There is where I don't buy in. A fire sale of all the Flyers defenseman isn't the way to go. The problem isn't that the Flyers defenseman aren't good players. it's that they lack a legitimate top pair. If, and it's a big if, the Flyers had a legitimate #1 defenseman, the rest of the defense slotted correctly, the Flyers would have a solid defense. it's the mix of players, rather then the players as individuals that are the issue. As an example, Coburn as complimentary partner to a #1 is a strong player. As the lead defenseman on the team, not so strong. Grossmann as a top 4 2nd pair defenseman is just adequate at best due to his puck skill limitations. As a 3rd pair physical defensive defenseman, while overpaid for that role, is a solid player.
If they can get returns that make sense for a player, then go ahead and get it done. They shouldn't be trading any of the defenseman because the Flyers are forced to use them incorrectly in the wrong roles.
- MJL

No one is saying trade all of them, but rather make all of them available. I would trade 2 out of 8 at the deadline. If i could get edmontons first for coburn i would do it.

Probably. Kind of what I hope happens at the deadline and the Flyers can make a nice deal. If Anaheim would really need a top 4 d and wanted Coburn you can try and get that 1st rounder and maybe a player like Maroon or Rackell? Pens gave up 1st and Klickhammer.
- J35Bacher

Exactly. If a good deal is there, make it.

I get the idea behind people saying if the Flyers had a legit, number one defenseman, things would be better. I even agree with that sentiment, 100%. It's true. Guys would be slotted more to their natural abilities, be less prone to be ing exposed and would have a very good player on the ice for 20-25 minutes a night.

At the same time, one of those defensemen isn't going to be available for cheap, or at all, so it's really a moot point.

If the Flyers trade their defensemen at the TDL, there are candidates who can play at a similar level, for a similar cost, in free agency. The difference is, you have different names on the ice and more draft picks. That's as simple as I can put it, and it's why I'm not against selling pieces off.

They're not dealing away anyone who is irreplaceable.

I guarantee that there will be a playoff team looking for stay at home dman that will happily give up a 2nd for Nick Grossmann and a 4th. They'd be foolish not to make that deal. Likewise, there is also no doubt in my mind that a top contender like Anaheim would just as happily move their 1st for a guy like Coburn.

Make those moves, then go ahead and re-sign Schultz. That would still give them 4 vets signed for next year, 5 if they re-sign MDZ.
- BiggE

The Bruins gave up a 3rd for Mez. Teams gets desperate for warm bodies at the deadline. If the Flyers are willing to eat a little money, they should be able to collect some decent picks

If he had 2 or 3 years left at 4 million plus, sure. One year though at 3.5 I don't see as a major impediment to a trade.
- BiggE

If you're dealing a 2015 top-60 pick+, wouldn't you rather get Michalek or Jackman or Hejda or Methot (all on expiring deals) over Grossmann?

Who knows what the cap will be next season.

No one is saying trade all of them, but rather make all of them available. I would trade 2 out of 8 at the deadline. If i could get edmontons first for coburn i would do it.
- PhillaBully

The Flyers should answer every phone call and listen to any offer. The Flyers need to make smart moves, not just moves. They still need defenseman for next season.

Wow, capgeek is done! That sucks, I hope the founder is okay, as he has cited health reasons. I really hope somebody else picks up the slack. Really in the dark now.
- MJL

yeah, that hurts. I wonder if he has anybody in mind to take over? The notice said there was no interest in selling.

If you're dealing a 2015 top-60 pick+, wouldn't you rather get Michalek or Jackman or Hejda or Methot (all on expiring deals) over Grossmann?

Who knows what the cap will be next season.
- Tomahawk

That's the big question. I do think a couple of those guys may not be dealt. But the extra year on the contract might not be workable for some teams. Still, if an offer's there...

The notice said there was no interest in selling.
- BulliesPhan87

The cynic in me believes that he already sold the thing.

Exactly. If a good deal is there, make it.

I get the idea behind people saying if the Flyers had a legit, number one defenseman, things would be better. I even agree with that sentiment, 100%. It's true. Guys would be slotted more to their natural abilities, be less prone to be ing exposed and would have a very good player on the ice for 20-25 minutes a night.

At the same time, one of those defensemen isn't going to be available for cheap, or at all, so it's really a moot point.

If the Flyers trade their defensemen at the TDL, there are candidates who can play at a similar level, for a similar cost, in free agency. The difference is, you have different names on the ice and more draft picks. That's as simple as I can put it, and it's why I'm not against selling pieces off.

They're not dealing away anyone who is irreplaceable.
- Jsaquella

It's not a moot point when the reasoning for trading them is that they are what they are, and aren't going to get any better.

I also agree with Bill, that this thinking that the Flyers could easily get a similar defense at a similar cost to what they have now, is flawed. I do not feel that is the case. If the Flyers need to replace Coburn, Streit, or MacDonald, it is going to cost them. Saying they could do that is a fantasy in my opinion.

yeah, that hurts. I wonder if he has anybody in mind to take over? The notice said there was no interest in selling.
- BulliesPhan87

I have a feeling someone will fill the market need whether it's CapGeek or not. Sad stuff though.

It's not a moot point when the reasoning for trading them is that they are what they are, and aren't going to get any better.

I also agree with Bill, that this thinking that the Flyers could easily get a similar defense at a similar cost to what they have now, is flawed. I do not feel that is the case. If the Flyers need to replace Coburn, Streit, or MacDonald, it is going to cost them. Saying they could do that is a fantasy in my opinion.
- MJL

I don't think he's talking about replacing those guys, he's talking about Grossmann, Schultz, Schenn, MDZ, Colaiacovo.

The cynic in me believes that he already sold the thing.
- Tomahawk

If a profit could be made over it, why wouldn't he do that, rather then just shutting it down.

I have a feeling someone will fill the market need whether it's CapGeek or not. Sad stuff though.
- NickTheKid87

based on the effect extraskater's shutdown had, I'd expect multiple less comprehensive sites to spring up. Unless somebody's taking over, it'll be a little while before we get what capgeek offered.

If a profit could be made over it, why wouldn't he do that, rather then just shutting it down.
- MJL

Exactly.

Assuming he needs $ while he's sick, it's strange that he would kill the revenue coming in from the site.

based on the effect extraskater's shutdown had, I'd expect multiple less comprehensive sites to spring up. Unless somebody's taking over, it'll be a little while before we get what capgeek offered.
- BulliesPhan87

Bet the (frank)ing Leafs bought CG, too.

Exactly.

Assuming he needs $ while he's sick, it's strange that he would kill the revenue coming in from the site.
- Tomahawk

I get the impression that keeping it up to date, especially with the details like the salary tracker, required a lot of manual upkeep.

based on the effect extraskater's shutdown had, I'd expect multiple less comprehensive sites to spring up. Unless somebody's taking over, it'll be a little while before we get what capgeek offered.
- BulliesPhan87

No argument there. CapGeek was well made and really streamlined everything for you not to mention the fun little features. We're about to get some generic-brand cap tracking sites. The Applebee's to CapGeek's 5-Star Restaurant.

Bet the (frank)ing Leafs bought CG, too.
- Tomahawk

all those fancystats investments have really paid off for them, eh? /80%kidding

No argument there. CapGeek was well made and really streamlined everything for you not to mention the fun little features. We're about to get some generic-brand cap tracking sites. The Applebee's to CapGeek's 5-Star Restaurant.
- NickTheKid87

http://www.hockeybuzz.com/cap-central

REMINDER: Cap Central still keeps a list of players on LITR (as in a LITR of cola)

It's not a moot point when the reasoning for trading them is that they are what they are, and aren't going to get any better.

I also agree with Bill, that this thinking that the Flyers could easily get a similar defense at a similar cost to what they have now, is flawed. I do not feel that is the case. If the Flyers need to replace Coburn, Streit, or MacDonald, it is going to cost them. Saying they could do that is a fantasy in my opinion.
- MJL

It's semantics -- saying they would be better if they had one other guy they can't get, so they should be careful, just is whistling past the graveyard.

A No. 1 defenseman isn't walking through that door. Keeping Coburn or someone else because they would play better if you only had a player you won't have just isn't what this franchise needs

I don't think he's talking about replacing those guys, he's talking about Grossmann, Schultz, Schenn, MDZ, Colaiacovo.
- NickTheKid87

I think he and others are talking about making everyone available, including Coburn.

Exactly. If a good deal is there, make it.

I get the idea behind people saying if the Flyers had a legit, number one defenseman, things would be better. I even agree with that sentiment, 100%. It's true. Guys would be slotted more to their natural abilities, be less prone to be ing exposed and would have a very good player on the ice for 20-25 minutes a night.

At the same time, one of those defensemen isn't going to be available for cheap, or at all, so it's really a moot point.

If the Flyers trade their defensemen at the TDL, there are candidates who can play at a similar level, for a similar cost, in free agency. The difference is, you have different names on the ice and more draft picks. That's as simple as I can put it, and it's why I'm not against selling pieces off.

They're not dealing away anyone who is irreplaceable.
- Jsaquella

I would take the risk in a guy like Bogossian. That is jut my feeling. Or you need to find a player like Chara. Might not be a top guy now but could be. I know the injury history scares people but i think I would take a shot at him. He has all the potential and skill set to anchor a top pair and is young still.

It's semantics -- saying they would be better if they had one other guy they can't get, so they should be careful, just is whistling past the graveyard.

A No. 1 defenseman isn't walking through that door. Keeping Coburn or someone else because they would play better if you only had a player you won't have just isn't what this franchise needs
- AllInForFlyers

Not semantics, it's looking at the Flyers defenseman as individuals realistically. when assessing a player like Coburn, you look at what kind of player he actually is, and shouldn't look at him as a player who isn't capable of playing the role of lead defenseman, so they should look to trade him because he isn't going to get better and become that #1 defenseman. That's looking at it from a flawed perspective in my opinion.

I think he and others are talking about making everyone available, including Coburn.
- MJL

Sure but they're also saying for the right price. Coburn for a 3rd? No thanks. Coburn for a 1st, maybe. Smart trades, not just trades.

I don't think he's talking about replacing those guys, he's talking about Grossmann, Schultz, Schenn, MDZ, Colaiacovo.
- NickTheKid87

I am, because trading Streit or Coburn would be a deal that I'd really shoot for the moon in terms of adding assets. In the case of the 5 you mentioned, it's more getting some value for a redundant and easily replaceable piece.

That said, Streit and Coburn are far from untouchable.

Streit's 37 years old. When the Flyers are actually contending again, he's going to be near 40. I fully understand he's still a highly effective player right now, but in two or three years, can they really count on him playing as well as he is now?

The case of Coburn is a bit different. He's still young enough to be a decent piece of the future here. To me, it depends mightily on what he wants in his next contract. If he wants $5.5mm and 5 years, even if it is market value, I walk. He's a terrific guy to have when you have a number one defenseman, but he struggles when he's asked to do too much. To me, that's not worth a massive investment.

Also, I'm not looking at things through orange colored glasses, I'm not overly worried about icing a "good" team next season. I don't think they're one piece away from contention. I think it's going to be a couple years.

So, yeah, if I can get a 1st rounder for Streit, I seriously consider it. Ditto for Coburn. Sign a veteran stop gap for a season or two, even if it costs a little more against the cap, because it's a re-tooling season.

Otherwise, trade the top pick, toss in youngsters and get the Goddamned number one defensemen, if you feel they really are that one piece away from contending.