Lots of interesting comments this morning

As aggressive as I am and as much as Provorov physically looked ready at the draft, I'm still leaning toward just letting the young man head back to junior.

Cracking the NHL as an 18-year-old -- that's just a lot to ask, especially for a defenseman. If you want to give him some games to start, that's fine, but it's OK to be patient with an 18-year-old

Morin, Ghost and maybe even Hagg should be ready to put forth spirited battles at camp, perhaps Sanheim as well

It's OK for Provorov to dominate the WHL for one more year, IMO
- AllInForFlyers

No question in my mind. Going back to juniors may not help him a ton, but it certainly won't hurt him in my view. Keeping him in the NHL too early, definitely has the potential to hurt him. If there is any doubt whatsoever, send him back and overcook him.

The quick signing was easy as there was nothing to negotiate. He got the max.

For all the talk of developing players in the minors, Drew Doughty I believe played 81 games for the Kings his draft year.

If Hextall thinks that Provorov can handle the NHL, my feeling is that Provorov will play for the Flyers.
- Flyers_01

What number will provorov wear? Does he wear his 9 or will gagner keep it? He used to wear 89 I believe.

he's ready

he's ready
- Crimsoninja

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Provorov, McDonald, Del Zotto, Flyers 4th of July
- bmeltzer

Can we please stop bringing in the Islanders old garnage......

Can we please stop bringing in the Islanders old garnage......
- SuperSchennBros

Colin McDonald was signed to be a solid AHLer, which he is. He wasn't added to play in the NHL

The prospects will have to earn their keep amid the competition. Odds are against all five making it as impact players in the NHL -- and especially all with one team -- but there is also a good chance at least 2-3 do.
- bmeltzer

Let's hope that happens

Some feel he's the most complete D-man and NHL-ready in the draft. Button is the only one who stuck his neck out in calling him a potential franchise D-man. The general consensus is a two or a three but his offensive game levels off about where it is now (personally, I find that notion ridiculous for an 18-year-old player who seems to get better and better every year).
- bmeltzer

Bill, what notion do you find ridiculous? That he's projected to be a 2-3, or that his offense levels off now? Thanks

Colin McDonald was signed to be a solid AHLer, which he is. He wasn't added to play in the NHL
- Jsaquella

You have to admit tho... he is old Islanders garbage.

Colin McDonald was signed to be a solid AHLer, which he is. He wasn't added to play in the NHL
- Jsaquella

I wonder how the Flyers let Joey McDonald get away from them before he left the Isle?

You have to admit tho... he is old Islanders garbage.
- Tomahawk

Fair point

I wonder how the Flyers let Joey McDonald get away from them before he left the Isle?
- 77rams

Fire Hextall.

What about Alt? No one has mentioned him. He's suck behind several solid prospects. However, Hockey Future has him a 7.0C, same as Haag and Alt is in the spot above Haag. Alt has played a few NHL games. Doesn't he have the most experience and NHL ready of any of the prospects? Sure he's not a 1-4 defenseman, but could develop into a solid 5-6. And, sure we have too many 5-6 guys, but Alt's salary would be less. Keep him or trade bait? If trade, we'd have to play him before he'd be worth anything.

What about Alt? No one has mentioned him. He's suck behind several solid prospects. However, Hockey Future has him a 7.0C, same as Haag and Alt is in the spot above Haag. Alt has played a few NHL games. Doesn't he have the most experience and NHL ready of any of the prospects? Sure he's not a 1-4 defenseman, but could develop into a solid 5-6. And, sure we have too many 5-6 guys, but Alt's salary would be less. Keep him or trade bait? If trade, we'd have to play him before he'd be worth anything.
- leon neon

Going into last season, the Flyers were pretty high on Alt and thought he was close to being NHL-ready. Unfortunately, he had several injuries -- including a separated shoulder, a broken hand and a suspected concussion -- that kept him out for much of the season. It was kind of a lost year for him, although he did (briefly) make his NHL debut and Murray did him plenty of ice time when healthy.

Alt really didn't advance his NHL case last season when there a window of time to do. He's still in the mix somewhere but is more of a 6th defenseman prospect right now.

Bill, what notion do you find ridiculous? That he's projected to be a 2-3, or that his offense levels off now? Thanks
- mikel33

The notion that someone can confidently say an 18-year-old who is widely acknowledged to be a good all-around talent and who came a long way offensively in a short period of time is going to level off now in his development. There is absolutely no basis for predicting that. It's based on a flimsy premise ("he's already physically mature so he's not going to get much better.") As I wrote in today's blog, if that was the case, things like coaching and gaining experience would be of very little value to any player who matures a bit younger.

If Provorov makes the team I expect them to move LSchenn.

Schultz-Streit
MDZ-Medvedev
Provorov-MacDonald
Gudas
- Feanor

Schultz-Streit
MDZ-Medvedev
Gudas-MacDonald
Manning

Hextall can't bank on Provorov, Morin, or Ghost making the top 6, but with Manning on a 1-way deal I think Schenner can be moved during the summer still. How much better is Schenn than Manning? If Hextall can swing a 2nd and/or 3rd rounder for Schenn, I'd do it.

http://www.csnne.com/bost...-next-on-don-sweeney-list

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE, reports the Flyers and Rangers have both spoken to the Blues about defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk

Per a league source, there have been discussions over the past few weeks between the Blues and both the Rangers and Flyers about Shattenkirk, and there’s a fair chance he could be on the move this summer. There is no indication that the Bruins are in on Shattenkirk, but they certainly should be if they aren’t already

http://www.csnne.com/boston-bruins/addressing-boston-bruins-defense-next-on-don-sweeney-list

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE, reports the Flyers and Rangers have both spoken to the Blues about defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk

Per a league source, there have been discussions over the past few weeks between the Blues and both the Rangers and Flyers about Shattenkirk, and there’s a fair chance he could be on the move this summer. There is no indication that the Bruins are in on Shattenkirk, but they certainly should be if they aren’t already
- Jsaquella

cost would be insane

cost would be insane
- Winning

I think they'd be looking for Simmonds +. Depending on the plus, I can live with that.

It's not a case of getting rid of Simmonds, it's a case of potentially getting a 26 year old who is, at worst, a legit top pair defenseman, if not a legit number one guy on a reasonable contract for two more seasons.

I think they'd be looking for Simmonds +. Depending on the plus, I can live with that.

It's not a case of getting rid of Simmonds, it's a case of potentially getting a 26 year old who is, at worst, a legit top pair defenseman, if not a legit number one guy on a reasonable contract for two more seasons.
- Jsaquella

Simmonds Ghost/Morin and 1st ?

Simmonds Ghost/Morin and 1st ?
- Winning

There'd have to be more coming back, say another winger, but I think I'd do Simmonds, Ghost and a 1st for Shattenkirk and say, Jaskin or someone like that.

There'd have to be more coming back, say another winger, but I think I'd do Simmonds, Ghost and a 1st for Shattenkirk and say, Jaskin or someone like that.
- Jsaquella

Ivan Barbashev

There'd have to be more coming back, say another winger, but I think I'd do Simmonds, Ghost and a 1st for Shattenkirk and say, Jaskin or someone like that.
- Jsaquella

Throw in MDZ instead of Ghost

Ivan Barbashev
- ob18

He'd work, too

Throw in MDZ instead of Ghost
- Winning

Fine with me. MDZ is older and costs more.