I'm not Bill, but I think that Cousins, Manning, Ghost, Morin, and possibly Straka will all get good, hard looks in the preseason. Realistically, I see Ghost, Morin, and Straka as long shots to crack the opening night roster. If they can move out one of Schenn/Grossmann, they can probably address one LW and one 3rd pair defenseman via FA.
- jmatchett383

I would also add Leirer. Just because he plays a 200 ft game and his skating is good. I think since he has a simpler game he could slot into a 3rd, fourth line, PK role.

I'm happy with the draft picks, I believe we have two in the first round now but with the overall change to the current roster, I'm not pleased at all. It's one thing to preach about the future but to me, that's like being lead on by a girl who's unsure if she wants to date you at all. One roster change by trade from October to now would leave me more optimistic.
- SuperSchennBros

Didn't they just do that by trading Coburn?

I would also add Leirer. Just because he plays a 200 ft game and his skating is good. I think since he has a simpler game he could slot into a 3rd, fourth line, PK role.
- J35Bacher

I agree, but I don't think he'll be given as hard of a look. He'll probably get another season in Lehigh before he is considered for a full-time spot. Also, Laughton will be up next year most likely, forgot to add him.

I agree, but I don't think he'll be given as hard of a look. He'll probably get another season in Lehigh before he is considered for a full-time spot. Also, Laughton will be up next year most likely, forgot to add him.
- jmatchett383

He Could. I wouldn't mind resigning White and then rolling out a line of Laughton white and Leirer. They could use speed and smarts and really be a nice defensive/fore checking line that could create chances off solid defense. Also might open up more Couturier not to have so much defensive responsibility.

This was probably posted last night, but just in case..

http://espn.go.com/nhl/st...wild-daughter-letter-team

I thought hextall did well for what he could do. Cleared some cap space, got some quality picks. I was trying to think of maybe a way to use B. Schenn to upgrade the team and was wondering what people thought of a B. Schenn for Nichuskin trade. We get a natural winger and stars get a second line center. I don't know if possible because I don't know how stars like Nichushkin but I thought he would be an awesome addition.
- J35Bacher

I think hextall did just fine. His goal wasn't to trade to get into the playoffs this season. I have a feeling that, to hextall, if they make it- great. If not- that's okay because now we have a lot of extra draft picks, some more salary cap room, a much better situation than we were in.

Speaking of players no longer on the team...was I the only one who was at the Flyers/Rags alumni game who was secretly hoping to see Lindros just beat the tar out of Kasparitis?
- jmatchett383

Let's go Flyers!
- BulliesPhan87

don't you mean flames?

don't you mean flames?
- 2Real

No, I think he's referring to the Philadelphia Flyers.

So, is Luke your new guy now?

No, I think he's referring to the Philadelphia Flyers.

So, is Luke your new guy now?
- jmatchett383

luke who?

luke who?
- 2Real

Schenn. Now that Coburn's gone, I'm wondering who your daily, "He's terrible, we must trade him now!" guy will be.

Thanks Bill. That last D pairing has me worried. Colaiacovo hasn't had much ice time this season, and may take a while to warm up. McD hasn't lived up to expectations, and was probably the last big contract the Flyers make for a while.
It will be interesting to see if the Flyers keep Gudas, and if he works out for the team. Even though, he doesn't have Coby's size, at least he has a little bite to him, and doesn't like to give up ice space. Hopefully, he can clear the crease as well. It drives me nuts when the Flyers can't clear the crease, and just watch the other team skate around at will. I'd keep Manning in the background if MacD starts to wilt again.
It will be an interesting game to watch. Either we get blown out, or we have a tight checking game; my prediction.
Mase, stick with it buddy. I don't know if you are 100% yet, but you are a trooper for going in for Zepp when you did. Sorry, about the 30-40 shots against each night.
- OrangeAndBlack1

Gudas doesn't have Coby's height but he is built like a tank and has a mean streak to him. I have a feeling the advanced-stats crowd won't like him too much when they seem him in the Flyers' system but he is a passable number six if he plays a disciplined game.

I'm happy with the draft picks, I believe we have two in the first round now but with the overall change to the current roster, I'm not pleased at all. It's one thing to preach about the future but to me, that's like being lead on by a girl who's unsure if she wants to date you at all. One roster change by trade from October to now would leave me more optimistic.
- SuperSchennBros

They are just biding time. There's nothing they could have done to dramatically improve themselves without hurting the future.

Check back in in 2 years and they might be in a playoff spot

Gudas doesn't have Coby's height but he is built like a tank and has a mean streak to him. I have a feeling the advanced-stats crowd won't like him too much when they seem him in the Flyers' system but he is a passable number six if he plays a disciplined game.
- bmeltzer

A physical #6 with a cap hit under 1 million? Certainly like that better than the 3rd pair crew we've been running out so far this season.

Gudas doesn't have Coby's height but he is built like a tank and has a mean streak to him. I have a feeling the advanced-stats crowd won't like him too much when they seem him in the Flyers' system but he is a passable number six if he plays a disciplined game.
- bmeltzer

Bill,

With them now having Gudas, who I see as similar to Grossmann but younger and cheaper, does that make it more likely they could move Grossmann at the draft?

Bill,

With them now having Gudas, who I see as similar to Grossmann but younger and cheaper, does that make it more likely they could move Grossmann at the draft?
- J35Bacher

I think he's more comparable to Schenn than Grossmann.

They are just biding time. There's nothing they could have done to dramatically improve themselves without hurting the future.

Check back in in 2 years and they might be in a playoff spot
- Just5

Yup, a while back I posted something like the following and I still think it's true:

15-16 They are an improving bubble team
16-17 solid playoff team
17-18 good playoff team, dark horse contender
18-19 Cup contender

A physical #6 with a cap hit under 1 million? Certainly like that better than the 3rd pair crew we've been running out so far this season.
- BiggE

isn't that the truth brother. I personally hope they keep him and I'm excited to see him in the black and orange.

Yup, a while back I posted something like the following and I still think it's true:

15-16 They are an improving bubble team
16-17 solid playoff team
17-18 good playoff team, dark horse contender
18-19 Cup contender
- BiggE

Giroux will be 31 lol I have a feeling you're predictions are right on track with what will happen.

Giroux will be 31 lol I have a feeling you're predictions are right on track with what will happen.
- benjichronic

Re; Giroux
Yeah, it's why I wouldn't mind them drafting a center either this year or next if they truly feel that player has the potential to be a #1 guy. By 18-19, Giroux may be better off as a #2.

I think he's more comparable to Schenn than Grossmann.
- jmatchett383

I think all 3 are kind of comparable. But having Gudas now at a low cap hit would have to make Schenn/Grossmann more available at the draft.

I think all 3 are kind of comparable. But having Gudas now at a low cap hit would have to make Schenn/Grossmann more available at the draft.
- J35Bacher

Exactly, much rather have at least one guy playing in my top 6 with a cap hit under a million and it will allow you to not have to rush one of the kids.

Re; Giroux
Yeah, it's why I wouldn't mind them drafting a center either this year or next if they truly feel that player has the potential to be a #1 guy. By 18-19, Giroux may be better off as a #2.
- BiggE

I'd LOVE to see couturier blossom into a young Patrice B. It might be unrealistic to expect him to become a #1c, 20-25g 30-40a kinda guy while keeping his defensive prowess, but I think that'd be more than ideal. But also what you said wouldn't be bad assuming couturier doesn't blossom into nhl superstardom.

This was probably posted last night, but just in case..

http://espn.go.com/nhl/st...wild-daughter-letter-team


- WarriorHockey21

Bettman is going to fine her for tampering.

Re: Next year's D

I really don't want them to overpay in free agency and I think it will just cost too much in assets to trade for a legit top pair guy. I think, when it's all said and done, we are just going to have be patient yet again. Try and trade Luke at the draft and start the season with something like:

MDZ-Schultz
Grossmann-Streit
AMac-Gudas
Manning

If Morin or Ghost or Alt clearly wins a spot, great! If not, it's no big whoop for them to play in the AHL next year.