Your love of VLC makes me sick.
- KGBflyers10

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Goalie Coach, Carcillo & Antoski's Noble Fight, Alumni
- bmeltzer

maybe reese will return now that berube is gone

There has to be something I don't understand. What is it that the players want the NHL to do to 'Help' them with life afterwards? What help is there for the factory worker after he retires, or the electrician etc etc. These players when their time is done in the NHL are wealthy and still young. They can buy a tim hortons franchise or other business or whatever else they want to do. If they turn to drugs and booze it's a choice they make and not a fault of the NHL.

Same goes for these players suing for the concussion issue. Every players knows there is a risk playing hockey of being injured. If getting a concussion or a chance of getting one bothers you then don't play a rough sport.
- sparky

I think the concussion issue was more about the league withholding information regarding the aftereffects. I don't think most players understood they'd be possibly sacrificing their minds at age 40 or 50 when they got into the sport. I feel like we know as much about brain injuries as we do about the solar system. Thats how the league likes it too.

The league should do more to help players with substance abuse though. Professional (and collegiate) athletes get addicted to pain killers quite often. In most cases, this wouldn't happen at a regular desk job or factory job.

I'd rather let morin stay in the ahl for a season. The beginning of the season at least. If it's another throw away season, maybe the last two or three months or so, they bring him up for a taste of nhl action. I think gudas can do some good. In his second season he had 3 goals and 19 assists which isn't all that bad for a defensive dman.
- benjichronic

I look at it like this. If he comes into camp and is clearly one their top 6 he should open the season with the big boys. Honestly, that should go for any of their young dmen, if not, it sends the message that no matter how well you play, you can't make the roster and I think that is a bad message to send.

They need to stay away from any talk about Lecavalier walking away in a year or two, they could find themselves in a greivance procedure in front of the systems arbitrator.
- MJL

Agreed. Do, don't say. If he's not one of the best twelve forwards, scratch him. No need to draw lines in the sand or call anybody out.

I think the concussion issue was more about the league withholding information regarding the aftereffects. I don't think most players understood they'd be possibly sacrificing their minds at age 40 or 50 when they got into the sport. I feel like we know as much about brain injuries as we do about the solar system. Thats how the league likes it too.

The league should do more to help players with substance abuse though. Professional (and collegiate) athletes get addicted to pain killers quite often. In most cases, this wouldn't happen at a regular desk job or factory job.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think the bottom line is, the league is absolutely not doing enough for their players after they move on from hockey which is a shame. They should have programs set up, whether it's for substance abuse, depression, yada yada yada. I know they have drug abuse programs set up for current players, which makes the fact that they don't have one for retired players that much more (frank)ed up.

If Berube was the issue or he needed time off for personal reasons, they should just rehire Reese.
- Feanor

damn you

Agreed. Do, don't say. If he's not one of the best twelve forwards, scratch him. No need to draw lines in the sand or call anybody out.
- BulliesPhan87

Same with the defense. They can have 15-20 million in cap wasting away in the press box. Holmgren's army in the Shelley suite!

I look at it like this. If he comes into camp and is clearly one their top 6 he should open the season with the big boys. Honestly, that should go for any of their young dmen, if not, it sends the message that no matter how well you play, you can't make the roster and I think that is a bad message to send.
- BiggE

Yes absolutely. I didn't mean I want him in the ahl no matter what, poor wording by me. Obviously if he shows he can hang with the big fellas, bring him up and lets get him into action.

Im not here to talk about the blog, I'm more curious when Hextall is gonna pull his thumb from his ass and do something? His hire reeked of nepotism not unlike the Oilers, but it doesnt seem to be an issue in Philly. Is Hextall dumb, lazy or cowardly? I have yet to see him significantly improve poop on the Flyers.
- Jeropotato

Shouldn't you be off worrying about what young prospect the Oilers organization is going to ruin next?

Thanks Bill. I hope that Carbomb will find his way in the hockey world. Much like Downie, they seem to play hockey at times, but revert back to bad habits on a frequent basis, and at the wrong times.
The NFL is starting to recognize the players that it left behind, because of all the publicity that the former players are now receiving. So, the NHL should start to open their eyes as well, or suffer bad publicity about the treatment of players with illnesses or who have found themselves down on their luck.
Like the military does, have entry, and exit classes about how to manage money, and where to get help, if needed. Prevention of issues is much cheaper, and better for the sport's image.
However, some of the responsibility is on the player, and knowing when they would need help. The resources may be there, but if they don't use them...
Show films like they used to in drivers ed; make the situations real, with real injured or down on their luck players. Have teams keep injured players out, in order to protect their investments, and to help players enjoy longer careers. Improve on the player's equipment; helmets, and shields.
Sometimes, it's hard to have sympathy for sports figures making millions, but we have to realize that the players are people, too. That many times they can be victims of the sports media machine.

There has to be something I don't understand. What is it that the players want the NHL to do to 'Help' them with life afterwards? What help is there for the factory worker after he retires, or the electrician etc etc. These players when their time is done in the NHL are wealthy and still young. They can buy a tim hortons franchise or other business or whatever else they want to do. If they turn to drugs and booze it's a choice they make and not a fault of the NHL.

Same goes for these players suing for the concussion issue. Every players knows there is a risk playing hockey of being injured. If getting a concussion or a chance of getting one bothers you then don't play a rough sport.
- sparky

First of all, money doesn't buy happiness or fulfillment for life (and many have no idea how to manage their own money, anyway). Financial and mental well-being are two completely separate issues.

Secondly, these guys are used to having their lives managed for them by others. When their career is over, suddenly they have to be grownups Many are well-adjusted enough to figure it out pretty quickly but others are totally unequipped and unprepared to do so.

Third, nobody "chooses" to become an alcoholic or drug addict. It becomes a lifelong struggle not only with the dependency itself but often with a lot of self-loathing of feeling of worthlessness.

Lastly, when athletes (especially hockey players) are young, they aren't concerned about what playing through injuries -- concussions and otherwise -- may do their health and quality of life down the road. Guess what? Money doesn't make up for that, either.

What Carcillo and Antoski are doing is trying to provide a support system -- more on a players helping players basis with Carcillo and a wider society basis with Antoski's campaign -- based on their own experiences. The main thing is they don't want others to feel alone in their struggles and are willing to honestly share of their experiences to encourage others to do so.

As far as people in other walks of life retiring and struggling, it's often an apples to oranges comparison except for the fact that pain is pain.

I think Vinny might be tradeable this summer if they retain max salary. But if not then I'm OK with seeing what Vinny can do under a new coach, and then aggressively looking to move him in summer 2016 when he'll only have two years left at $3m.
- Feanor

It can't hurt to see, for sure.

And maybe, Vinny gets a little self-awareness as well, as he does bear some of the responsibility for his situation under Berube. It wasn't just a case of the Man keeping Vinny down. In some cases, Vinny kept Vinny down.

Your love of VLC makes me sick.
- KGBflyers10

Don't feed the troll.

maybe reese will return now that berube is gone
- -davies-

Not going to happen, though I would certainly be happy if Reese came back.

Im not here to talk about the blog, I'm more curious when Hextall is gonna pull his thumb from his ass and do something? His hire reeked of nepotism not unlike the Oilers, but it doesnt seem to be an issue in Philly. Is Hextall dumb, lazy or cowardly? I have yet to see him significantly improve poop on the Flyers.
- Jeropotato

What is very sad is that Edmonton has practically zero chance of ever winning the Stanley cup because the majority of players don't want to live in Edmonton. They will never ever sign the veterans needed to propel them over the top. Yes they can overpay for 3rd tier guys with nowhere else to go, but that's it. Any player with another option will take it even for less money.

It will be interesting if McDavid stays after 7 years. But on a bright side, the world could end before those 7 years are up.

There has to be something I don't understand. What is it that the players want the NHL to do to 'Help' them with life afterwards? What help is there for the factory worker after he retires, or the electrician etc etc. These players when their time is done in the NHL are wealthy and still young. They can buy a tim hortons franchise or other business or whatever else they want to do. If they turn to drugs and booze it's a choice they make and not a fault of the NHL.

Same goes for these players suing for the concussion issue. Every players knows there is a risk playing hockey of being injured. If getting a concussion or a chance of getting one bothers you then don't play a rough sport.
- sparky

I kinda agree with this. Also, I think when a player is drafted and signs a contract, it's within the organization's responsibility to provide said player with numerous contacts including financial advisors, counselors, mentors, etc. I'm sure they already do this to some degree, but it's not something that should be taken lightly.

I have no sympathy for players who retire who have nothing to fall back on. If they had half a brain, they would realize a career in the NHL is not something that will last forever. Sure, some players last longer than others, but never take it for granted that you will remain in the league for 20 years. Always prepare for tomorrow.

Now, for players sustaining a life altering injury, that's an entirely different story and I will offer my shoulder to cry on.

There has to be something I don't understand. What is it that the players want the NHL to do to 'Help' them with life afterwards? What help is there for the factory worker after he retires, or the electrician etc etc. These players when their time is done in the NHL are wealthy and still young. They can buy a tim hortons franchise or other business or whatever else they want to do. If they turn to drugs and booze it's a choice they make and not a fault of the NHL.

Same goes for these players suing for the concussion issue. Every players knows there is a risk playing hockey of being injured. If getting a concussion or a chance of getting one bothers you then don't play a rough sport.
- sparky

Smarter folks than me have already responded, but I did want to point out that not all professional athletes live the life of luxury and wealth that you paint.

The preponderance of professional athletes make pretty good money, but only for a short period of time relative to the rest of their lives. A struggle for some of these guys comes AFTER that earning window is closed and their dream of being a professional athlete is fulfilled? What's next and what are they qualified to do? Not every professional athlete slides into the broadcast booth or buys Tim Horton franchises.

You can empathize with these guys or not, but you should at least understand that not all professional athletes are 10 year all stars and earn top end salaries for life. Some are ham and eggers that made league minimum and washed out.

Shouldn't you be off worrying about what young prospect the Oilers organization is going to ruin next?
- johndewar

Smarter folks than me have already responded, but I did want to point out that not all professional athletes live the life of luxury and wealth that you paint.

The preponderance of professional athletes make pretty good money, but only for a short period of time relative to the rest of their lives. A struggle for some of these guys comes AFTER that earning window is closed and their dream of being a professional athlete is fulfilled? What's next and what are they qualified to do? Not every professional athlete slides into the broadcast booth or buys Tim Horton franchises.

You can empathize with these guys or not, but you should at least understand that not all professional athletes are 10 year all stars and earn top end salaries for life. Some are ham and eggers that made league minimum and washed out.
- johndewar

Exactly. Often fringe players who bounce back and forth from the NHL to the AHL, don't make as much as many folks think. If a guy like that plays 10 years professionally, he maybe makes 1.5 million over that time. Sure, it seems like a lot to most of us, but after taxes and agents and basic expenses over those ten years, he may be left with only a couple hundred grand. Sure, its nice chunk of change, but it won't pay your bills for the next 40-60 years.

I kinda agree with this. Also, I think when a player is drafted and signs a contract, it's within the organization's responsibility to provide said player with numerous contacts including financial advisors, counselors, mentors, etc. I'm sure they already do this to some degree, but it's not something that should be taken lightly.

I have no sympathy for players who retire who have nothing to fall back on. If they had half a brain, they would realize a career in the NHL is not something that will last forever. Sure, some players last longer than others, but never take it for granted that you will remain in the league for 20 years. Always prepare for tomorrow.

Now, for players sustaining a life altering injury, that's an entirely different story and I will offer my shoulder to cry on.
- Fast_Eddie_1

Actually, I think it's the job of an agent to have the contacts for financial advisory, counselors, etc. Agents have a slimy reputation for a reason. They are not all born with the same ethical makeup.

Preparing for tomorrow is something we should all do, for sure. And for some guys, it just doesn't work out as planned. I grew up near Marcus Hook, where they recently closed some of the refineries. I grew up with people that worked there and they couldn't conceive of working anywhere else because they felt like the refinery would be there. Now, it's not. Telling them "you should have prepared for tomorrow" is cold comfort. Even those companies attempt to provide some sort of outplacement programs, but it's not the same as a job.

Same with some ex-players. Some could probably never conceive of not having the game they grew up as part of their lives. And some of the burden IS on the players to have plan. But the NHL could absolutely help with that sort of thing.

Agreed. Do, don't say. If he's not one of the best twelve forwards, scratch him. No need to draw lines in the sand or call anybody out.
- BulliesPhan87

Agreed? You're a Lecavalier lover also?


Not only is it unprofessional, it would also find the team in hot water if they're attempting to coerce and leverage Lecavalier to walk away from future years of a legitimate and valid signed contract by threatening him with any condition that they'll put him in, such as being a 13th forward, or a healthy scratch.
They can certainly be honest with him and simply tell him how they feel and communicate the role they see for him, but they can't be involved with anything such as accepting a trade or giving up future years, or else type of deal.

And for the record, I felt that Lecavalier publicly stating that he can't coexist with Berube was also unprofessional.

maybe reese will return now that berube is gone
- -davies-

Berube's a pimp. He never could have outfought Reese. It wasn't until this very moment, that I realized, it was Hextall all along.

First of all, money doesn't buy happiness or fulfillment for life (and many have no idea how to manage their own money, anyway). Financial and mental well-being are two completely separate issues.

Secondly, these guys are used to having their lives managed for them by others. When their career is over, suddenly they have to be grownups Many are well-adjusted enough to figure it out pretty quickly but others are totally unequipped and unprepared to do so.

Third, nobody "chooses" to become an alcoholic or drug addict. It becomes a lifelong struggle not only with the dependency itself but often with a lot of self-loathing of feeling of worthlessness.

Lastly, when athletes (especially hockey players) are young, they aren't concerned about what playing through injuries -- concussions and otherwise -- may do their health and quality of life down the road. Guess what? Money doesn't make up for that, either.

What Carcillo and Antoski are doing is trying to provide a support system -- more on a players helping players basis with Carcillo and a wider society basis with Antoski's campaign -- based on their own experiences. The main thing is they don't want others to feel alone in their struggles and are willing to honestly share of their experiences to encourage others to do so.

As far as people in other walks of life retiring and struggling, it's often an apples to oranges comparison except for the fact that pain is pain.
- bmeltzer

http://www.businessinside...-can-buy-happiness-2015-1

There's been plenty of other studies also. It's simply not true. Financial well being and happiness strongly correlate. Of course there are outliers

First of all, money doesn't buy happiness or fulfillment for life (and many have no idea how to manage their own money, anyway). Financial and mental well-being are two completely separate issues.

Secondly, these guys are used to having their lives managed for them by others. When their career is over, suddenly they have to be grownups Many are well-adjusted enough to figure it out pretty quickly but others are totally unequipped and unprepared to do so.

Third, nobody "chooses" to become an alcoholic or drug addict. It becomes a lifelong struggle not only with the dependency itself but often with a lot of self-loathing of feeling of worthlessness.

Lastly, when athletes (especially hockey players) are young, they aren't concerned about what playing through injuries -- concussions and otherwise -- may do their health and quality of life down the road. Guess what? Money doesn't make up for that, either.

What Carcillo and Antoski are doing is trying to provide a support system -- more on a players helping players basis with Carcillo and a wider society basis with Antoski's campaign -- based on their own experiences. The main thing is they don't want others to feel alone in their struggles and are willing to honestly share of their experiences to encourage others to do so.

As far as people in other walks of life retiring and struggling, it's often an apples to oranges comparison except for the fact that pain is pain.
- bmeltzer

Spot on