What do you mean by that? I dont think there is any reason at all to move from those guys. Hell even if all of our guys do pan out, were are at least 3 seasons away from them all being everyday players. And if there is one thing you definitely do not want, its 4 rookies on defense.
- jak521

I view Gudas and MDZ as "bridge" players to help us get to the point when the young D starts rotating into the lineup (if they make it, that is).

Unfortunately, Sam Morin is going to have to score a triple Gordie Howe hat trick every game and put 5 guys through the boards on a nightly basis to make some people happy.
- johndewar

Are you saying that this is an unrealistic expectation? Because, if so, trade him now.

Unfortunately, Sam Morin is going to have to score a triple Gordie Howe hat trick every game and put 5 guys through the boards on a nightly basis to make some people happy.
- johndewar

Well, I've only ever seen clips of him fighting posted here so I don't think the rest is possible. Sorry.

I view Gudas and MDZ as "bridge" players to help us get to the point when the young D starts rotating into the lineup (if they make it, that is).
- johndewar

I think they are "bridge players" the same way every other player on the roster is a bridge player. They will be on the Flyers until they are replaced with someone better or become to(edit:o) expensive

I think they are "bridge players" the same way every other player on the roster is a bridge player. They will be on the Flyers until they are replaced with someone better or become to expensive
- YuenglingJagr

Unfortunately no franchise has 12 first line forwards or 6 top pairing defenseman. I don't see either as franchise cornerstones nor highly expendable. They could be contributors on any cup winning team.

I view Gudas and MDZ as "bridge" players to help us get to the point when the young D starts rotating into the lineup (if they make it, that is).
- johndewar

I sort of agree. As long as they don't regress or have outrageous contract demands, there's no reason they can't stay in the lineup along with some of the kids.

Well, I've only ever seen clips of him fighting posted here so I don't think the rest is possible. Sorry.
- Scoob

You need to be able to project a player's development...honestly, if you can't tell from those videos, it is pretty hopeless

His back foot remains planted and his swing is level and consistent. The path lends itself more towards average but his frame means he could add power down the road. He should stick in center, but plus arm strength could see him in right down the line.

I view Gudas and MDZ as "bridge" players to help us get to the point when the young D starts rotating into the lineup (if they make it, that is).
- johndewar

I think Del Zotto can be more than that, and I think this season will tell us. If he continues his strong defensive play, and adds the offensive element that was missing last year, Del Zotto can be a player that we can sign long term, to be a part of what hopefully is a contending team in the future.

Unfortunately no franchise has 12 first line forwards or 6 top pairing defenseman. I don't see either as franchise cornerstones nor highly expendable. They could be contributors on any cup winning team.
- Tfaehner

Have you heard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, or LA Kings?

Have you heard of the Chicago Blackhawks, Pittsburgh Penguins, or LA Kings?
- YuenglingJagr

Or the 2006/2007 Philadelphia Flyers?

Are you saying that this is an unrealistic expectation? Because, if so, trade him now.
- jmatchett383

"Hi Ange, this is Jimmy from the Northeast. First time, long time.

Hey listen, did you see that Morin kid play last night? Sure, he put 3 players in the hospital, but he just doesn't fight or hit enough. WHY DOESN'T HE JUST HIT SUMBUDDY?

He was in the minor so long, I don't understand why he can't just shoot the puck through the goaltender. Back in my day, Behn Wilson used to just intimidate goaltenders into letting his score. I think this kid is soft.

I'll hang up and listen."

You need to be able to project a player's development...honestly, if you can't tell from those videos, it is pretty hopeless

His back foot remains planted and his swing is level and consistent. The path lends itself more towards average but his frame means he could add power down the road. He should stick in center, but plus arm strength could see him in right down the line.
- YuenglingJagr

Thank you, teacher.

MDZ assuming he doesn't regress was our top shutdown defenseman. I don't see anything in the near future that suggests we will have 4 players with advanced shutdown skills that make him expendable.
- Tfaehner

If MDZ is a long term solution at the shutdown defenseman spot, we need to rethink who we have behind the bench and in office.

i think the bye week has to be an actual bye week too...but im not sure
- YuenglingJagr

They bye is Jan 16 to Jan 20, Monday through Friday. They have a road back to back before it and a couple of back to backs after it... Got to love the 14 back to backs on this years schedule.

Yes I am thinking the crush of the schedule later in the season made them move the carnival to November this season. That crush was cause by the lame tournament.

What do you mean by that? I dont think there is any reason at all to move from those guys. Hell even if all of our guys do pan out, were are at least 3 seasons away from them all being everyday players. And if there is one thing you definitely do not want, its 4 rookies on defense.
- jak521

Eight guys were named. All of which with high ceilings and potential. We're thin within our bottom 6 at forward and could use an upgrade within the top 6 at Left Wing. In 2 or 3 years from now, no hockey team in the world can make things work with all of Del Zotto, Gudas, Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, Hagg and Gostisbehere on it.

If MDZ is a long term solution at the shutdown defenseman spot, we need to rethink who we have behind the bench and in office.
- roenick97

I said when your going to have 4 people better at such a role on this team. I don't see ghost at this stage improving defensively over mdz do you ? Today he is our top guy. We know that's a problem. But if he's your 2nd pairing guy assuming like I said he doesn't regress that's not bad. And do you see 4 bona-fide players that will be able to log those same defensive minutes in the next few seasons ? I dont.

Eight guys were named. All of which with high ceilings and potential. We're thin within our bottom 6 at forward and could use an upgrade within the top 6 at Left Wing. In 2 or 3 years from now, no hockey team in the world can make things work with all of Del Zotto, Gudas, Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, Hagg and Gostisbehere on it.
- roenick97

things change in a 2-3 year period...those things sort themselves out

things change in a 2-3 year period...those things sort themselves out
- YuenglingJagr

All 8 won't be here at the same time. But with the time that some need to develop there will be time to work it out. It's not a worry for this season.

The worry for this season is if Provorov and one other are deemed ready we need to clear out Streit and Schultz.

things change in a 2-3 year period...those things sort themselves out
- YuenglingJagr

+1. We're nowhere near that juncture. We don't even know if 1 prospect will make the nhl this year. Ghost only made it cause of a Streit injury last year.

Eight guys were named. All of which with high ceilings and potential. We're thin within our bottom 6 at forward and could use an upgrade within the top 6 at Left Wing. In 2 or 3 years from now, no hockey team in the world can make things work with all of Del Zotto, Gudas, Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, Hagg and Gostisbehere on it.
- roenick97

If Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, and Haag all develop into legitimate NHL defenseman, that's fantastic. No such thing as having too many NHL defenseman. That's gold in today's league.

If Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, and Haag all develop into legitimate NHL defenseman, that's fantastic. No such thing as having too many NHL defenseman. That's gold in today's league.
- MJL

Look at what the devil's just did with organizational depth at defense....

Eight guys were named. All of which with high ceilings and potential. We're thin within our bottom 6 at forward and could use an upgrade within the top 6 at Left Wing. In 2 or 3 years from now, no hockey team in the world can make things work with all of Del Zotto, Gudas, Provorov, Sanheim, Morin, Myers, Hagg and Gostisbehere on it.
- roenick97

So two things. One, I think we are anything but thin in the bottom 6 of forwards. We have a surplus of bottom 6 forwards and prospects who project to be bottom 6 forwards.

We do need to try to upgrade the top 6 LW spot, but that will happen over time.

Two, I think it is extremely unlikely that all of the D-men make. Also, if they do, who is to say that they will all be better than MDZ?

We could just as quickly move a prospect for forward.

oh hey welcome back
- YuenglingJagr

what is happening right now...dissociativepersonalitybuzz

Look at what the devil's just did with organizational depth at defense....
- Tfaehner

Yeah but all of ours are left handed so probably not even worth Yakupov

"Hi Ange, this is Jimmy from the Northeast. First time, long time.

Hey listen, did you see that Morin kid play last night? Sure, he put 3 players in the hospital, but he just doesn't fight or hit enough. WHY DOESN'T HE JUST HIT SUMBUDDY?

He was in the minor so long, I don't understand why he can't just shoot the puck through the goaltender. Back in my day, Behn Wilson used to just intimidate goaltenders into letting his score. I think this kid is soft.

I'll hang up and listen."
- johndewar

"Sorry Jimmy, I don't know anyone on the Eagles named Morin or Behn Wilson."