And, finally, 2005-today

1. Claude Giroux
He plays a complete game and he plays it well. He's developing into an excellent captain and he excels in all situations.

2. Kimmo Timonen
Right up there with Desjardins for 2nd best Dman in team history. The Finnish warrior was fantastic at all aspects of the game and a great leader as well.

3. Danny Briere
Briere brought some swagger and confidence to a franchise that was in disarray. He was also one of the best pure big game players in team history and always saved his best for the playoffs. He was also a great guy and class act off the ice and he was very instrumental in helping guys like Giroux and Couturier to break into the league.

4. Chris Pronger
For a short time, he was the best Dman this team had seen since Mark Howe. If not for the eye injury and subsequent concussions, he could have finished #1 on this list. He was that good.

5. Mike Richards
Many forget, just how good Richards was during most of his time as a Flyers. He was solid offensively, gritty, and simply fantastic on the Pk.

6. Jeff Carter
Carter was a smooth skating, pure goal scorer who was just hitting his prime when he was traded. They could use a guy like him today.

7. Scott Hartnell
Much like Briere, Hartnell brought some color and swagger back to a team that was in sore need of it. He was an excellent power forward and he was even better at getting under opponents skin and getting them off their games.

8. Jake Voracek
A fantastic skater and strong as a bull, Jake had an injury plagued off year this past season, but he certainly has the talent to bounce back in 16-17 and I look forward to watching him do do.

9. Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds just may be the best net front presence on the pp in the entire NHL. He's also afraid of no one and he will always stand up for his teammates.

10. Sean Couturier
I said it after his rookie year, and I'll say it again. This kid is going to win a Selke trophy or 2 before his career is over. He's already one of the best shutdown centers and PKers in the league and his offensive game seems to be developing nicely.

Just missed the cut
Mike Knuble
Peter Forsberg
Simone Gagne
Braydon Coburn
Steve Mason

What makes up a big part of Gudas value was the relationship between the level of play they received, versus his cap hit. If his contract demands rise to high, he loses value as a player. Del Zotto is the better player.
- MJL

Agreed, I believe his level of play versus his cap hit is the reason why he has a longer future then MDZ. Unless he gets blown away by Hexy with an offer this offseason, what is the incentive for MDZ to sign a multi year contract before he hits free agency (taking out the obvious which is guaranteed income in case of catastrophic injury)? He is coming off an injury filled year, so his value is a tad lower. The assumption is probably he's looking at being the 2nd PP point man (Ghost will probably stay on the first unit). He probably won't have over 40 points, but if he plays a solid two way game and hits free agency, I would figure a contract north of $4.5 million/year. IMO, I just don't think Hexy pays that premium. Gudas will probably get a value similar to Schultz's cap hit. How many years? I have no idea.

Unless he gets blown away by Hexy with an offer this offseason, what is the incentive for MDZ to sign a multi year contract before he hits free agency (taking out the obvious which is guaranteed income in case of catastrophic injury)?
- ravishingone

Dunno, I think outside of the few teams that hardcore use follow the numbers/play the Flyers, I wouldn't be so sure that most of the other GMs don't assume he still has the same stink on him from before.

Agreed, I believe his level of play versus his cap hit is the reason why he has a longer future then MDZ. Unless he gets blown away by Hexy with an offer this offseason, what is the incentive for MDZ to sign a multi year contract before he hits free agency (taking out the obvious which is guaranteed income in case of catastrophic injury)? He is coming off an injury filled year, so his value is a tad lower. The assumption is probably he's looking at being the 2nd PP point man (Ghost will probably stay on the first unit). He probably won't have over 40 points, but if he plays a solid two way game and hits free agency, I would figure a contract north of $4.5 million/year. IMO, I just don't think Hexy pays that premium. Gudas will probably get a value similar to Schultz's cap hit. How many years? I have no idea.
- ravishingone

If Del Zotto wants a 4 year deal for 4.5M a year, I sign that deal quick, before he changes his mind.

Done.
With class.
Forever.

Done.
With class.
Forever.
- Giroux_Is_God

You will miss it. Believe me.

You will miss it. Believe me.
- Tomahawk

I'm sure I will. Even so....

Dunno, I think outside of the few teams that hardcore use follow the numbers/play the Flyers, I wouldn't be so sure that most of the other GMs don't assume he still has the same stink on him from before.
- Tomahawk

Possibly, it may be beneficial for both sides to let MDZ make it to free agency and test his value I'm hoping that my suggestion of MDZ not being resigned is that I feel he is a bum. I'm assuming the team is going to have to start making room for some of the prospects by the end of next season. I just don't think from a cap stand point it makes sense to have a 3rd pairing guy making north of $4 million/year projecting the top 6 dmen for the Flyers in three years. If I'm MDZ, I would hope my next contract would be at least three years.

Done.
With class.
Forever.
- Giroux_Is_God

Congrats!

Congrats!
- MJL

Thanks man! Rotations separate me from being a real life adult. Oh god....

Agreed, I believe his level of play versus his cap hit is the reason why he has a longer future then MDZ. Unless he gets blown away by Hexy with an offer this offseason, what is the incentive for MDZ to sign a multi year contract before he hits free agency (taking out the obvious which is guaranteed income in case of catastrophic injury)? He is coming off an injury filled year, so his value is a tad lower. The assumption is probably he's looking at being the 2nd PP point man (Ghost will probably stay on the first unit). He probably won't have over 40 points, but if he plays a solid two way game and hits free agency, I would figure a contract north of $4.5 million/year. IMO, I just don't think Hexy pays that premium. Gudas will probably get a value similar to Schultz's cap hit. How many years? I have no idea.
- ravishingone

MDZ hasn't gotten a big payday yet, so I think he'd be open to an early negotiation. He seems to like being here too. 4-5 years at $4.5M would be ideal IMO. Flyers would basically be paying only his prime years.

Possibly, it may be beneficial for both sides to let MDZ make it to free agency and test his value I'm hoping that my suggestion of MDZ not being resigned is that I feel he is a bum. I'm assuming the team is going to have to start making room for some of the prospects by the end of next season. I just don't think from a cap stand point it makes sense to have a 3rd pairing guy making north of $4 million/year projecting the top 6 dmen for the Flyers in three years. If I'm MDZ, I would hope my next contract would be at least three years.
- ravishingone

I think the major difference in views here is how you see MDZ being used.. If I read this correctly, you have him as a 3rd pair guy. Even if all of our guys do make it to the next level, and play out as projected, MDZ would still be a top 4 d-man, because thats what he is at the NHL level. As MJL had said earlier, his offense has always been there. He has offensively been a top end producer. Two seasons ago he battled through early season benchings and what not, and went on to play a highly effective 2-way game. Last year, he backed off offensively, but was the Flyers best d-man, and it wasnt even much of an argument. Now if he can find a balance, and be a 30 point d-man and play that same sound defensive style from last year, he would be a hell of a 2nd pair d-man.

IF all the guys work out the way they are projected I thin a top 6 of
Provorov-MDZ
Ghost-Gudas
Sanheim-Morin

would be the most dynamic defense we have seen in O&B in a long long time.

And, finally, 2005-today

1. Claude Giroux
He plays a complete game and he plays it well. He's developing into an excellent captain and he excels in all situations.

2. Kimmo Timonen
Right up there with Desjardins for 2nd best Dman in team history. The Finnish warrior was fantastic at all aspects of the game and a great leader as well.

3. Danny Briere
Briere brought some swagger and confidence to a franchise that was in disarray. He was also one of the best pure big game players in team history and always saved his best for the playoffs. He was also a great guy and class act off the ice and he was very instrumental in helping guys like Giroux and Couturier to break into the league.

4. Chris Pronger
For a short time, he was the best Dman this team had seen since Mark Howe. If not for the eye injury and subsequent concussions, he could have finished #1 on this list. He was that good.

5. Mike Richards
Many forget, just how good Richards was during most of his time as a Flyers. He was solid offensively, gritty, and simply fantastic on the Pk.

6. Jeff Carter
Carter was a smooth skating, pure goal scorer who was just hitting his prime when he was traded. They could use a guy like him today.

7. Scott Hartnell
Much like Briere, Hartnell brought some color and swagger back to a team that was in sore need of it. He was an excellent power forward and he was even better at getting under opponents skin and getting them off their games.

8. Jake Voracek
A fantastic skater and strong as a bull, Jake had an injury plagued off year this past season, but he certainly has the talent to bounce back in 16-17 and I look forward to watching him do do.

9. Wayne Simmonds
Simmonds just may be the best net front presence on the pp in the entire NHL. He's also afraid of no one and he will always stand up for his teammates.

10. Sean Couturier
I said it after his rookie year, and I'll say it again. This kid is going to win a Selke trophy or 2 before his career is over. He's already one of the best shutdown centers and PKers in the league and his offensive game seems to be developing nicely.

Just missed the cut
Mike Knuble
Peter Forsberg
Simone Gagne
Braydon Coburn
Steve Mason
- BiggE

Gagne makes my list because A. GWG against Bruins in 2010. B. He's my favorite Flyer

I think the major difference in views here is how you see MDZ being used.. If I read this correctly, you have him as a 3rd pair guy. Even if all of our guys do make it to the next level, and play out as projected, MDZ would still be a top 4 d-man, because thats what he is at the NHL level. As MJL had said earlier, his offense has always been there. He has offensively been a top end producer. Two seasons ago he battled through early season benchings and what not, and went on to play a highly effective 2-way game. Last year, he backed off offensively, but was the Flyers best d-man, and it wasnt even much of an argument. Now if he can find a balance, and be a 30 point d-man and play that same sound defensive style from last year, he would be a hell of a 2nd pair d-man.

IF all the guys work out the way they are projected I thin a top 6 of
Provorov-MDZ
Ghost-Gudas
Sanheim-Morin

would be the most dynamic defense we have seen in O&B in a long long time.
- jak521

Agree totally. Del Zotto has sacrificed his offensive production to become a better defender. As Bill alluded to, he may have lost some of the balance there, but I think he can find that again. Not to be the gambler he was in the past, but to add more offense. I'm confident that Del Zotto can be a solid 2 way, 2nd pair defenseman on cup caliber team. As long as his salary demands are not too high, I-d re-sign him.

New Blob

Ok, so first up, the top ten Flyers from 1967-1979

The top 3 were really no brainers!

1. Bobby Clarke
2. Bernie Parent
3. Bill Barber

Now it gets interesting!

4. Rick Macleish
Bedrock was the perfect complement to Clarke and the 2 gave the Flyers the best one, two punch up the middle in the league in the mid 70s. He also had one of the nastiest wrist shots I ever saw.

5. Ed Van Impe
Van Impe was the Captain before Clarke and a physical, nasty shut down Dman. He really stepped it up in the finals vs Boston and was never an easy guy to play against. He was also a great leader in the room as well.

6. Reggie Leach
His often maddening, and usually alcohol fueled, inconsistency keeps him from finishing higher on this list. But when he was on, he was one of the best pure scorers in the league

7. Jimmy Watson
The best pure all around Dman of this era, he played well in all situations and was highly underrated.

8. Gary Dornhoeffer.
The Flyers first true power forward, he gave his all every minute of every shift of every game and he often played through crippling injury

9. Barry Ashbee
Sadly, his career was cut short by injury and tragically, he life was cut short by cancer. However from 72-74, he was the best defenseman on a very good team. Another true warrior, he played an entire season with a pinched nerve in his neck and never missed a shift.

10. Dave Schultz
The Hammer set the tone for the Broad Street Bullies and provided a sense of security and confidence that helped them become a powerhouse. He has to be on this list

Just missed the cut:
Ross Lonsberry
Andre "Moose Dupont
Andre Lacroix
Joe Watson
- BiggE

Love this but it should include Orest Kindrachuk

Personally I'd have found a way for Bob Kelly too.

Agree totally. Del Zotto has sacrificed his offensive production to become a better defender. As Bill alluded to, he may have lost some of the balance there, but I think he can find that again. Not to be the gambler he was in the past, but to add more offense. I'm confident that Del Zotto can be a solid 2 way, 2nd pair defenseman on cup caliber team. As long as his salary demands are not too high, I-d re-sign him.
- MJL

I am hoping the left wrist injury was a big part of the reason his offensive performance sagged this season.
Would love to see him find the offensive side of his two way game.

Gudas if he plays smart and MDZ would be a pretty good 2nd pairing

good job E....your list is on my list

Done.
With class.
Forever.
- Giroux_Is_God

Congrats!

I do agree you will miss it.

I remember finishing a 24 hr shift at the hospital and walking to my car I heard an undergraduate complaining that he had to go read Shakespeare for an upcoming class. I was so jealous and thought he didn't realize how good he had it.

I am hoping the left wrist injury was a big part of the reason his offensive performance sagged this season.
Would love to see him find the offensive side of his two way game.

Gudas if he plays smart and MDZ would be a pretty good 2nd pairing
- Marc D

I'd prefer Gudas more as a #5, but in a pinch, he'll be okay there.

was thinking instead of using underdog Rocky song during goal score they should use TSOP to bring 70s soul

Love this but it should include Orest Kindrachuk

Personally I'd have found a way for Bob Kelly too.
- Marc D

hound was a fan favorite

I'd prefer Gudas more as a #5, but in a pinch, he'll be okay there.
- MJL

I think so as well, eventually when (and if) the prospects pan out.

For now they'd be the 2nd pair.

When Morin, Provorov, and Sanheim are here, they could be a good 3rd pairing.

hound was a fan favorite
- vejim

would love to have 4th liners now like him, tough, good wheels and chips in some scoring more often then not.

If they lose, shall we forever refer to him as Alex Chokevechkin?
- MBFlyerfan

He had more points in the series than Malkin and Crosby combined (7 in 6 games to 4 in combined 12 games). He wasn't the reason they lost.

And in his career he has 41 goals and 41 assists in the playoffs, so even past is not the "he's selfish" narrative they try to sell. He's 2 pts short of being point per game in the playoffs lifetime.

This IS the best Caps team they've taken to the playoffs. But someone evaluate what really happened. Because it wasn't Ovie choking.