Watching Konecny, Provorov, Sanheim, I think they're all going to be very good players for the Flyers, just not right now. Gostisbehere is ready now to play in the NHL offensively with the puck, and on the PP, but he likely needs AHL time. As a guess, I see Konecny and Provorov on the team full time next season. I think Sanheim needs another junior season, and a minimum of a year in the AHL. If Gostisbehere progresses away from the puck, he could see time with the Flyers this season at some point.

Watching Konecny, Provorov, Sanheim, I think they're all going to be very good players for the Flyers, just not right now. Gostisbehere is ready now to play in the NHL offensively with the puck, and on the PP, but he likely needs AHL time. As a guess, I see Konecny and Provorov on the team full time next season. I think Sanheim needs another junior season, and a minimum of a year in the AHL. If Gostisbehere progresses away from the puck, he could see time with the Flyers this season at some point.
- MJL

If the Flyers agree, you think they send them all back today with their leagues starting?

Watching Konecny, Provorov, Sanheim, I think they're all going to be very good players for the Flyers, just not right now. Gostisbehere is ready now to play in the NHL offensively with the puck, and on the PP, but he likely needs AHL time. As a guess, I see Konecny and Provorov on the team full time next season. I think Sanheim needs another junior season, and a minimum of a year in the AHL. If Gostisbehere progresses away from the puck, he could see time with the Flyers this season at some point.
- MJL

Whoa whoa there tiger. Let's not rush things. Provorov and Konecny should be ready in 12 years. We could see Sanheim and Ghost in 8 years, maybe 9 for Sanheim.

Watching Konecny, Provorov, Sanheim, I think they're all going to be very good players for the Flyers, just not right now. Gostisbehere is ready now to play in the NHL offensively with the puck, and on the PP, but he likely needs AHL time. As a guess, I see Konecny and Provorov on the team full time next season. I think Sanheim needs another junior season, and a minimum of a year in the AHL. If Gostisbehere progresses away from the puck, he could see time with the Flyers this season at some point.
- MJL

I'm hoping Ghost gets a call up at some point this season and makes it impossible to send him back down.

After seeing the write up on Konecny yesterday I was expecting more from him. He made some really horrible passes, throwing sauce across the rink at 2 mph does not work at any level. I thought all of the young D started a little shaky but settled in as the game went on. Although Sanheim didn't get too involved I thought he was quietly solid. sometimes not hearing about a defenseman at the end of a game means he did his job.
- ClaudeFather

Sanheim constantly backed in defending rushes, giving up way too much time and space. Didn't get involved in the offensive rush or pinch even when there were bonafide opportunities to do -- and that is the strongest point of his game. He needs to be more of a difference maker and not afraid to make mistakes. He was actually better in camp last year than he has been thus far this year. He's an "A" skater and can recover from many mistakes but this time around he's being too conservative. It wasn't just last night. He did the same in the scrimmages, too.

Provorov made some mistakes -- both in Monday and Tuesday games -- but he was trying to make plays and being aggressive. I'd rather see that.

Same with Konecny. Yes, he had a couple turnovers and one ended up in the net -- that is going to be something the Flyers may have to live with when he graduates to the NHL because he's not afraid to take some risks and not all will work -- but he also made numerous outstanding plays. He is a dynamic young offensive talent.

If the Flyers agree, you think they send them all back today with their leagues starting?
- funmaster18

I think that Konecny and Provorov could stay up for another game. Sanheim probably gets sent back. I think Konecny is the only junior player with a legitimate shot to stick, but I wouldn't put my money on any of them making the team.

I have to agree on Laughton. I'm not seeing screw ups but I'm also not seeing much growth. I keep him in the AHL for now. He isn't a top 9 player on this current roster. Might as well log some real minutes in the AHL.

I have to agree on Laughton. I'm not seeing screw ups but I'm also not seeing much growth. I keep him in the AHL for now. He isn't a top 9 player on this current roster. Might as well log some real minutes in the AHL.
- hereticpride

That earned Nick Schultz universal praise and a 2-year extension last season.

I think that Konecny and Provorov could stay up for another game. Sanheim probably gets sent back.
- jmatchett383

I'd like to see prov and konecky stay a game. But everyone and anyone else junior eligible goes.

Gost stood out offensively but I don't think he cracks this nhl line up.

Medvedev impressed me I thought Laughton was solid and did the right things though he isn't a pretty player

Underwhelming was Schultz (supposively our top pairing D man) Sanheim and gagner. Gagner is just meh. He makes me hate him every time he just stands around aloof. He could score 20 goals and I'd probably still dislike him. He is actually a more lazy than Schenn never thought I'd say that

He didn't show much did he
- Just5

its pre season it doesnt Maatta

I want laughton to make an impact just replace a guy like VV or bellemare at this time. Keep him top line AHL and progress offensively.

http://www.philly.com/phi...tics_to_build_Flyers.html

I felt like Laughton was good last night. He has two primary assists in two games.

I have to agree on Laughton. I'm not seeing screw ups but I'm also not seeing much growth. I keep him in the AHL for now. He isn't a top 9 player on this current roster. Might as well log some real minutes in the AHL.
- hereticpride

Agreed. The bigger problem that Laughton presents is that he has to play center, apparently. I know I keep harping on this, but if you are going to go G - Couturier - Laughton, are you going to get enough offense?

I like some of the things Couturier has done the last 2 games. Laughton? Haven't really seen much.

Here's the reality. The top line is set. Like the Couturier line with Read and Simmonds as well. That means you already have four guys - Umberger, Schenn, Vinnie and Gagner, vying for 3 spots on the third line. I think Umberger will be given LW. The fact that they have not tried Schenn at C is interesting. With Vinnie unlikely to be traded, they very well may start him at 3C.

That means 2 things. First, one of Gagner or Schenn may be traded. Second: If Laughton makes the team they probably need to move 2 players. Not sure that happens.

I felt like Laughton was good last night. He has two primary assists in two games.
- PhillySportsGuy

Schenn and gagner each scored but I don't think they were particularly good. Laughton looks like a solid NHL player, but I'm not seeing big jumps in his play like I'd hope from last year to this year. It's still young in the preseason, of course, so the book is far from written.

I have to agree on Laughton. I'm not seeing screw ups but I'm also not seeing much growth. I keep him in the AHL for now. He isn't a top 9 player on this current roster. Might as well log some real minutes in the AHL.
- hereticpride

He's not better than Umberger or Vinny or Gagner?

Sanheim constantly backed in defending rushes, giving up way too much time and space. Didn't get involved in the offensive rush or pinch even when there were bonafide opportunities to do -- and that is the strongest point of his game. He needs to be more of a difference maker and not afraid to make mistakes. He was actually better in camp last year than he has been thus far this year. He's an "A" skater and can recover from many mistakes but this time around he's being too conservative. It wasn't just last night. He did the same in the scrimmages, too.

Provorov made some mistakes -- both in Monday and Tuesday games -- but he was trying to make plays and being aggressive. I'd rather see that.

Same with Konecny. Yes, he had a couple turnovers and one ended up in the net -- that is going to be something the Flyers may have to live with when he graduates to the NHL because he's not afraid to take some risks and not all will work -- but he also made numerous outstanding plays. He is a dynamic young offensive talent.
- bmeltzer

I think the same thing will apply to Ghost.

Sanheim constantly backed in defending rushes, giving up way too much time and space. Didn't get involved in the offensive rush or pinch even when there were bonafide opportunities to do -- and that is the strongest point of his game. He needs to be more of a difference maker and not afraid to make mistakes. He was actually better in camp last year than he has been thus far this year. He's an "A" skater and can recover from many mistakes but this time around he's being too conservative. It wasn't just last night. He did the same in the scrimmages, too.
- bmeltzer

It would be nice if they could work on correcting some of those mental flaws in practice and give Sanheim one more game with a different partner before being sent down. Someone defensive like Alt, LSchenn or Gudas.

Schenn and gagner each scored but I don't think they were particularly good. Laughton looks like a solid NHL player, but I'm not seeing big jumps in his play like I'd hope from last year to this year. It's still young in the preseason, of course, so the book is far from written.
- funmaster18

Laughton isn't a flash player. He's not going to wow you. Expectations for Laughton over his career should be 40-50 points with strong two-way play.

IMO, he's a significant upgrade over Umberger and VL.

He's not better than Umberger or Vinny or Gagner?
- PhillySportsGuy

that's not saying much though. no i don't think he is better than gagner.

Yeah he can probably replace those guys though whats the point? I would rather him dominate so to speak in the AHL then be a 4th line guy who has no impact.

He's not better than Umberger or Vinny or Gagner?
- PhillySportsGuy

Vinny, yes.

Gagner, not sure yet.

Umberger, possibly but he looks better this year.

Laughton isn't a flash player. He's not going to wow you. Expectations for Laughton over his career should be 40-50 points with strong two-way play.

IMO, he's a significant upgrade over Umberger and VL.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think Umberger has shown a lot more than Laughton these two games. Small sample size, but we really should give him a clean slate this year. Or at least, he's earned a little bit of rope. It's pretty evident the injuries last year affected his play. His skating is night and day better.

Laughton isn't a flash player. He's not going to wow you. Expectations for Laughton over his career should be 40-50 points with strong two-way play.

IMO, he's a significant upgrade over Umberger and VL.
- PhillySportsGuy

I agree he won't be flashy. I'd like for him to make the team, just not sure he's knocking down the door to bump someone out. I'd like nothing more for him to bump a Vinny out of the lineup.

that's not saying much though. no i don't think he is better than gagner.

Yeah he can probably replace those guys though whats the point? I would rather him dominate so to speak in the AHL then be a 4th line guy who has no impact.
- rinaldo

G, Jake, Raffl, Couts, Simmonds, Read, Gagner and Schenn are the only ones better than Laughton (Gagner and Schenn are debatable). That leaves a top 9 spot at C for Laughton. I'd rather Laughton get top 9 minutes in the NHL than top line minutes in the AHL.

Not sure why we need to see our young players dominate lower leagues for so long. You get better playing against better competition. Laughton is ready for the NHL.

that's not saying much though. no i don't think he is better than gagner.

Yeah he can probably replace those guys though whats the point? I would rather him dominate so to speak in the AHL then be a 4th line guy who has no impact.
- rinaldo

If he's in the NHL, he's the 3rd line center, IMO. That's how he will make the team. So far, it seems like Vinny is his only competition, given how Schenn has only seen time on the wing.