He has the ability. Needs to be more competitive. That has to come from within.
- bmeltzer

Yup. I'm hoping his performance takes off in his 2nd North American season, that he's more settled into the smaller rinks and the new culture, and he really clicks with the new head coach, whoever that happens to be.

If Provorov plays in the NHL this year I'll be comfortable with it because Hextall has a long track record of not rushing prospects, and no incentive to throw a kid in there for short term gain and the expense of long term pain.
- Feanor

Exactly. If Hexy lets him stay with the big club it will be because Hexy has determined that he is A) ready and B) better than the other options already here both NHL-ers and prospects.

Yup. I'm hoping his performance takes off in his 2nd North American season, that he's more settled into the smaller rinks and the new culture, and he really clicks with the new head coach, whoever that happens to be.
- wolfhounds

His compete level has always been the question. Hope it doesn't haunt him forever. Talent can only carry you so far.

I'm going to look at wanting provorov going back on a more business side (also prefer him to go back for development). Hate seeing a dman potentially be able to hit ufa status as a 25 yo just when he may be hitting his prime.

If Provorov plays in the NHL this year I'll be comfortable with it because Hextall has a long track record of not rushing prospects, and no incentive to throw a kid in there for short term gain and the expense of long term pain.
- Feanor

this might be a good season to have a guy like provorov challenge for an nhl spot. i don't think the pressure is that high for the flyers to be really good this year, despite the gm/owner-speak, and if he could be seasoned here while playing and learning the speed of the nhl game it might be more beneficial than dominating in junior; it might not be the same level of pressure this year from without

His compete level has always been the question. Hope it doesn't haunt him forever. Talent can only carry you so far.
- section32

Agreed. All other things being roughly equal, will separates the winners from the losers.

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

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

Wouldn't it be nice if Schenn and AMac could both be moved.... If Provorov was able to make team. Manning is a guy I would like to see more of

a poster made an excellent point the other day that I didn't see any conversation on... with all the d coming in the next year or two are we going to be comfortable playing all these rookies on d? if mor,pro,ghost don't make roster this year gotta believe all 3 will make it the next year for sure... plus hagg and sandheim with a chance in 2 years... that's 3 possible 4 or 5 true rookies... almost have to believe either ghost or morin or prov start in nhl this season and maybe one or the other joins half way thru... thoughts

this might be a good season to have a guy like provorov challenge for an nhl spot. i don't think the pressure is that high for the flyers to be really good this year, despite the gm/owner-speak, and if he could be seasoned here while playing and learning the speed of the nhl game it might be more beneficial than dominating in junior; it might not be the same level of pressure this year from without
- hogweed

Even if only gets the 9 game trial and then goes back to Junior in November it would be a good learning experience for him. Interestingly, the Flyers first 10 games are on the east coast before they start a West coast road trip at the start of November. Maybe that'll be when Provorov goes back to Brandon.

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/schedule.htm

It would be really fun to see Sanheim and Provorov going head to head at the WJC in Finland, so either way I'm excited, not concerned.

McKeens loves the Flyers draft

http://www.mckeenshockey....guide-sample-team-grades/

The Flyers had a spate of high picks entering the draft, and through some maneuvering and shrewd drafting were able to draft seven players ranked in McKeen’s top 120. Provorov was the plum pick, a terrific two-way defenceman who may play in the NHL as soon as this season given his talent, guile and poise. Konecny’s selection 24th overall was one of the steals of the draft…don’t let his size fool you…he will be an extremely effective NHLer given his tenacity and skill. Sandstrom was considered to be second-round goalie prospect in the scouting community most of the season, but had a mediocre U-18 that evidently hurt his draft stock. Tomek was a standout netminder in the NAHL, giving the Flyers two solid young goalies in the system for the first time in years. Vorobyov might be the best value pick of all, and that’s saying a lot….a crafty, two-way center with second-line upside. Dove-McFalls is a defensively conscientious center who will compete for a bottom-line roster spot in a few years. Kase is undersized, but given his skill and compete level was a stellar fifth-round selection. Grade: A+

a poster made an excellent point the other day that I didn't see any conversation on... with all the d coming in the next year or two are we going to be comfortable playing all these rookies on d? if mor,pro,ghost don't make roster this year gotta believe all 3 will make it the next year for sure... plus hagg and sandheim with a chance in 2 years... that's 3 possible 4 or 5 true rookies... almost have to believe either ghost or morin or prov start in nhl this season and maybe one or the other joins half way thru... thoughts
- SMS4016

I think Provorov, Morin and Ghost will all play NHL games this season. Provorov at the start (and maybe the whole season), and then Morin and Ghost will be called up when the injuries start happening. In 16-17 I'd expect the D to look something like this:

Provorov-Schultz
Morin/Sanheim-Streit
MDZ/Ghost-MacDonald

a poster made an excellent point the other day that I didn't see any conversation on... with all the d coming in the next year or two are we going to be comfortable playing all these rookies on d? if mor,pro,ghost don't make roster this year gotta believe all 3 will make it the next year for sure... plus hagg and sandheim with a chance in 2 years... that's 3 possible 4 or 5 true rookies... almost have to believe either ghost or morin or prov start in nhl this season and maybe one or the other joins half way thru... thoughts
- SMS4016

Sure would be nice if the flyers had a really good veteran dman to help guide all these young players. Someone like Timo. Judging by everything Hextal has said in the past about not rushing young players I don't see Provorov or ghost playing in the nhl this season.

I think it's pointless to try and forecast other teams when looking at whether the Flyers can make the playoffs next year. This time last year, the Blue Jackets were the up and coming team ready to take over a top spot in the east. Look what happened. Never can really tell what's going to happen. Teams thought to be good, struggles. Teams that were supposed to struggle, were much better. All I know is that there is a lot of room for growth with this Flyers team, and lots of reasons to be optimistic that they can play playoff team level hockey.

Sure would be nice if the flyers had a really good veteran dman to help guide all these young players. Someone like Timo. Judging by everything Hextal has said in the past about not rushing young players I don't see Provorov or ghost playing in the nhl this season.
- Dkos

The Flyers have those veterans to help guide young players in Striet and Schultz.

According to a translation on HFB, this Czech article says Voracek had a hand in Neuvirth signing with the Flyers.

http://hokej.idnes.cz/pri...xt&utm_content=clanek-box

The Flyers have those veterans to help guide young players in Striet and Schultz.
- MJL

I guess you're right. I was thinking more of an all situations player tho.

I guess you're right. I was thinking more of an all situations player tho.
- Dkos

Depends where they need coaching. Morin needs help with positioning and not being turned around, Schultz is a nice guide for that. Gost is an offensive minded defenseman, hey streit. Veteran guys all have a knack they are really good at. Plus remember we have coaches too timmonen may be one of them by next season. Of course we'd wish everyone had shea weber to learn from but don't discount good veterans who follow fundamentals very very well

I think it's pointless to try and forecast other teams when looking at whether the Flyers can make the playoffs next year. This time last year, the Blue Jackets were the up and coming team ready to take over a top spot in the east. Look what happened. Never can really tell what's going to happen. Teams thought to be good, struggles. Teams that were supposed to struggle, were much better. All I know is that there is a lot of room for growth with this Flyers team, and lots of reasons to be optimistic that they can play playoff team level hockey.
- MJL

Strictly looking on paper, not factoring potential injuries and underperfomances, i cant see the top 8 teams from this years playoffs not making it again, other than Ottawa. I think CLB will over take them. Potentially, DET and maybe Pitt will be the the teams that have a shot to be jumped. Tampa, Wash, NYR and MTl are locks and the NYI have sold me they are a playoff team going forward.

Slightly confused here? Thought Buttons and all of these prognosticators were calling him better than Hanafin and most likely to be a #1 D from this draft class?
- section32

Button also didn't feel like Hanifin was gonna turn out to be a #1 dman... more like 2-3 J.Bo/Coburn type.

Strictly looking on paper, not factoring potential injuries and underperfomances, i cant see the top 8 teams from this years playoffs not making it again, other than Ottawa. I think CLB will over take them. Potentially, DET and maybe Pitt will be the the teams that have a shot to be jumped. Tampa, Wash, NYR and MTl are locks and the NYI have sold me they are a playoff team going forward.
- KINGKENZO

All good teams, and all barring substantial injuries, should be playoff teams. Funny things happen during NHL seasons, including teams like the Flyers, being a much better team than anyone thought they'd be.

What "people" think doesn't matter. All that matters is what Hextall thinks is best for his development.
- Feanor

May not matter to the Flyers or you. But the inevitable booing (and trade rumors) can be very upsetting to a young player going through it. Philly is a tough place for veteran Dmen, let alone young ones.

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

According to a translation on HFB, this Czech article says Voracek had a hand in Neuvirth signing with the Flyers.

http://hokej.idnes.cz/pri...xt&utm_content=clanek-box


- Feanor

I kid you not I have this exact same photo on my iPhone that I took. I went to that game and was behind the Isles bench and those two were chatting and laughing for a good 5-10 minutes before and after game

Happy 4th to Bill and everyone.
Reflecting on the last few days and the rumors of a Blues Flyers trade, I am very happy they didn't trade Simmonds or BSchenn for TJ Oshie. I like Oshie ok but those would have been bad deals.
- Marc D

The fact of the matter is Oshie is the most overrated player in the league.