Trade everyone, fire the coach and GM, they all suck!!!

Oh wait, I thought this was the Leafs thread.
- BiggE

If it was the Leafs thread, you'd have to follow it up with:

"Why would we trade Kadri/Gardiner for Crosby/Subban? That's a terrible trade for the Leafs."

It's not the Leafs if you can't vehemently hate all of your players yet severely overestimate their trade value.

i having difficulty with this one because several people thought Provorov was NHL ready last season. An opinion may have little weight, but he answered with a phenomenal season, arguably showing he's too good for that level/league. On top of that, defense is our weakest area, and Provorov could certainly contribute to strengthen it. Two different types of defenseman, but look at the impact Ghost had for us last season? Not saying Ivan will be flashy or be netting goals left and right like Ghost, especially since Ivan's game is more all-around skill, but I do think Provorov can help us in a more positive way compared to a player such as Schultz, or at least equal his veteran contributions.
- arichardson22

I haven't said that Provorov will or won't make the team. I just don't think he has at this point of the pre season. I hope both Konecny and Provorov make the team.

Schultz and Provorov will play in different roles, and be relied on differently by the coaching staff.

Well it did land them Auston Matthews, the 2nd coming of...oh wait, I forgot Edmonton got McJesus already.
- aantny88

I still think it would have been great if Eichel, after being drafted #2 overall, had said something along the lines:

"I feel bad for Buffalo, you know, how the team's GM and the fans were really disappointed that they got me instead of Conner McDavid. So, since I don't want the to be disappointed, I'll happily wait until you guys trade me to a team that will be happy to have me."

You're absolutely right. However, he can't be a proven NHL defenseman until he's given a chance to be an NHL defenseman.

Also, while I don't think he's done enough to earn an opening night roster spot, in your opinion, what specifically would he have t do between now and the end of camp/preseason to make the roster? I mean, if he plays exceptionally well in every game, at what point has it been enough to earn a roster spot?
- jmatchett383

He would have to erase pretty much all doubt from Ron Hextall, to make the team. If Hextall has any doubts, I believe he will send him back to juniors. Same for Konecny. Hextall would rather err on the side of over cooking a players development, than to rush him to the NHL, in my opinion.

He would have to erase pretty much all doubt from Ron Hextall, to make the team. If Hextall has any doubts, I believe he will send him back to juniors. Same for Konecny. Hextall would rather err on the side of over cooking a players development, than to rush him to the NHL, in my opinion.
- MJL

So, if Provorov and Konecny play at or above the same level that they have so far this preseason, do you believe that they have shown enough to make the team? Obviously neither of us will make the call, but in your opinion, would that be enough to warrant a spot?

Exactly...people espousing nonsense that it all depends solely on how a player performs in preseason games and training camp is ridiculous!
- aantny88

It pretty much does. How he performed, or how he can perform against junior level opponents, isn't going to carry a lot of weight at this point.

I still think it would have been great if Eichel, after being drafted #2 overall, had said something along the lines:

"I feel bad for Buffalo, you know, how the team's GM and the fans were really disappointed that they got me instead of Conner McDavid. So, since I don't want the to be disappointed, I'll happily wait until you guys trade me to a team that will be happy to have me."
- jmatchett383

I kind of felt bad for the guy, as much as I can feel bad for someone getting to live out their dream and make millions of dollars in the entertainment industry

So, if Provorov and Konecny play at or above the same level that they have so far this preseason, do you believe that they have shown enough to make the team? Obviously neither of us will make the call, but in your opinion, would that be enough to warrant a spot?
- jmatchett383

If they can play at a high level of play, and show that they can make an impact against as close to NHL caliber competition as possible in the pre season, then they have a legitimate shot at making the team. I hope they do.

I have the 10th pick in my fantasy league, but if I had the first I think I would take McDavid

It pretty much does. How he performed, or how he can perform against junior level opponents, isn't going to carry a lot of weight at this point.
- MJL

Ah yes, the typical MJL circular argument of death has begun....I will not be a participant.

Ah yes, the typical MJL circular argument of death has begun....I will not be a participant.
- aantny88

tangent man

If they can play at a high level of play, and show that they can make an impact against as close to NHL caliber competition as possible in the pre season, then they have a legitimate shot at making the team. I hope they do.
- MJL

So again, if their level of play remains constant or better than it has been thus far in the preseason as they play against more "regulars" teams, would you, as Flyers GM MJL, name them to the roster?

So again, if their level of play remains constant or better than it has been thus far in the preseason as they play against more "regulars" teams, would you, as Flyers GM MJL, name them to the roster?
- jmatchett383

I would.

So again, if their level of play remains constant or better than it has been thus far in the preseason as they play against more "regulars" teams, would you, as Flyers GM MJL, name them to the roster?
- jmatchett383

I've answered the question already as to what they have to do..I've also stated multiple times that what they've done to this point has not earned themy a spot on the team. It has to play out.

I would.
- MBFlyerfan

As would I. The fact is, whether they start this year or next year or the year after, at some point they will be rookies in the NHL and as prepared as you think a player is, it's always like jumping into cold water. There will be mistakes, there will be learning required, there will be ups and downs. The questions simply are: are they physically ready? Mentally ready? Are their skills NHL level? Did they dominate lower levels of competition? Have they showcased this in preseason? And finally, is this the best route for their development?

There's no point delaying if you answer "yes" to those questions. Imagine Provorov as a player next season with 1 NHL season under his belt vs. another year of juniors and domination. Or Konecny. They'd be miles apart from themselves as players. Patience is good with these kids and absolutely necessary for some. But there's no need to be timid evaluating case by case.

Here is the key to my thinking Provorov makes the team. He'll get the sheltered minutes that Ghost saw last year and then ramp up as the season goes on as long as he keeps steady. But of course if he regresses at any point in the preseason all bets are off.

Konecny is a different situation if he makes this roster I think he should fill the one top 6 role that is technically open (filled currently by Raffl). So to me he has to beat Raffl out. Last night I'd say he did but that is only the first evaluation of 5. Of the next 4 preseason games I would play him in 3. Hopefully Boston and the Rangers bring good lineups be able to get a test against more NHL level competition.

I've answered the question already as to what they have to do..I've also stated multiple times that what they've done to this point has not earned themy a spot on the team. It has to play out.
- MJL

You said they need to "remove all doubt from Hextall's mind." Since I do not know what, if any, doubts are in his mind, can you please just answer the question with a yes or no as it was posed? No one else seems to have trouble toppling that obstacle. Were you Flyers GM, and it was your call, and Provorov and Konecny continued to play at the same level even when a more "NHL regulars" roster opposed them, would that be enough, to you, to make the team, if it was your call

Flyers get down to 39 players....no surprises...Hagg and Aube-Kubel amongst cuts

As would I. The fact is, whether they start this year or next year or the year after, at some point they will be rookies in the NHL and as prepared as you think a player is, it's always like jumping into cold water. There will be mistakes, there will be learning required, there will be ups and downs. The questions simply are: are they physically ready? Mentally ready? Are their skills NHL level? Did they dominate lower levels of competition? Have they showcased this in preseason? And finally, is this the best route for their development?

There's no point delaying if you answer "yes" to those questions. Imagine Provorov as a player next season with 1 NHL season under his belt vs. another year of juniors and domination. Or Konecny. They'd be miles apart from themselves as players. Patience is good with these kids and absolutely necessary for some. But there's no need to be timid evaluating case by case.
- Mononoke

Agreed, and nice analogy. I think this season is one of the better situations for the two players to be worked into the NHL. We aren't expected to contend so that takes pressure off, and we aren't expected to be a bottom feeder team so that takes away the players being asked too much to keep the team afloat. I think being a playoff bubble team is a great situation to ease them in while still being competitive and finding their role(S).

When the competition ramps up...it is going to ramp up for the 34 yoa Schultz, for the AHL/NHL tweener AMac's and Mannings, as well as for Provorov. They will all be looked at.
- Just5

Agreed, which is why I don't think ithat matters a whole.lot.to this point how Andrew Macdonald has looked so far. He should be among the best players playing against the caliber of competition that he has to this point.

Something I just was thinking of at my desk:

Power play units what will they look like (I'll assume Provorov and Konecny make it):

Unit 1
Schenn-Giroux-Simmonds
Ghost-Voracek

Unit 2
Weise-Couturier-Konecny
DelZotto-Read/AMac/Raffl/Provorov?

Streit has lost his spot I think.

That point on Unit two is where I'm struggling to pin down who gets it. I see both units pretty much running the same way but maybe mirrored using G on the boards on unit one Schenn high, Simmer low. Ghost at top and Jake floating on the opposite side from G.

Unit 2 Weise does Simmer's role, Couts does Schenn's, Konecny does G's, MDZ takes Ghost's and ? takes Jake's.

Flyers get down to 39 players....no surprises...Hagg and Aube-Kubel amongst cuts
- Just5

link?

Agreed, and nice analogy. I think this season is one of the better situations for the two players to be worked into the NHL. We aren't expected to contend so that takes pressure off, and we aren't expected to be a bottom feeder team so that takes away the players being asked too much to keep the team afloat. I think being a playoff bubble team is a great situation to ease them in while still being competitive and finding their role(S).
- arichardson22

Not to mention if Morin is a 2nd half addition, maybe Myers joins the big club next season, Sanheim too....it's best to try to stagger them.

Unit 2
Weise-Couturier-Konecny
DelZotto-Read/AMac/Raffl/Provorov?

Streit has lost his spot I think.

That point on Unit two is where I'm struggling to pin down who gets it.
- dragonoffrost

It would absolutely be Weise, Konecny, Couturier and Streit/Provorov at the point.

There's no way the guy who tied Erik Karlsson 1 year ago for #1 in defensemen PP scoring with 30 points is suddenly oustered for mediocre PP quarterbacks in MDZ and AMac or depth forwards. Streit is still a heck of a PP quarterback. Just play him and Provy and it will be awesome. We could have the best PP2 we've had in a long time.

Not to mention if Morin is a 2nd half addition, maybe Myers joins the big club next season, Sanheim too....it's best to try to stagger them.
- Mononoke

This is an important factor as far as I am concerned. You are talking about letting Streit and Schultz walk. It would be prudent to give Provorov any extra experience he can handle.