It puts the Flyers basically in rebuilding mode. How long until they're actually ready to lead a defense, and gained the experience and gone through the inevitable growing pains, as young NHL defenseman? 5-6 years from now?
- MJL

I'd put it closer to 3-4 years, but I'm optimistic today.

It puts the Flyers basically in rebuilding mode. How long until they're actually ready to lead a defense, and gained the experience and gone through the inevitable growing pains, as young NHL defenseman? 5-6 years from now?
- MJL

Well, my thoughts are that in 4 years we could be really ready to make a run. Even if it takes that long, it's way better than going around and around with UFA's, making a deep run once ever 4 years then falling short only to have to re tool. I'd rather build for a window of 3 or 4 years like Chicago and LA then hope you get that cup. The issue is going to be timing because G is in his prime, Mason is close to being there etc. Will they be able to lead us in 4 years? Just gotta hope one of these prospects turns into a Doughty type stud and I'll take my chances.

I expected so. He's a beast with his size. How has Ghost looked? I really like his skill and shot.
- Hextall271

The kid has obvious skill and I'm excited about him the most probably..... He just needs to learn his way onto the big club just like anyone else. I have no doubt it wont be long.

Morin looks like that guy. He is smart, good skater and his size just cant be overlooked combined with his skill set. Nobody could get around him to make plays...
- GOA88

The kid has obvious skill and I'm excited about him the most probably..... He just needs to learn his way onto the big club just like anyone else. I have no doubt it wont be long.
- GOA88

I'm hoping Ghost can improve his play away from the puck and put on another 8-10lbs of muscle. You just don't see any 170lbs dmen in the NHL.

The kid has obvious skill and I'm excited about him the most probably..... He just needs to learn his way onto the big club just like anyone else. I have no doubt it wont be long.
- GOA88

He's a bit older as well. At 21, he's going to be playing for the Phantoms, if he doesn't make the big squad, so at least he can develop and we can call him up if need be. His size worries me, but I am sure that he can beef up.

Well, my thoughts are that in 4 years we could be really ready to make a run. Even if it takes that long, it's way better than going around and around with UFA's, making a deep run once ever 4 years then falling short only to have to re tool. I'd rather build for a window of 3 or 4 years like Chicago and LA then hope you get that cup. The issue is going to be timing because G is in his prime, Mason is close to being there etc. Will they be able to lead us in 4 years? Just gotta hope one of these prospects turns into a Doughty type stud and I'll take my chances.
- Hextall271

There's nothing wrong with using trades or UFAs to build the team, but there has to be balance and smart building. The Flyers traded some premium assets to add minor upgrades that didn't always pan out.

The trade for Pronger came within a whisker of paying off. Unfortunately, the end result was the Flyers traded a good scoring line winger, a former 1st round pick and two future 1st rounders for 145 regular season and 26 playoff games of Pronger.

Follow up trades, trying to fill the Pronger hole, further left the well dry and forced reliance on free agency. Trades for Grossmann, Kubina, Streit, Bryzgalov, Mason and MacDonald stripped away 2nd and 3rd rounders, even if some of the trades were solid ones.

A team can't be afraid to make a deal or add a free agent at an opportune time, but the key is timing. That's why I am against a move for a guy like Bobby Ryan.

Yes, he's a good player. Certainly would help the team. Also is 28, likely wants a significant contract in both money and term and When the Flyers are truly ready to contend, Ryan will be a guy making first line cash and probably playing a secondary role.

I'm hoping Ghost can improve his play away from the puck and put on another 8-10lbs of muscle. You just don't see any 170lbs dmen in the NHL.
- BiggE

It'd be great if he can do that, and become a Brian Campbell type guy.

Ah, Dmitri Tertyshny. We hardly knew ye
- Hesh_

RIP

Realistically speaking, Sanheim, Morin, Ghost and Hagg all hitting the highest point of their current potential is unlikely. If one of the guys does, I'd be happen so long as at least 2 others become serviceable NHL dmen.

It'd be great if he can do that, and become a Brian Campbell type guy.
- Jsaquella

That's what I'm hoping for. Heck I'd be happy even he's just a solid 3rd pair guy that can QB the #1 pp unit.

That's what I'm hoping for. Heck I'd be happy even he's just a solid 3rd pair guy that can QB the #1 pp unit.
- BiggE

Agreed. I still think Sanheim has the best chance to reach his full potential, and also could be the best all around guy of the Big 4.

There's nothing wrong with using trades or UFAs to build the team, but there has to be balance and smart building. The Flyers traded some premium assets to add minor upgrades that didn't always pan out.

The trade for Pronger came within a whisker of paying off. Unfortunately, the end result was the Flyers traded a good scoring line winger, a former 1st round pick and two future 1st rounders for 145 regular season and 26 playoff games of Pronger.

Follow up trades, trying to fill the Pronger hole, further left the well dry and forced reliance on free agency. Trades for Grossmann, Kubina, Streit, Bryzgalov, Mason and MacDonald stripped away 2nd and 3rd rounders, even if some of the trades were solid ones.

A team can't be afraid to make a deal or add a free agent at an opportune time, but the key is timing. That's why I am against a move for a guy like Bobby Ryan.

Yes, he's a good player. Certainly would help the team. Also is 28, likely wants a significant contract in both money and term and When the Flyers are truly ready to contend, Ryan will be a guy making first line cash and probably playing a secondary role.
- Jsaquella

Good points. I want no part of Ryan, and although he's a good player, I just don't think we have the salary to pay him or can afford to lose the assets. I know it doesn't exactly relate to here, but Hextall and Lombardi build through the draft and got Doughty etc.. and then when they felt they were ready to contend, supplemented with UFA and trades. It's worked out quite well for them I'd say. What I wouldn't give for a run of 2 cups in 3 years!!!

Flyers, Blacklist and MNF tonight. I can hardly contain myself.

Good points. I want no part of Ryan, and although he's a good player, I just don't think we have the salary to pay him or can afford to lose the assets. I know it doesn't exactly relate to here, but Hextall and Lombardi build through the draft and got Doughty etc.. and then when they felt they were ready to contend, supplemented with UFA and trades. It's worked out quite well for them I'd say. What I wouldn't give for a run of 2 cups in 3 years!!!
- Hextall271

Ryan is overrated. His play has dipped that last few years and he's been openly called a casual player. For the price tag, he won't be any where near worth it.

Good points. I want no part of Ryan, and although he's a good player, I just don't think we have the salary to pay him or can afford to lose the assets. I know it doesn't exactly relate to here, but Hextall and Lombardi build through the draft and got Doughty etc.. and then when they felt they were ready to contend, supplemented with UFA and trades. It's worked out quite well for them I'd say. What I wouldn't give for a run of 2 cups in 3 years!!!
- Hextall271

Exactly. If they're going to make a deal, get picks or a good young player that will potentially be a Flyer AND top line contributor in 4 years. If it's a UFA, make it a depth guy and short term. If you can find a good defenseman in UFA, make sure he's young enough to still be here when the team is really ready to be a serious contender. No signing 36 year old guys to 4 year deals when you're a bubble playoff team with an eye to tomorrow

Agreed. I still think Sanheim has the best chance to reach his full potential, and also could be the best all around guy of the Big 4.
- Jsaquella

Yeah, I'm hoping that Sanheim-Morin can be a #1 pairing, that would be awesome!

Flyers, Blacklist and MNF tonight. I can hardly contain myself.
- PhillySportsGuy

Could you imagine if Morin, Ghost and Sanheim all improve enough to make the roster in say 2 years from now and then continue to get better? It's very possible and it will set us up nicely. Hopefully one of them becomes that #1 stud dman we're looking for. Loving the way we're approaching this now. Build through the draft and not UFA.
- Hextall271

If you think about it, it never really took Ryan McDonagh long to become the Rangers number defenseman. To me that kid came out of nowhere (Yes I'm aware of the Gomez to Montreal trade). You cannot compare Samuel Morin or Travis Sanheim to how quickly Drew Doughty shot up to be LA's best two way defender but these kids look hungry, especially Morin. They want to be here much sooner then later.

I'm so glad there's a game on tonight!

Flyers, Blacklist and MNF tonight. I can hardly contain myself.
- PhillySportsGuy

I know, me too... I am a Bears fan so it's even bigger.

Random question. Anyone ever seen a game in Foxboro? I am going in October, and plan to wear my Bears jersey to the game. My buddy who is a Pats fan says I will get killed. I told him I've been to Philly and seen many other team's fans and although they might get yelled at, haven't seen any violence.

I'm so glad there's a game on tonight!
- FlyersGrace

Are either of the games available on line?

If you think about it, it never really took Ryan McDonagh long to become the Rangers number defenseman. To me that kid came out of nowhere (Yes I'm aware of the Gomez to Montreal trade). You cannot compare Samuel Morin or Travis Sanheim to how quickly Drew Doughty shot up to be LA's best two way defender but these kids look hungry, especially Morin. They want to be here much sooner then later.
- SuperSchennBros

I think that with a group of them like we have, we`re bound to find one or maybe if we`re lucky, two who are big time D men.

I know, me too... I am a Bears fan so it's even bigger.

Random question. Anyone ever seen a game in Foxboro? I am going in October, and plan to wear my Bears jersey to the game. My buddy who is a Pats fan says I will get killed. I told him I've been to Philly and seen many other team's fans and although they might get yelled at, haven't seen any violence.
- Hextall271

Violence usually only occurs if both parties start jawing and it gets serious. Most of the time, the away team fans just ignore the rowdy home fans and nothing happens. Or, it's good-natured and everyone ends up friendly.

Well, my thoughts are that in 4 years we could be really ready to make a run. Even if it takes that long, it's way better than going around and around with UFA's, making a deep run once ever 4 years then falling short only to have to re tool. I'd rather build for a window of 3 or 4 years like Chicago and LA then hope you get that cup. The issue is going to be timing because G is in his prime, Mason is close to being there etc. Will they be able to lead us in 4 years? Just gotta hope one of these prospects turns into a Doughty type stud and I'll take my chances.
- Hextall271

It's not impossible, but I think that is very optomistic to think that the Flyers defense prospects will be developed to the point of forming the back bone to a legitimate cup contender. I think it's likely going to take longer then that. I think they can certainly be contributors before that point. I could see one or two in the lineup in a year or two. But they're going to need time to gain experience and go through the growing pains. And sure there is a possibility one of them fast tracks such as Doughty did.