When it comes to the bottom 6, I'd like to see something like this in 17-18:
Raffl-Laughton-Lyubimov
Leier-Cousins-Weise

Laughton and Leier can replace the unscratchables on the PK.
- BiggE

I still can't figure out what he'll be. I think he has actually played ok on the wing lately. but just not sure what he is long term.

One thing I would like is some more size. Dwight King wouldn't be a bad addition for next year. Also I think you could see Lindholm on this roster too.

Mason was putrid. I really have no idea who the goaltender is going to be next year. I think Mason has played himself out the door. I don't think you can trust Neuvirth being the # 1 with his injury history. Not sure what Hextall will do.
- PLindbergh31

I pray they dont go after Bishop. Trading anything for an upcoming UFA would be even more moronic then being forced to overpay him simply because you traded for his rights.

Bishop has a bit of an injury history, and has been outplayed by a kid who isn't really Vezina caliber himself. No thanks.

Yet he's returned to the same inconsistency that has been his calling card his whole career. The thing with Schenn is that the numbers will still generally be there. I cannot argue that.

He is what he is, a complimentary piece. I would explore a trade however if it was able to fill that #1 or #2 C spot. Those are dire needs in my eyes.
- flyer_nutter

I was fully on board with trading him to move up in the draft or to get another 1st last year. But, we came off a playoff series with serious scoring woes, so it was hard to not sign a 25 goal scorer. Yet, we still having scoring issues

hmmm..25 mil in cap space. Lets go shopping!!! lol ..if vegas takes read or mcdud that's like 30 mill in space. alittle less if read but yah, lets go shopping!!
- jmdodgeser4

All the bottom-6 wingers and 5/6 defenseman you could ever want!!!

Mason was putrid. I really have no idea who the goaltender is going to be next year. I think Mason has played himself out the door. I don't think you can trust Neuvirth being the # 1 with his injury history. Not sure what Hextall will do.
- PLindbergh31

You need a bridge until one of the many goalie prospects pans out. Perhaps you explore a trade with Vancouver for Miller who has one year left and pair him with Stolarz.

When it comes to the bottom 6, I'd like to see something like this in 17-18:
Raffl-Laughton-Lyubimov
Leier-Cousins-Weise

Laughton and Leier can replace the unscratchables on the PK.
- BiggE

I think we know Belle and VDV are locked to return, as I think is Lube. I guess I can live with that even though I think better options exist.

A 3rd line of Leier-Laughton-Weise should have happened this season.

He shouldn't be used to match top lines consistently. Simply keeping pucks out of your own net is not good enough in this league if you get that kind of ice time.

There is nothing wrong in my eyes with saying Couturier becomes a strong 3rd line center for the club down the road.

Down the road the Flyers need a #1 and #2 C. I stand by that.
- flyer_nutter

I get that. I want more production from him.

But lets not forget the best line for the beginning of the season was Konecny - Couturier - Voracek until Couturier got hurt.

Also Couturier is only 24. As most like to point out Patrick Sharp didn't break out until he was 26. And everyone loves to revisit that trade.

Mason was putrid. I really have no idea who the goaltender is going to be next year. I think Mason has played himself out the door. I don't think you can trust Neuvirth being the # 1 with his injury history. Not sure what Hextall will do.
- PLindbergh31

Interesting points that warrant more discussion IMO.

My personal preference would be to acquire one of the Stars goalies as a stop gap for next year as well as signing a vet. I also wouldn't be opposed to bringing Neuvirth back.

I like the idea of offering a vet a cheap deal to compete with Stolarz for the back-up spot. If they feel Stollie is finally ready, then waive said vet. Giving Lyon an experienced and capable tandem partner is very important if Stollie is going to graduate.

The biggest issue that I see with the TDl is that, unless they go on a prolonged losing streak, they'll still be "in the mix," which means Hexy will be hesitant in moving players.
- jmatchett383

So curiosity I just looked up the schedules of the Islanders, Bruins, Panthers and Devils who are all within 3 points of each other. Carolina, Tampa, Buffalo and Detroit are close too but just went with the 4.

The Flyers have home games with the Sharks, Caps and Colorado. Road games with Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and the Pens. That is a brutal schedule if you ask me.

Florida, who are now healthy, get Edmonton, Calgary, Ottawa and Carolina at home and away games with Nashville, San Jose, Anaheim, LA and Stl Louis. The 5 away games are on one road trip so that isn’t the easiest of schedules either

The Islanders have Colorado,, the Rangers and Devils at home and road games with Ottawa, Toronto, the Devils, Detroit, Montreal and Columbus

Boston has Vancouver, Montreal and Arizona at home and road games with the Sharks, Anaheim, LA and Dallas

The Devils have one road game with the Isles and home games with the Sharks, Colorado, Ottawa twice, the Isles, Rangers and Montreal

The Devils have a favorable schedule it seems lol

Giroux as a 2c, and Couturier as a 3c would be fine if that 1c was on the horizon. It doesn't appear close. They are pretty much failing in every aspect of the game. The goaltending has been bad, they can't score goals... Sure over the last 3 weeks or so they have cut down on goals against, but that doesn't mean anything when you can't score. Konecny's injury sucks because he played with a ton of energy. He's got skill and speed. I think he could become a 40/50 point player which is nice.
- PLindbergh31

Giroux's level of play this season is barely that of a 2C, although I do agree he could probably pass for one.

I just look at down the line. Its time to escape that contract while its easier (not that it will be easy).

You need a bridge until one of the many goalie prospects pans out. Perhaps you explore a trade with Vancouver for Miller who has one year left and pair him with Stolarz.
- BiggE

Yeah. I guess they could go with a Neuvirth/Stolarz pairing. Would be a cheap option at least and allow money to be spent to improve other areas.

Giroux's level of play this season is barely that of a 2C, although I do agree he could probably pass for one.

I just look at down the line. Its time to escape that contract while its easier (not that it will be easy).
- flyer_nutter

yeah. Having a 2c at his cap hit doesn't really make sense.

Those all black pads doe.. 🔥🔥🔥
- IvanBrovorov

Speaking of pads, that reminds me, so last night i was there early for warmups and I got a good look at Mason's pants. they really have streamlined the goalie pants. they aren't much bigger than the players pants.

You need a bridge until one of the many goalie prospects pans out. Perhaps you explore a trade with Vancouver for Miller who has one year left and pair him with Stolarz.
- BiggE

Well from the exert at the town hall it seems like Hextall is intent on protecting Stolarz. That would lead me to believe that might look for someone with another year left to expose at the TDL or maybe they resign Neuvirth to expose and then let neuvirth and Stolarz battle next season.

I still can't figure out what he'll be. I think he has actually played ok on the wing lately. but just not sure what he is long term.

One thing I would like is some more size. Dwight King wouldn't be a bad addition for next year. Also I think you could see Lindholm on this roster too.
- J35Bacher

I think someone will overpay King so I'd stay away. I think you'll see Lindblom on a scoring line. When it comes to Cousins, centering the 4th line while being an agitator that chips in a little offense and can move up to the 3rd line when needed is what I see him as.

Philadelphia Flyers ‏@NHLFlyers 2m2 minutes ago
Per GM Ron Hextall, the #Flyers have placed Travis Konecny on Injured Reserve and recalled F Jordan Weal from the @LVPhantoms.
- PhillySportsGuy

good for him. he has played well for the Phantoms so its nice to see him get a chance.

I get that. I want more production from him.

But lets not forget the best line for the beginning of the season was Konecny - Couturier - Voracek until Couturier got hurt.

Also Couturier is only 24. As most like to point out Patrick Sharp didn't break out until he was 26. And everyone loves to revisit that trade.
- J35Bacher

Couturier is not breaking out. Nothing personal but I hate hearing that, and the organization needs to top overrating its players based on hot streaks as its prone to do. He is what he is, and thats perfectly okay.

I just don't think we should be rolling the same 4th line for 3 consecutive seasons. Time for some new faces.
- arichardson22

I'm seriously good with letting all UFA's go including VDV and PEB. I like PEB so not opposed to him coming back as a depth guy but also wouldn't care if he isn't back

Interesting points that warrant more discussion IMO.

My personal preference would be to acquire one of the Stars goalies as a stop gap for next year as well as signing a vet. I also wouldn't be opposed to bringing Neuvirth back.

I like the idea of offering a vet a cheap deal to compete with Stolarz for the back-up spot. If they feel Stollie is finally ready, then waive said vet. Giving Lyon an experienced and capable tandem partner is very important if Stollie is going to graduate.
- mochoson

Ideally, I bring back Mason on a one year deal and give more games to Stolarz. Assuming Hak is willing to do that which I have my doubts about.

I do really wonder if a Giroux for Rinne + would be an option. Not that I think Rinne is good at this point.

All the bottom-6 wingers and 5/6 defenseman you could ever want!!!
- jmatchett383

whooo hoooo...

bill tweeted Schenn is back at 1LW and weal is on LW with Coots and Jake

I'm seriously good with letting all UFA's go including VDV and PEB. I like PEB so not opposed to him coming back as a depth guy but also wouldn't care if he isn't back
- nastyflyergirl

Me too. At the beginning of the season I would have said resign only Mase, but at this point I just don't know. Agreed about PEB. I like him but he's replaceable.

Ideally, I bring back Mason on a one year deal and give more games to Stolarz. Assuming Hak is willing to do that which I have my doubts about.

I do really wonder if a Giroux for Rinne + would be an option. Not that I think Rinne is good at this point.
- flyer_nutter

If he wasn't signed for 7 mil cap hit for two more years I would entertain this, I would think the + part would have to be good

Couturier is not breaking out. Nothing personal but I hate hearing that, and the organization needs to top overrating its players based on hot streaks as its prone to do. He is what he is, and thats perfectly okay.
- flyer_nutter

Ok.

that's your opinion. People probably thought Patrick Sharp was what he was. but I also look at contracts. For what Couturier is signed to I think it is a reasonable deal for what he can do. And maybe he is only a 3rd line center. But unless they find a center who can match up against other team top lines, Couturier will be the guy.

If he wasn't signed for 7 mil cap hit for two more years I would entertain this, I would think the + part would have to be good
- jmdodgeser4

Would it though? Other GM's are not blind to what is happening with Giroux. He is a guy that you bring in to win now, and I think Nashville could benefit from that. Doesn't hurt that Laviolette's style of play may benefit G.

Rinne's contract sucks, but it sucks a hell of a lot less looking at the term. I wouldn't expect much back along with him but give me Arvidsson and I am a happy camper.