Rubtsov is likely their 2/3C of the future. I still think Cousins is pretty good. Maybe he's just an average 3C in the NHL, but the top 6 should be so good that average will be good enough to make the playoffs. Having legit wingers like Raffl and Read/Weise would help make that line solid.

I guess I just like Cousins more than most people. You can certainly upgrade that spot, but I don't think it's something you need to upgrade right away.
- PhillySportsGuy

I think you do need to upgrade that spot to be a true Cup contender. However, there is no rush to do so. Rubtsov may or may not be that guy, it's too early to tell. I wouldn't rush out to make a deal for a center, but if there is a logical deal to be made, I'd have no problem with them doing so.

LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!



LET'S GO FLYERS!!! CLAP! ~ CLAP! ~ CLAP!CLAP!CLAP!!!
- ggunky

Agreed, and I think he'll be sent down to make room for a 7th dman as soon as Schenn returns.
- BiggE

When Schenn returns they'll be at home, and won't have any need for a 7th dman to sit in the stands and miss two Phantoms games.

I doubt there is a plan in place to upgrade other than let Rubstov develop, certainly a trade would change things but I dont see that on the table right now
- YuenglingJagr

Agreed and I don't think an upgrade is necessary right now. I was hoping they'd go after a more well rounded bottom 6 center rather than Gordon and Weise (I know Weise is a winger) in order to add some depth though. If Couturier or Giroux are forced to miss even 10-20 games, the entire lineup takes such a huge hit.

I doubt there is a plan in place to upgrade other than let Rubstov develop, certainly a trade would change things but I dont see that on the table right now
- YuenglingJagr

What's the timeline on Rubtsov making it to the NHL? 4-5 years. He's committed to the KHL for two seasons, then will likely need AHL time.

They didn't have the cap space for a good free agent C, and this summer was a bad time to make that move anyway with the ED coming up. They already only have two open protection slots for Weise, Raffl, Laughton, Cousins, Read, and Bellemare (if he's re-signed).

I'm not really a fan of that. I feel like the less responsibility Schenn has, the better he plays.
- PhillySportsGuy

In some ways I agree with you, but he is certainly more skilled than PEB and Cousins. He should be able to take less responsibility with the top 2 lines the way they are and the 4th line supposedly geared towards shutting down the opponent

What's the timeline on Rubtsov making it to the NHL? 4-5 years. He's committed to the KHL for two seasons, then will likely need AHL time.
- MJL

A lot depends on the Flyers growth.

If they show a huge step forward this year it might be more beneficial to maybe get a 3rd line center in FA this offseason. A younger vet like maybe Patrick Berglund.

Maybe they are able to swap one of the defenders(Schultz, Streit) or maybe a guy like Read for a younger 3rd line center type that is closer to NHL ready than Rubstov.


Hell maybe they get a solid offer for mason that brings a center back and picks.


I think a lot will play out over this season to determine the future of this roster. Either they are closer to contending are still need more time.

What's the timeline on Rubtsov making it to the NHL? 4-5 years. He's committed to the KHL for two seasons, then will likely need AHL time.
- MJL

Yeah I believe he is probably in the 2-3 year range. First step would be getting minutes with his KHL club

They didn't have the cap space for a good free agent C, and this summer was a bad time to make that move anyway with the ED coming up. They already only have two open protection slots for Weise, Raffl, Laughton, Cousins, Read, and Bellemare (if he's re-signed).
- Feanor

I'm not concerned about the expansion draft, they are only going to lose one player, and it won't be a core guy. I'm just hoping to see more youth push for spots next season, and not just on D, but among the forward group as well. Between Leier, Laughton, Aube-Kubel and Lindblom up front, and Morin, Myers, Sanheim and Hagg on D, there will hopefully be some new faces in the lineup next year.

As far as signing a FA center this past summer, I'm glad they didn't do anything crazy. While I'm not sure waiting for Rubtsov to develop is the answer to their need at 3C, I have no problem with rolling with what they have for now, and, if they are doing well, seeing who may be available at the deadline.

Brutal next week, 5 games in 7 days

I'm not concerned about the expansion draft, they are only going to lose one player, and it won't be a core guy. I'm just hoping to see more youth push for spots next season, and not just on D, but among the forward group as well. Between Leier, Laughton, Aube-Kubel and Lindblom up front, and Morin, Myers, Sanheim and Hagg on D, there will hopefully be some new faces in the lineup next year.

As far as signing a FA center this past summer, I'm glad they didn't do anything crazy. While I'm not sure waiting for Rubtsov to develop is the answer to their need at 3C, I have no problem with rolling with what they have for now, and, if they are doing well, seeing who may be available at the deadline.
- BiggE

Which is exactly why I see Schenn moving to center as a viable option

Brutal next week, 5 games in 7 days
- Streit2ThePoint

Should give us plenty of opportunities to figure out which goalie needs to be traded for nothing

I'm gonna be at the game tonight! Bringing some college friends to watch the game. Hopefully can escape unharmed after the flyers win

I'm gonna be at the game tonight! Bringing some college friends to watch the game. Hopefully can escape unharmed after the flyers win
- bulet13

Are your seats near Patrick Kane?

Which is exactly why I see Schenn moving to center as a viable option
- YuenglingJagr

I hear ya, but I disagree. All that will do is weaken them at wing. I really like the idea of a top 6 featuring G, Jake, Coots, TK, Schenn and Simmonds and letting Raffl anchor and improve the 3rd line. Like I said in an earlier post, there is no rush to do anything right now. Let it play out and see if there is a move to made at the deadline.

For example, if Arizona isn't in playoff contention at the deadline, maybe you try to pry a guy like Hanzal, who's in the last year of his contract, from the Yotes. Having G, Coots and Hanzal down the middle would be nice.

Are your seats near Patrick Kane?
- YuenglingJagr

No they're gonna be near the best (worst) Chicago has to offer

Are your seats near Patrick Kane?
- YuenglingJagr

Just saw something on twitter but now can't find it. lines for tonight:


12-28-17
11-14-93
24-78-22
25-27-13

76 Extra guy

Could it finally happen?

I hear ya, but I disagree. All that will do is weaken them at wing. I really like the idea of a top 6 featuring G, Jake, Coots, TK, Schenn and Simmonds and letting Raffl anchor and improve the 3rd line. Like I said in an earlier post, there is no rush to do anything right now. Let it play out and see if there is a move to made at the deadline.

For example, if Arizona isn't in playoff contention at the deadline, maybe you try to pry a guy like Hanzal, who's in the last year of his contract, from the Yotes. Having G, Coots and Hanzal down the middle would be nice.
- BiggE

I am considering next season. Hanzal would be nice, but he will also probably be a top trade target for teams.

I am considering next season. Hanzal would be nice, but he will also probably be a top trade target for teams.
- YuenglingJagr

Hanzal would be especially nice cause he seems to gets away with murder when he plays against us.

Yeah I believe he is probably in the 2-3 year range. First step would be getting minutes with his KHL club
- YuenglingJagr

I think 2-3 years is awfully optimistic, but we'll see.

Which is exactly why I see Schenn moving to center as a viable option
- YuenglingJagr

In my opinion, Schenn is a winger and needs to be kept there.

Hanzal would be especially nice cause he seems to gets away with theft when he plays against us.
- Feanor

ftfy

I am considering next season. Hanzal would be nice, but he will also probably be a top trade target for teams.
- YuenglingJagr

Maybe some 3rd line centers for next season.

UFA's
Patrik Berglund 28
Nick Bonino 28
Martin Hanzel 29
Brooks Laich 33?

Not a ton of interest other than maybe Berglund.

Maybe they can get a RFA that is out of favor.

Burmistrov in WPG?

Could be hard to find a 3rd line center in UFA and might have to either wait or make a trade for one.