Just because a fan doesn't see him as a core guy, doesn't mean that he isn't. Obviously the team does see him as a core guy, or they wouldn't have re-signed him to a 5 year deal.

I'll state this as plainly as I can. He is not a top pair defenseman. Not by any measure. I don't believe the Flyers feel he is a top pair defenseman. What he is, is a solid, 2nd pair puck moving defenseman, that is skilled with the puck and solid defensively. And will help the Flyers become a better team.

He is not a difference maker in the model that Timonen and Pronger were. He is not a player that is going to transform the Flyers from a playoff team to a contender. Anyone judging him to that standard is kidding themselves. Not saying that you are.

Furthermore, with the loss of Timonen, they may have to use him more then they really want to, in tougher situations. If the Flyers as a team don't become a better ES and defensive team, some of the Flyers defenseman, including MacDonald, will struggle at times.

It makes zero sense that some fans can't understand that if you take a 2nd pair level defenseman, and play him and use him as you would a first pair defenseman, behind a team that is poor defensively, and is mediocre overall at ES play, and then say, see look at the numbers. He's not that good! It's flat out asinine!
- MJL

just like richards and carter were core guys that signed 12 year extensions? sure, they viewed them that way at the time of the signings, but it didn't take long for that view to change.

i would have like a 3 year deal for macdonald. 4 max. a little too much $ for my liking as well. he's a decent dman, but i don't expect a hell of a lot out of him.

just like richards and carter were core guys that signed 12 year extensions? sure, they viewed them that way at the time of the signings, but it didn't take long for that view to change.

i would have like a 3 year deal for macdonald. 4 max. a little too much $ for my liking as well. he's a decent dman, but i don't expect a hell of a lot out of him.
- hammarby31

The process in which he was identified, the assets expended and the ultimate contract are the issue. That's the context he's been given.

A goodnight ballad for all of you, including the trolls

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1asgd-8IGf0

The process in which he was identified, the assets expended and the ultimate contract are the issue. That's the context he's been given.
- wilsonecho91

oh yeah? well Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin!

oh yeah? well Josiah Flintabbatey Flonatin!
- hammarby31

Not so fast https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3jj8hYmG4Dk

Written by Irvin 'hamburger and' Freese

A goodnight ballad for all of you, including the trolls

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1asgd-8IGf0
- wilsonecho91

just like richards and carter were core guys that signed 12 year extensions? sure, they viewed them that way at the time of the signings, but it didn't take long for that view to change.

i would have like a 3 year deal for macdonald. 4 max. a little too much $ for my liking as well. he's a decent dman, but i don't expect a hell of a lot out of him.
- hammarby31

And if MacDonald doesn't play well, that view could definitely change. We all know that's how hockey works.

I expect him to come in and be the player that he is. Add some skill and mobility to the blueline, and play solidly as a 2nd pair top 4 NHL defenseman. Not sure why you don't expect a hell of a lot out of him.

This is not directed at you but in general. So many were clamoring that the Flyers needed to get more puck skill and mobility on the blueline. Well they did that by adding MacDonald. But yet some are still unhappy and don't like the choice.

Ok everybody. This MacDonald talk is getting old. Here are the facts.

He is being paid 5 Mill a season. That is the going rate for a 2nd pair defensemen, which he has been for at least a few years now.

He is capable of putting up 30 pts a season.

He is the best shot blocker in the league.

He logs over 20 mins a game. (NHL coaches dont hand that time out to under par defenseman, period)

He is a good skater.

His Corsi numbers suck. (Who cares) Why do I say that? CAUSE HE HELPS THE TEAM WIN.