I think at some point they have to bite the bullet and 'give to get' so to speak. Cannot completely rely on the draft.

The stagnation or lack of emergence from Couturier and Schenn (who seems better as a winger anyway) as a credible 2nd line centers in this league has really screwed them.

Provorov is off the table, but some of those darling defensive prospects may have to be moved. Who for? I have no idea. I've long dreamed of Draisaitl but I worry he is untouchable.
- flyer_nutter

Draisaitl yes...probably untouchable...bot about RNH. Might be that a change of scenery could unlock the massive skill this kid has. I also hope Hextall is kicking tires on Duschene.

Same for manning because he also hit a post early in the game.
- J35Bacher

yeah but if VDV actually shot the puck into the net with a goalie standing there this place would have went batpoop crazy!

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.
- J35Bacher

Exactly. He will be that guy until they find someone better, just like how MacDonald is your #2 d-man until they find someone better. Doesn't mean those players are meant to be in those roles.

I'll let it go, agree to disagree.

They need to go. He lost a few pucks in close due to them.
- dragonoffrost

I think the black must be heavier, too, because he couldn't seem to move his glove hand on the third goal.

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

I'd rather just bank the cap space, and possibly take on some poop contracts to accumulate more assets.

This year may be a blessing in disguise if it yields a top-5 pick, and allows the Flyers to sign Mason cheap. I am a believer that he should still be re-signed. He should come cheap, and the goal-tending position is just really volatile year-to-year outside of the elite goalies in the NHL. We should not be forgetting the 3+ strong years we got from Mason.

I could never trust Neuvirth to be a #1, and it seems as though Stolarz would not be trusted to the #1 considering he only got 2 games during his previous stint with the team.

Its funny that I got mocked 2 years ago pre Mcdavid draft for even suggesting I'd move Giroux in a package for one of the top two picks that year. Now, everyone wants to move him pretty much at all costs completely ignoring he has a NMC and his value is at an all-time low. Sure, it should probably be explored, but I don't know if they will be able to get enough value for him. We may have to hold onto hope that his off-season surgery combined with his injury at the WCOH has made him lose a step at 5v5.

Simmonds would definitely be the guy to move. They will get the most value, and if the rumors from the 2014 draft are true, Hexy will most likely explore it. Now is really the time to start a mini-rebuild. I don't think there will be much of a backlash from fans considering the entire city is starting to see the results of the Sixers' Process.

Didn't say it was the issue. That doesn't mean its not warranted.

If you don't want the team to change lines/pairings or call up some youth from LV, what exactly would you propose the team attempt to do?
- mochoson

They have to work out the issues they have from within as much as possible. Changing lines and defense pairings is not going to get Giroux or Voracek to start producing. Neither is changing defense pairings going to improve the makeup of the defense. There is no miracle cure to this.

Draisaitl yes...probably untouchable...bot about RNH. Might be that a change of scenery could unlock the massive skill this kid has. I also hope Hextall is kicking tires on Duschene.
- landros 2

Duchene... Depends on the team of course. If its Giroux going back to them sure.

Dont think thats what it would be though, as Duch's contract is a hell of lot better, and ends sooner.

I dont want G and Duch as the #1 and 2 centers of this club.

Thing is, Duchene is 26 - turned so already. He is an intriguing piece depending on cost.

I'd rather just bank the cap space, and possibly take on some poop contracts to accumulate more assets.

This year may be a blessing in disguise if it yields a top-5 pick, and allows the Flyers to sign Mason cheap. I am a believer that he should still be re-signed. He should come cheap, and the goal-tending position is just really volatile year-to-year outside of the elite goalies in the NHL. We should not be forgetting the 3+ strong years we got from Mason.

I could never trust Neuvirth to be a #1, and it seems as though Stolarz would not be trusted to the #1 considering he only got 2 games during his previous stint with the team.

Its funny that I got mocked 2 years ago pre Mcdavid draft for even suggesting I'd move Giroux in a package for one of the top two picks that year. Now, everyone wants to move him pretty much at all costs completely ignoring he has a NMC and his value is at an all-time low. Sure, it should probably be explored, but I don't know if they will be able to get enough value for him. We may have to hold onto hope that his off-season surgery combined with his injury at the WCOH has made him lose a step at 5v5.

Simmonds would definitely be the guy to move. They will get the most value, and if the rumors from the 2014 draft are true, Hexy will most likely explore it. Now is really the time to start a mini-rebuild. I don't think there will be much of a backlash from fans considering the entire city is starting to see the results of the Sixers' Process.
- JFlyers00

I dont think the NMC for G would be an issue but thats just me. He's been playing for a piece of poop club for years and he knows his time is running out. I dont think he would be traded to Arizona or Calgary.

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

Oh poop Cousins or Raffl at 3C?

If Garth Snow had absolute power Capuano would still be the Isles coach,even if he had lost 20 games in a row. Hex please do not become a new Garth Snow.
- Landsbergfan

After Snider passing i think Hextall have absolute power,his project will sink or swim with Hakstol at the helm.

After Snider passing i think Hextall have absolute power,his project will sink or swim with Hakstol at the helm.
- Bonerfide69

This was stated at the STH meeting. Hextall has the control. Comcast only oversees the budgetary/business side. So yes we sink or swim with Hextall and Hakstol for probably the next 3 seasons.

I'd rather just bank the cap space, and possibly take on some poop contracts to accumulate more assets.

This year may be a blessing in disguise if it yields a top-5 pick, and allows the Flyers to sign Mason cheap. I am a believer that he should still be re-signed. He should come cheap, and the goal-tending position is just really volatile year-to-year outside of the elite goalies in the NHL. We should not be forgetting the 3+ strong years we got from Mason.

I could never trust Neuvirth to be a #1, and it seems as though Stolarz would not be trusted to the #1 considering he only got 2 games during his previous stint with the team.

Its funny that I got mocked 2 years ago pre Mcdavid draft for even suggesting I'd move Giroux in a package for one of the top two picks that year. Now, everyone wants to move him pretty much at all costs completely ignoring he has a NMC and his value is at an all-time low. Sure, it should probably be explored, but I don't know if they will be able to get enough value for him. We may have to hold onto hope that his off-season surgery combined with his injury at the WCOH has made him lose a step at 5v5.

Simmonds would definitely be the guy to move. They will get the most value, and if the rumors from the 2014 draft are true, Hexy will most likely explore it. Now is really the time to start a mini-rebuild. I don't think there will be much of a backlash from fans considering the entire city is starting to see the results of the Sixers' Process.
- JFlyers00

I have zero issue with a rebuild. Hell they have been trying since the 'new nhl' to do a 'retool' instead or however they call it. Not sure thats what I am advocating for but it wouldn't be the end of the world either.

Personally I can watch a team of kids lose, knowing you are seeing growth. Watching a bunch of guys who have basically next to nothing to offer - knowing they are not part of your future, or vets that constantly leave you 'hoping for more' is boring trash hockey. I watch to be entertained as well, not just for some foolish loyalty.

The last thing this club needs to do is become a consistent middle of the pack mediocre club hanging on to hopes of 'anything can happen' once you make the playoffs. Setting yourself up for years of success with a solid and talented core is the way of the 'new nhl'. This core in my eyes, needs to be questioned. I do question a bigger rebuild, and I do think its foolish to hope and pray that picking 15th every year will bring you to that promise land.

The Flyer way, for better or worse is to 'win at all cost'. I think Hex is starting to address that a touch, but I am wondering if its time to cash in on some the pieces you do have and get those better pieces for the future.

Or lets continue the status quo, Leafs 2.0 as much as nobody wants to admit it.

Oh poop Cousins or Raffl at 3C?
- dragonoffrost

Raffl

Now Cousins

I dont think the NMC for G would be an issue but thats just me. He's been playing for a piece of poop club for years and he knows his time is running out. I dont think he would be traded to Arizona or Calgary.
- flyer_nutter

I actually think Montreal and Ottawa could be legit places for Giroux.

Montreal wants to upgrade the top 6 and wants to move Plekanec. I wonder if you could take back his contract while getting a 1st rounder and maybe a player like Scherbak or McCarron. Could you maybe get a player like Brendan Gallagher(love his game) instead of a 1st rounder.

In Ottawa they would probably want the Flyers to take back Ryan but I might not mind that if I was getting Logan Brown in the deal.


Problem is it's just hard to find a fit for Giroux in regards to who would want him and where he might waive to go.

Oh poop Cousins or Raffl at 3C?
- dragonoffrost

honestly with only scoring 3 goals in 4 games (not counting the ENG vs MTL) i am good with loading up the top 2 lines.

I actually think Montreal and Ottawa could be legit places for Giroux.

Montreal wants to upgrade the top 6 and wants to move Plekanec. I wonder if you could take back his contract while getting a 1st rounder and maybe a player like Scherbak or McCarron. Could you maybe get a player like Brendan Gallagher(love his game) instead of a 1st rounder.

In Ottawa they would probably want the Flyers to take back Ryan but I might not mind that if I was getting Logan Brown in the deal.


Problem is it's just hard to find a fit for Giroux in regards to who would want him and where he might waive to go.
- J35Bacher

I just see that Nashville thing in my head. A team that has made moves and seems to be in it to 'win now'. A coach that would probably advocate for the trade in Lava.

A piece coming back in Rinne to ease some of the present and future cap burden Nashville will have to carry. Trading for G is very much a move to 'win now'.

Not sure who else fits better than Nashville. Dallas? They need D help though.

PSG prophesied the tank weeks ago.

PSG prophesied the tank weeks ago.
- Mordecai

I think everyone prophesied that the Flyers would be a bubble playoff team this year.

I just see that Nashville thing in my head. A team that has made moves and seems to be in it to 'win now'. A coach that would probably advocate for the trade in Lava.

A piece coming back in Rinne to ease some of the present and future cap burden Nashville will have to carry. Trading for G is very much a move to 'win now'.

Not sure who else fits better than Nashville. Dallas? They need D help though.
- flyer_nutter

if Lavy was ready to welcome Vinny to NSH, I can see him wanting Giroux back. They'd be strong down the middle too. Johansen, Giroux, Fisher.

I think everyone prophesied that the Flyers would be a bubble playoff team this year.
- Streit2ThePoint

That's not tanking

I think everyone prophesied that the Flyers would be a bubble playoff team this year.
- Streit2ThePoint

I dont think its about that for anyone.

Its about looking down the line, at the pieces you have and where they will fit. Or if they will.

About seeing growth. Those last 2 points, is where the alarm bells are going off.

So which one of you is @*****EZRQ on Twitter?

With so little teams being sellers, especially in the east, I almost wish Hexy would get ahead of everyone else and trade the expiring UFAs. Call up some guys and let the season play out. If we make playoffs, great. Will be a fun 4 game series against Caps.

So which one of you is @*****EZRQ on Twitter?
- Scoob

Dont believe in social media really.

I've got FB and haven't posted anything in a year maybe? Ironically, I am on Hockeybuzz posting away.