the Bruins are loving our 2nd rounder
- vejim

Bah, way to ruin it.

the Bruins are loving our 2nd rounder
- vejim

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laughton, Lecavalier, Flyers Alumni
- bmeltzer

Laughton has been really fun to watch. Comparisons are too often made to Mike Richards, Chris Pronger and Bobby Clarke in terms of young prospects who come into the line up. In this case Scott Laughton does look a lot like a young Mike Richards.

Now picking up from where I left off last night Couturier vs. Laughton, I try not to be easily fooled. Laughton plays agressive but he's also trying to keep his spot with the Flyers, the kid has lost it before. Couturier already has an impressive resume by shutting down Malkin in the 2012 playoffs and just might be an elite shut down center in today's game. Keep in mind that even Richards was an agressive young player and he regressed when he should have matured the most as a young captain.

Laughton has been really fun to watch. Comparisons are too often made to Mike Richards, Chris Pronger and Bobby Clarke in terms of young prospects who come into the line up. In this case Scott Laughton does look a lot like a young Mike Richards.

Now picking up from where I left off last night Couturier vs. Laughton, I try not to be easily fooled. Laughton plays agressive but he's also trying to keep his spot with the Flyers, the kid has lost it before. Couturier already has an impressive resume by shutting down Malkin in the 2012 playoffs and just might be an elite shut down center in today's game. Keep in mind that even Richards was an agressive young player and he regressed when he should have matured the most as a young captain.
- SuperSchennBros

Mike Richards had a mediocre first 2 seasons (injuries played a part in 06/07, as did the roster), until he finally broke out in the 07/08 season, which was probably his best season overall. I don't think Laughton will ever break out offensively like Richards did, but there's no reason he can't be a solid 2nd/3rd line center who can get time on both the PP and PK.

This team doesn't need to actively tank to be in the running for Connor McDavid. They're already there.

That said, anyone who suggests tanking doesn't do so because they think one prospect will turn a team around. You tank to optimize the value of your draft assets across the board and build a stronger stable for the future.

I think some people hear the word "tank" and they think Hextall is going to walk into the locker room and tell Claude Giroux to lose hockey games. That's not how it works.

No one considers it reprehensible when teams sell off valuable assets when they are out of the playoff picture at the deadline(even if they're mathematically still in it).

Why is it an affront to hockey to start the sell off a few weeks sooner when you know your team doesn't have a reasonable shot at contention, let alone the playoffs.

Not saying I want the Flyers to tank out the season, I think there are still some obvious ways to optimize this roster if you want to go the bubble team route.

But I understand the perspective of people who do want to tank.


(sorry if I'm rambling a bit)
- AndrewD

I actually agree with you. I am just so tired of being middle ground to mediocre minus the one run the team made losing to chicago. I agreed with the Richards/carter deals then and still do now. that wasn't tanking, that was rebuilding. that is what I want to see done now. this team needs to be broken down a bit. I want to hold onto the obvious (93/28) and the kids like Laughton, Couturier and Schenn. to build around but they need to do something about the bad mix they have. I'm good with getting draft picks and young players back for some of their veterans

thank you for those thoughts on tanking bill... its a disgrace and foolhardy.

as for laughton I am in no way surprised at how he he is doing. having watched him play and met him in person i am utterly convinced he will be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, hopefully as a flyer for the duration of his career.

Laughton has been really fun to watch. Comparisons are too often made to Mike Richards, Chris Pronger and Bobby Clarke in terms of young prospects who come into the line up. In this case Scott Laughton does look a lot like a young Mike Richards.

Now picking up from where I left off last night Couturier vs. Laughton, I try not to be easily fooled. Laughton plays agressive but he's also trying to keep his spot with the Flyers, the kid has lost it before. Couturier already has an impressive resume by shutting down Malkin in the 2012 playoffs and just might be an elite shut down center in today's game. Keep in mind that even Richards was an agressive young player and he regressed when he should have matured the most as a young captain.
- SuperSchennBros

Regarding the bold above: He lost his spot the year he was drafted. I don't think I would hold that against him.

What makes you think that B Schenn has to play center rather then WIng?
- MJL

Schenn's play on the wing has been another bright spot in a bad season. He still makes some dumb plays, but that's not as big of a deal on the wing, and he's looked dangerous offensively at ES and on the PP.

And Laughton is way better at faceoffs already than BSchenn ever was.

This team doesn't need to actively tank to be in the running for Connor McDavid. They're already there.

That said, anyone who suggests tanking doesn't do so because they think one prospect will turn a team around. You tank to optimize the value of your draft assets across the board and build a stronger stable for the future.

I think some people hear the word "tank" and they think Hextall is going to walk into the locker room and tell Claude Giroux to lose hockey games. That's not how it works.

No one considers it reprehensible when teams sell off valuable assets when they are out of the playoff picture at the deadline(even if they're mathematically still in it).
- AndrewD

If Hextall does that I won't complain. It's OK to be a seller at the deadline if your team has no real hope of making the playoffs.

Laughton has been really fun to watch. Comparisons are too often made to Mike Richards, Chris Pronger and Bobby Clarke in terms of young prospects who come into the line up. In this case Scott Laughton does look a lot like a young Mike Richards.

Now picking up from where I left off last night Couturier vs. Laughton, I try not to be easily fooled. Laughton plays agressive but he's also trying to keep his spot with the Flyers, the kid has lost it before. Couturier already has an impressive resume by shutting down Malkin in the 2012 playoffs and just might be an elite shut down center in today's game. Keep in mind that even Richards was an agressive young player and he regressed when he should have matured the most as a young captain.
- SuperSchennBros

how so?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laughton, Lecavalier, Flyers Alumni
- bmeltzer

Laughton

I actually agree with you. I am just so tired of being middle ground to mediocre minus the one run the team made losing to chicago. I agreed with the Richards/carter deals then and still do now. that wasn't tanking, that was rebuilding. that is what I want to see done now. this team needs to be broken down a bit. I want to hold onto the obvious (93/28) and the kids like Laughton, Couturier and Schenn. to build around but they need to do something about the bad mix they have. I'm good with getting draft picks and young players back for some of their veterans
- nastyflyergirl

you dont fix the team now by optimizing your draft picks, you fix the team 5-10 years from now by drafting well. there is a middle ground tho, unfortunately we've had a gm that made too many boneheaded deals.

Most of this team is playing so bad its difficult to watch. Close losses are one thing but a complete lack of effort from what should be a solid playoff bubble team is another.

On the subject of tanking, I absolutely dont want to see them tank, we already have one team doing that.... But since they are at the bottom of the league we might as well talk about this coming draft.

I know Bill said one player can't reverse the entire fortunes of a team...but this years draft has 2 players that could be super stars.

The only hope I have to salvage this year at this point is the prospect of connor mcdavid and jack eichel on our team on top of our drastically improving farm system.

Most of this team is playing so bad its difficult to watch. Close losses are one thing but a complete lack of effort from what should be a solid playoff bubble team is another.

- Tomahawk

Holmgren'd

I know this might sound crazy but I am little disappointed in Giroux. His shooting and nose for the net has not been good. Yea sure he can pass but he has yet to hit that next level we need from him this season. When will he go in beast mode?

Schenn's play on the wing has been another bright spot in a bad season. He still makes some dumb plays, but that's not as big of a deal on the wing, and he's looked dangerous offensively at ES and on the PP.

And Laughton is way better at faceoffs already than BSchenn ever was.
- Feanor

I agree. There have been some recent moments of mistakes that Schenn has made lately. That doesn't separate him from anybody else on the team. He's on his way to having his best offensive season. I'm not going to say that's because he's on the wing, he might have done the same playing center. But what it does point out is that he's just as good at wing, as he is at center, if not better. I feel as though his skillset is a better fit for the wing, then at center. The orginanization's lack of depth at LW, and strength at center, also points to leaving Schenn at the wing position.

Hate tanking. Hate losing. Wish they'd make a move to strengthen the roster just so they are able to better compete on a nightly basis.

But I realize that fixing this team...there's multiple ways to skin the cat. And if they don't make a move, what can I do? I'm going to watch, regardless.

Hate tanking. Hate losing. Wish they'd make a move to strengthen the roster just so they are able to better compete on a nightly basis.

But I realize that fixing this team...there's multiple ways to skin the cat. And if they don't make a move, what can I do? I'm going to watch, regardless.
- AllInForFlyers

Its painful

This team doesn't need to actively tank to be in the running for Connor McDavid. They're already there.

That said, anyone who suggests tanking doesn't do so because they think one prospect will turn a team around. You tank to optimize the value of your draft assets across the board and build a stronger stable for the future.

I think some people hear the word "tank" and they think Hextall is going to walk into the locker room and tell Claude Giroux to lose hockey games. That's not how it works.

No one considers it reprehensible when teams sell off valuable assets when they are out of the playoff picture at the deadline(even if they're mathematically still in it).

Why is it an affront to hockey to start the sell off a few weeks sooner when you know your team doesn't have a reasonable shot at contention, let alone the playoffs.

Not saying I want the Flyers to tank out the season, I think there are still some obvious ways to optimize this roster if you want to go the bubble team route.

But I understand the perspective of people who do want to tank.

(sorry if I'm rambling a bit)
- AndrewD

I agree.
(But I'm not offended by what the 6rs are doing either so maybe I am a poor judge.)


I am just not convinced by the perceived downsides of tank- ah -er - maximizing roster value.

Giroux won't be dominant again till he has a better defense supporting him and getting him the puck in stride going into the zone with speed. He's a great player, not a miracle worker.

I don't get my panties in a twist over where they draft. The best player on the team was picked 22nd overall and one who might be just as good was picked 7th overall by another organization entirely.

You don't have to be a loser in order to win hockey games.

thank you for those thoughts on tanking bill... its a disgrace and foolhardy.

as for laughton I am in no way surprised at how he he is doing. having watched him play and met him in person i am utterly convinced he will be a force to be reckoned with in the NHL, hopefully as a flyer for the duration of his career.
- JoeRussomanno

I don't agree. if they are not a playoff team come trade deadline (and I don't mean a few points out), I am all for selling and trying to pick up assets

you dont fix the team now by optimizing your draft picks, you fix the team 5-10 years from now by drafting well. there is a middle ground tho, unfortunately we've had a gm that made too many boneheaded deals.
- JoeRussomanno

I said draft picks and young players.....ala the Zhitnik for Coburn trade. if this team is out of the playoffs they need to think long and hard about tearing some of it apart.

I don't get my panties in a twist over where they draft. The best player on the team was picked 22nd overall and one who might be just as good was picked 7th overall by another organization entirely.

You don't have to be a loser in order to win hockey games.
- AllInForFlyers

Wait... Okposo is as good as Giroux?

I don't agree. if they are not a playoff team come trade deadline (and I don't mean a few points out), I am all for selling and trying to pick up assets
- nastyflyergirl

The only players id sell off are some of the old d guys, and only if we know some of our prospects will be nhl ready next year.

Well that and umby and vinny lol