If he is going to be held out long term, then I would absolutely agree. However if he's just going to sit out for a handful of games, then sending him down for a few games isn't worth it. Better for him to practice with the NHL coaches and correct the issues at the NHL level.
- MJL

What would you consider "long term?" Five games?

I believe this is what Hextall did with Provorov after his melt down against the Hawks in the beginning of the year. From what I heard, Hexy met with him 1v1 and told him not to worry, he's not going anywhere, and that he was here for the long haul.
- JFlyers00

You don't think they've done that with Konecny and Gostisbhere?

I don't agree that he is "too good for the AHL". if he is sitting because of shortcomings in his game then there are areas to be worked on. if the coach isn't going to allow for him to work on it at the NHL level then do it at the AHL level. believe me, I want him in the lineup with the Flyers. I would personally play him but its not my NHL job to lose.
- nastyflyergirl

I think those shortcomings would disappear in the AHL by virtue of Ghost just being that much better than everyone else.

The Wiese contract is looking awful. But I agree with your overall premise.
- PLindbergh31

Weise has not lived up to his deal. I'm holding out hope he can pick up the producton. If that's the worst deal he signs, I can live with it.

You don't think they've done that with Konecny and Gostisbhere?
- MJL

I hope they have. I haven't seen anyone report on it yet though.

You don't think they've done that with Konecny and Gostisbhere?
- MJL

Maybe they have, and maybe they haven't. Without being on the staff, it's unknown.

As PSG said yesterday it's hard to build from the middle of the first round in the draft. You have to mix in quality free agents and trade acquisitions to round out a good roster. It's early in the process still, but so much work still to be done.
- PLindbergh31

it may be harder than tanking and getting 5 top 5 picks ala the Pens but it can be done. and tanking doesn't guarantee anything. I believe in building from the defense out.....goaltending/defense, centers then wings. supplement through trade and free agency. but you have to have the foundation first.

If he is going to be held out long term, then I would absolutely agree. However if he's just going to sit out for a handful of games, then sending him down for a few games isn't worth it. Better for him to practice with the NHL coaches and correct the issues at the NHL level.
- MJL

which is pretty much what I said

My biggest issue with this move is that Read out for TK seems like a direct contradiction for his plan with keeping Ghost out for...take you pick. He is now showing a complete lack of confidence in Ghost which can't be good for a player playing with very little. Compound that with Read playing his role much better than half the blue line and I don't understand his line of thinking here.
- Baxter27

In my opinion we have to stop putting every player together as if the same applies for each player equally. It just doesn't. Every player is an individual and the coach looks at them as individuals when making playing decisions. His plan for Konecny versus Gostisbehere and how each is handled should be different.

He's too good for the AHL. Those are useless games other than keeping him in shape. He needs to play in the NHL. The GM should be overriding Hak.
- PhillySportsGuy

That's completely wrong in my opinion. The GM absolutely should not be overruling the coach in that manner. There is only one way the GM should be overruling the coach, and that's by firing him.

I will speculate that Hextall is completely on board with what Hakstol is doing.

(Mr Matchett, no I do not know that for a fact. )

I think those shortcomings would disappear in the AHL by virtue of Ghost just being that much better than everyone else.
- JFlyers00

Don't agree with that at all. if one area they feel Ghost needs to improve on is his play away from the puck, he can certainly work on that with the Phantoms

and once again I am only proposing him being send down IF Hakstol is going to continue to sit him out on a longer term.

Dave Isaac ‏@davegisaac 1m1 minute ago
Shayne Gostisbehere still out. I think his sitting is starting to grow old with some of the other players.
- PhillySportsGuy

Thats very reassuring.

In my opinion we have to stop putting every player together as if the same applies for each player equally. It just doesn't. Every player is an individual and the coach looks at them as individuals when making playing decisions. His plan for Konecny versus Gostisbehere and how each is handled should be different.
- MJL

Totally agree.

He is doing what he thinks is best for the Flyers for the now and future.

Weise has not lived up to his deal. I'm holding out hope he can pick up the producton. If that's the worst deal he signs, I can live with it.
- jmatchett383

Wiese has been a disaster. But his cap hit won't cripple them going forward even if he's a zero which I expect he will be.

What would you consider "long term?" Five games?
- jmatchett383

Good question. I think if it goes on for longer than 5 games, I'll start to question the value of it. I think by then, the point has been made.

Maybe they have, and maybe they haven't. Without being on the staff, it's unknown.
- jmatchett383

I think it's a fair assumption to think that along with any constructive criticism, they both have also received some sort of positive reinforcement.

Have to say I am a little surprised that Read is the odd man out. I actually thought he has played pretty well of late.
- nastyflyergirl

Absolutely, I'm happy to see TK back in the line up. But I'm puzzled why it's at Read's expense and annoyed that Ghost remains out when there is clearly areas they need his contribution. At this point Hakstol ignoring the value he can bring because he doesn't trust his overall game. If that's the case, he needs to be in the minors like you called for.

As PSG said yesterday it's hard to build from the middle of the first round in the draft. You have to mix in quality free agents and trade acquisitions to round out a good roster. It's early in the process still, but so much work still to be done.
- PLindbergh31

I do find this all ironic that the Flyers path to contention is going to take longer than the Sixers path after all the hand wringing people did in here about karma and building "the right way."

That's completely wrong in my opinion. The GM absolutely should not be overruling the coach in that manner. There is only one way the GM should be overruling the coach, and that's by firing him.

I will speculate that Hextall is completely on board with what Hakstol is doing.

(Mr Matchett, no I do not know that for a fact. )
- MJL

For as much as everyone has this feeling of Hakstol not knowing what he is doing, I am sure Hextall has no reservations about his coaching. If the flyers wanted they could have easily went after a prominent name and threw money around when they started the coaching search. He isn't firing him 1 and half years into this plan. I think if Hextall was being honest, I know he talks about making playoffs while still revamping the roster, he would tell people he knew all along that this was a 3-4 year old plan.

I do find this all ironic that the Flyers path to contention is going to take longer than the Sixers path after all the hand wringing people did in here about karma and building "the right way."
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't really care about the NBA, and I mocked the Sixers, but I must admit they've improved exponentially. Simmons hasn't even played a game yet, and Embiid is a monster (Crims called it have to credit him). They are already competitive and are set up very nicely going forward.

I do find this all ironic that the Flyers path to contention is going to take longer than the Sixers path after all the hand wringing people did in here about karma and building "the right way."
- PhillySportsGuy

It's apples to oranges comparison.

It's a lot easier to tank in basketball. There is no hard cap and there are different mid level exemptions that allow you to take on money to get picks and basically do what the sixers did.

Yes they look like they have something now. Doesn't mean it will result in a championship. There is no exact science to building a team.

I do find this all ironic that the Flyers path to contention is going to take longer than the Sixers path after all the hand wringing people did in here about karma and building "the right way."
- PhillySportsGuy

Probably. At the same time, the Flyers have been able to put a competitive product on the ice, even when they miss the playoffs, for the last decade, while the Sixers have intentionally put a poor product out. Depends on what you're willing to sacrifice.

♫ All we are saying, is give Gostisbehere a chance ♫

In my opinion we have to stop putting every player together as if the same applies for each player equally. It just doesn't. Every player is an individual and the coach looks at them as individuals when making playing decisions. His plan for Konecny versus Gostisbehere and how each is handled should be different.
- MJL

Agreed but I have to start questioning him when I don't see a clear plan. If this is being used a learning tool what is the lesson? If it's to ice the best possible line up why are there clear downgrades in areas he provides value to?

Ghost looks like he's in his own head right now. What is scratching him for an extended period of time going to do. What type of message is he getting seeing a more inexperienced player taking a proficient player out of the line up when his pathway is blocked by much weaker players?

Probably. At the same time, the Flyers have been able to put a competitive product on the ice, even when they miss the playoffs, for the last decade, while the Sixers have intentionally put a poor product out. Depends on what you're willing to sacrifice.
- jmatchett383

Let's be honest.

The Sixers were making a mockery of the league system and forced the league to step in. I think Hinkie is still here if not for the league providing a subtle nudge to the Sixers to fix this. The players they are now using are guys Hinkie acquired.