmatchett383

Tick tock on your point.

Tick tock on your point.
- SuperSchennBros

That's good. You win.

Much like Downie, if he would accept a tryout at camp to prove that last season (and the season prior) are behind him, I wouldn't be opposed. No risk associated. If he wanted a 1-year deal that can be buried in the AHL/ECHL if need be, I wouldn't like it but wouldn't be totally against it.
- jmatchett383

Fine, a tryout is no pressure. But a contract is too much. Give me grit or give me death.

That's good. You win.
- jmatchett383

Your list provided nothing. It's not like I suggested we should have signed him to 4.5 million for 5 years to play Right Wing next to Giroux.

I know it's a short sample size, but in the NHL time he's gotten so far the concerns about his play away from the puck appeared to be overstated.
- BulliesPhan87

I think any exaggerations about him being an liability out there have been overstated. I don't think he has the all around game to keep him in the NHL if he doesn't produce offensively.

Fine, a tryout is no pressure. But a contract is too much. Give me grit or give me death.
- coffee junkie

I think he could do well in Nashville. Maybe he needs Lavi to punch him in the head.

I think any exaggerations about him being an liability out there have been overstated. I don't think he has the all around game to keep him in the NHL if he doesn't produce offensively.
- MJL

How much production would you say is required for him to stay in the NHL full time?

So, what plays in particular did you witness that make you believe his all-around game isn't NHL-level?
- jmatchett383

I don't think he has the defensive acumen, nor is he strong enough in puck battles and the physical side of the game if he doesn't produce offensively. I think if he can produce offensively, then his adequate at best all around game and play away from the puck won't be so much of a hindrance. But if he doesn't produce offensively. I don't know that his all around game will be strong enough to keep him in the NHL.

Look, a shiny penny on the ground!
- jmatchett383

His ability to anticipate the game at an above-average level.

Plenty of guys in the minors w/ better tools and/or more rounded games... the vision/IQ/instinct is a much more rare thing.
- Tomahawk

I think he has that ability offensively. Like I said earlier, I think he has a nose for the puck, and the puck seemed to follow him. That's why I think he has a shot to be a regular NHL player.

How much production would you say is required for him to stay in the NHL full time?
- jmatchett383

Uh, enough to win the Art Ross?! Duh!!

Uh, enough to win the Art Ross?! Duh!!
- Tomahawk

Well, yeah, he's winning it no doubt.

No one's expecting him to come in as a shutdown defensive specialist. If he can come in, play adequately away from the puck and provide secondary scoring, I have no problem with that.

This isn't what I was saying. I'm saying Akeson's ability to handle the puck can help move the team up ice more efficiently.

He can receive a pass and quickly get it ahead to trigger the transition game.
- PhillySportsGuy

When neutral zone game and transition play is mentioned, that is all part of it. There isn't one without the other. I agree he handles the puck well, but that won't be enough to keep him in the League.

Fine, a tryout is no pressure. But a contract is too much. Give me grit or give me death.
- coffee junkie

The only way they should consider a contract, for any veteran FA right now, is if it's 1 year and $900K or less.

If it's that much money or lower, they can bury it in the AHL and get it off the cap. The remaining UFAs simply aren't worth it to me to go much money or term.

Exactly.

He'll never be a premier two-way player, but I feel he may be an effective secondary scorer who is not a complete liability away from the puck. I have yet to see much evidence to the contrary aside from what I've read in scouting reports prior to last season.
- jmatchett383

I think were on the same page then.

The only way they should consider a contract, for any veteran FA right now, is if it's 1 year and $900K or less.

If it's that much money or lower, they can bury it in the AHL and get it off the cap. The remaining UFAs simply aren't worth it to me to go much money or term.
- Jsaquella

Even Kurtis Foster?

The remaining UFAs simply aren't worth it to me to go much money or term.
- Jsaquella

IMO, the best potential value buys are still out there: MDZ, Setoguchi, McBain, Diaz, and Hart Trophy Hayes.

When neutral zone game and transition play is mentioned, that is all part of it. There isn't one without the other. I agree he handles the puck well, but that won't be enough to keep him in the League.
- MJL

I'm not nearly as in love with Jason Akenson as many seem to be. I thought he was slow to react at time to any situation he was put in and for the most part, completely out muscled in every situation he was in. With this said, I felt like he was one of very few players on this team who managed to create any offense for this team against the Rangers. I felt like a lot of our guys should be ashamed of themselves because of this. Maybe I'm being too harsh.

It's very relevant too a young player trying to get better. Zac is only 24. My point was that he is getting better. You can't get that from just last years stats. (Source?, where did you find the penalties drawn stats?)

My point with PP vs PK... The Flyers have a pretty good PK (84.4% kill) and PP (19.7%). They are better than most other teams. In a game with lots of penalties and equal per team... They should win (statistically). Look at the worst team; Florida has a PK (76.0% kill) and PP (10.0%). The Flyers should let Zac go in a game with them, with the goal he draws a penalty. If he takes one, we should be able to recover. He has to play a controlled game, which at 24 - he is still learning.
- leon neon

I don't think Rinaldo is getting better. I think his game has stagnated. He needs to be more then just a hitter or an agitator. He needs to become a better checker and situational player to grow as a player. Instead of always going for the hit. What good is the hit if the puck is already gone and half way up the ice. He's now out of the play. Hits should be to separate a player from the puck, or to cause a turnover. Not just to try and hit someone into next week. Much better to stay on the right side of the puck, and pressure the puck in the upper defensive or neutral zone to turn the puck over then to take yourself out of the play with an ineffective hit.

IMO, the best value buys are still potentially out there: MDZ, Setoguchi, McBain, Diaz, and Hart Trophy Hayes.
- Tomahawk

Hayes I'd take a flier on because he's an unknown. As for the rest, they all have serious flaws in their games. If Setoguchi wanted a one-year $1M reclamation deal, I'd hesitantly say okay. No interest in the rest. Not sure where MDZ/McBain/Diaz would fit.