So, Vinny to Toronto for Clarkson?
- jmatchett383

Believe it or not, something like that -- it depends on the peripherals, you know? The Flyers can't do that straight-up, because of the length of Clarkson's deal, just like they can't move VLC on most other teams, for the same reason.

But if Toronto threw in something else that you could swallow, then yes, at least Clarkson's a natural winger with some size.

The Flyers do need to find better roster fits, IMO -- again, before somebody climbs up and down my poop, I'm not saying "acquire Clarkson," I'm saying that if they're taking a tough contract back, make it a natural winger.

I'd be down with a buyout of Umberger in the offseason. I know he's played at the level of "competent NHL player" lately, but for the $$ he makes, I'd be tempted to swallow the pill for the next 4 (right) years.
- jmatchett383

I would not have a problem with that.

I'd be down with a buyout of Umberger in the offseason. I know he's played at the level of "competent NHL player" lately, but for the $$ he makes, I'd be tempted to swallow the pill for the next 4 (right) years.
- jmatchett383

I didn't mention Umberger because I didn't want to start a street fight, but this is where I am, even though I have acknowledged that he's been replacement-level for the last, what, month or so.

I didn't mention Umberger because I didn't want to start a street fight, but this is where I am, even though I have acknowledged that he's been replacement-level for the last, what, month or so.
- AllInForFlyers

I think replacement level is a way overused term. Umberger had a bad first half, but he has improved his level of play. Not to the point where he is worth his cap hit, but he has improved. He has scored 4 goals in the last 10 games. That's a small sample size, but it's better then he has played in the past. Hope it continues.

Believe it or not, something like that -- it depends on the peripherals, you know? The Flyers can't do that straight-up, because of the length of Clarkson's deal, just like they can't move VLC on most other teams, for the same reason.

But if Toronto threw in something else that you could swallow, then yes, at least Clarkson's a natural winger with some size.

The Flyers do need to find better roster fits, IMO -- again, before somebody climbs up and down my poop, I'm not saying "acquire Clarkson," I'm saying that if they're taking a tough contract back, make it a natural winger.
- AllInForFlyers

WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO TRADE FOR CLARKSON!?!?

I'm not saying "acquire Clarkson," I'm saying that if they're taking a tough contract back, make it a natural winger.
- AllInForFlyers

That tough contract had better be coming w/ less term, tho.

IMO, I really don't care if the guy coming back fills an immediate need or not, as long as it gets some of these millstones off Hexy's neck.

I think replacement level is a way overused term. Umberger had a bad first half, but he has improved his level of play. Not to the point where he is worth his cap hit, but he has improved. He has scored 4 goals in the last 10 games. That's a small sample size, but it's better then he has played in the past. Hope it continues.
- MJL

I think "legitimate NHL player" is where he is right now. Like, he is better than AHL-level. That's about as far as I'll go.

We can all dream but I just don't see MacDonald or Lecavalier getting moved. Umberger you absolutely buy out at the end of the season. Keep either Luke or Grossmann not both and I'd definitely hold onto Del Zotto.

We can all dream but I just don't see MacDonald or Lecavalier getting moved. Umberger you absolutely buy out at the end of the season. Keep either Luke or Grossmann not both and I'd definitely hold onto Del Zotto.
- Pixote Andolini

Well, if you're on the MDZ bandwagon, the good thing is that the Flyers have all of the leverage. If they want him back, he's back.

I think "legitimate NHL player" is where he is right now. Like, he is better than AHL-level. That's about as far as I'll go.
- jmatchett383

I'm with you there. He is a competent 3rd/4th line winger at this point.

We can all dream but I just don't see MacDonald or Lecavalier getting moved. Umberger you absolutely buy out at the end of the season. Keep either Luke or Grossmann not both and I'd definitely hold onto Del Zotto.
- Pixote Andolini

Good for the former, I don't want to trade MacDonald.

Well, if you're on the MDZ bandwagon, the good thing is that the Flyers have all of the leverage. If they want him back, he's back.
- jmatchett383

As long as the Flyers want him back, Del Zotto is essentially signed for next year.

As long as the Flyers want him back, Del Zotto is essentially signed for next year.
- MJL

They have to tender a QO with a 10% increase over this season's salary, right?

I think "legitimate NHL player" is where he is right now. Like, he is better than AHL-level. That's about as far as I'll go.
- jmatchett383

" legitimate 4th line NHL player" that is where Umberger sits. He has played maybe 4-5 " half decent" games this year.
There is no defending this guy and his 4.5 salary

They have to tender a QO with a 10% increase over this season's salary, right?
- jmatchett383

Yes.

I think that the TDL is only stage one of selling. They can also use the draft as a selling spot. I also wouldn't be stunned if they were minor sellers at next years TDL.

The issue at this TDL is that only Schultz, Colaiacovo and MDZ aren't signed for next year. The only way teams really want to take on term at the TDL is if the guy is a relative bargain at the remaining term.

Whether one feels they are "bad" contracts or not, guys like Grossmann, Schenn and MacDonald can all be replaced, and possibly for less money than they are due. Teams aren't overly eager to assume those kind of players.

Besides, as I mentioned earlier, there's other viable options on expiring contracts. If a team doesn't want to pay Grossmann next year, Allen is available for a song. Or Hedja. Or about 6 or 7 others.

Given that there's a degree of uncertainty about the cap next season and beyond, there's GMs that have said to reliable reporters like Elliotte Friedman, that moving anyone with remaining term is the hardest trade to complete.

So even if Hextall doesn't do much at the TDL, I'm going to remain as patient as I can, because there's probably a better chance of movement at the draft.

We can all dream but I just don't see MacDonald or Lecavalier getting moved. Umberger you absolutely buy out at the end of the season. Keep either Luke or Grossmann not both and I'd definitely hold onto Del Zotto.
- Pixote Andolini

Agreed, MacD isn't playing his way out of town with that POOR contract. Umberger buy out? Sounds tasty with a side of regret. I forgot VdV will probably be gone for a younger alternative. Also CC. So I guess that could make 6 for me.

That tough contract had better be coming w/ less term, tho.

IMO, I really don't care if the guy coming back fills an immediate need or not, as long as it gets some of these millstones off Hexy's neck.
- Tomahawk

See, where I differ is that I do think some of the issues the Flyers have are fixable -- how many shifts or periods or games has it cost them with the adjustment of Schenn to the wing, Wheels to the wing, trying Simmonds on the left, trying Raffl at center, etc.? There has to be some cost associated with it, right?

The Flyers aren't the only team that moves guys around, but at some point, you have to acknowledge that having guys playing in positions they are comfortable in is beneficial to the team, as a whole.

I'm realizing how valuable capgeek's buyout calculator was now. Does waiting until the offseason after next significantly improve the buyout numbers on Umberger? If so, I might wait the extra season before pulling the trigger.

I'm realizing how valuable capgeek's buyout calculator was now. Does waiting until the offseason after next significantly improve the buyout numbers on Umberger? If so, I might wait the extra season before pulling the trigger.
- BulliesPhan87

It did; that wouldn't keep me from pulling that freaking trigger, but it did

I'd be down with a buyout of Umberger in the offseason. I know he's played at the level of "competent NHL player" lately, but for the $$ he makes, I'd be tempted to swallow the pill for the next 4 (right) years.
- jmatchett383

I'd buyout both. You can replace them with cheap ufas. Those two are just too much of a drag. This team has to start playing faster.

I'm realizing how valuable capgeek's buyout calculator was now. Does waiting until the offseason after next significantly improve the buyout numbers on Umberger? If so, I might wait the extra season before pulling the trigger.
- BulliesPhan87

Yes, the buyout, IIRC, was $1.6mm for two years and then $1.5 for two more. If they waited a year, it was $1.6mm for one and $1.5mm for one

Yes, the buyout, IIRC, was $1.6mm for two years and then $1.5 for two more. If they waited a year, it was $1.6mm for one and $1.5mm for one
- Jsaquella

That's what I remember. It was a flat contract (same salary year-to-year) so the only difference was the years, not the amount.

Yes, the buyout, IIRC, was $1.6mm for two years and then $1.5 for two more. If they waited a year, it was $1.6mm for one and $1.5mm for one
- Jsaquella

That's much more palatable imo

I'd buyout both. You can replace them with cheap ufas. Those two are just too much of a drag. This team has to start playing faster.
- Just5

Yeah! We should replace them with Havlat!

Seriously though, I think you try to replace them with youth if your going that route- Leier, Akeson or Cousins type.