We absolutely have the depth now that we have Filppula.

Weal-Couturier-Voracek
Konecny-Filppula-Giroux
Schenn-Cousins-Simmonds
Read-Bellemare-Lyubimov

We should have been iceing this line-up for months now, just sub Raffl for Weal. Giroux is not a number one NHL center right now. It's absolutely baffling that we've been as bad at 5v5 for as long as we have and it's never talked about.
- mochoson

The Flyers issues at 5 on 5 are regularly discussed. If only line combos were the simple solution.

We absolutely have the depth now that we have Filppula.

Weal-Couturier-Voracek
Konecny-Filppula-Giroux
Schenn-Cousins-Simmonds
Read-Bellemare-Lyubimov

We should have been iceing this line-up for months now, just sub Raffl for Weal. Giroux is not a number one NHL center right now. It's absolutely baffling that we've been as bad at 5v5 for as long as we have and it's never talked about.
- mochoson

I am fine bringing in a #1 center via trade and then moving Giroux to wing. I am not in favor of anyone on the Flyers current roster or system to play ahead of Giroux at 5 on 5.

I think this offseason would be a good one to make a deal. Trade the 1st in a weak draft, Morin and Schenn or Simmonds. I prefer Schenn. Those assets should get you close. Not saying they should or that they will. Just saying it could be a good one to really look at a trade.

Coots is the closest thing we have to a number one center, yes. The comparison between him and Giroux defensively right now is night and day. Giroux on Filppulas wing would give him a similar player with at least comparable talent to be creative with offensively.

Giroux does most of his offensive damage on the PP anyway. I'm up for re-organizing that as well, but I'm ok with baby steps. The first PP unit should ultimately run through a triangle of Giroux, Voracek, and either Ghost/Provorov no matter what.
- mochoson

What a scary thought that is and really speaks to the problem on this team if Coots is the closest we have to a number 1 center.

My reply was meant to paraphrase the ill fitted argument you've offered, especially when it comes to criticizing the coach. Earlier today you singled him out as the common denominator. Now you're backtracking and stating that it's both, after I called you on it. If you posted that it is a shared blame between all parties, I wouldn't have an issue with that.




That's the issue. You want to be spared of the fact that Schenn scored at a solid level at 5 on 5 under the same coach, because it doesn't fit your narrative. It simply proves that he is capable, and that if he isn't getting it done this year, it's on the player. Giroux has a track record, so I have the same hope that he can rebound but it's just a hope at this point. I think it's only fair to give a number of players the benefit of the doubt knowing that they can all play better. You question those who are unwilling to blame Simmonds, but are unwilling yourself to blame Giroux. His sub par play is the single biggest issue with this team now and moving forward. I don't see a willingness on your part to acknowledge that.





Contradiction here, you claim that the issue is the coach, then in the last sentence say it's all three. Exactly what I'm talking about. You say it's hard to point to the players as the singular reason why. I agree they're not the singular reason why but it's obvious they're the biggest reason why.
- MJL

Be strong Luke. May the force be with you.

There's no difference been 7-17 for me this year. It's a weird draft, but a very under-rated one IMO. General consensus is it "sucks". I don't get that at all. There are some REALLY good players available.

What I will agree is that outside of about 5-6 guys, the rest are all "project players". This isn't necessarily a good or bad thing. This is the kind of draft I expect Chris Pyror to hit nothing but bombs in. I'm stoked we have 6 picks in the first 4 rounds. IMO, after pick 40, the talent level is pretty much even through the 4th round
- mochoson

People seem to get a bit weird with the draft. Especially with the last couple with the constant talk of high end talent. I find the draft to be the same every year, a bunch of young kids who have played hockey their whole life trying to make it to the NHL. Any pick could turn out to be an NHL player, but most people only care about the McDavids or Crosbys.

Good teams find talented kids, work on their strengths and weakness through development then provide them a chance to make it. There is no luck in drafting, that's a bunch of hooey...pardon my language.

I am fine bringing in a #1 center via trade and then moving Giroux to wing. I am not in favor of anyone on the Flyers current roster or system to play ahead of Giroux at 5 on 5.

I think this offseason would be a good one to make a deal. Trade the 1st in a weak draft, Morin and Schenn or Simmonds. I prefer Schenn. Those assets should get you close. Not saying they should or that they will. Just saying it could be a good one to really look at a trade.
- mickel25

#1 centers are rarely available. A 1st and Schenn isn't going to net a #1 center in a trade.

#1 centers are rarely available. A 1st and Schenn isn't going to net a #1 center in a trade.
- MJL

I listed Morin as well.

I do like the fact Cousins was able to make a roster spot, but it is very rare to see. At least the perception is there. I have always had the sense the Flyers don't have the same type of environment other teams have when it comes to roster competition. They always seem to be hamstrung either by contract or loyalty which basically leaves their opening night roster set in stone.

Draft day rolls around and all that is heard is BAP, yet when it comes to the roster...is it really the same philosophy?
- Glak18

I think this is going to change, moving forward.

And I do think the team has wanted to give Laughton the opportunity, but his timing has been off...(i.e.-- injuries, etc).

I think it's more about what they think is better for the younger players, and where they should be developing, in the hope that they might possibly develop into more than a 4th line low minute player.
- MJL

There is nothing wrong with developing a player in other leagues so they can garner more minutes, but eventually you have to give them a chance.

#1 centers are rarely available. A 1st and Schenn isn't going to net a #1 center in a trade.
- MJL

Also, said that would get you close.

There's no difference been 7-17 for me this year. It's a weird draft, but a very under-rated one IMO. General consensus is it "sucks". I don't get that at all. There are some REALLY good players available.

What I will agree is that outside of about 5-6 guys, the rest are all "project players". This isn't necessarily a good or bad thing. This is the kind of draft I expect Chris Pyror to hit nothing but bombs in. I'm stoked we have 6 picks in the first 4 rounds. IMO, after pick 40, the talent level is pretty much even through the 4th round
- mochoson

I agree, but I'd like them to try and move up into the top 5. That will be much easier to do when you have the 10th or 11th pick rather than 15 or 16.

Be strong Luke. May the force be with you.
- mickel25

It was as predictable as the sun setting in the west

Also, said that would get you close.
- mickel25

Why would another team give up a #1 center? Especially when most teams want multiple 1Cs in their lineups.

Be strong Luke. May the force be with you.
- mickel25

I listed Morin as well.
- mickel25

Still not enough in my opinion unless were talking about an aging 30+ year old former # 1 center. The odds of getting a player at the right age that the Flyers need isn't good. They'd want Provorov, similar to how Nashville gave up Jones for Johansen.

There is nothing wrong with developing a player in other leagues so they can garner more minutes, but eventually you have to give them a chance.
- Glak18

I'd say more like they have to earn a chance. Flyers have proven that they're willing to play young players if they show they're ready.

- PhillySportsGuy

It was as predictable as the sun setting in the west
- BiggE

Your post above wasn't at all predictable!

Why would another team give up a #1 center? Especially when most teams want multiple 1Cs in their lineups.
- Glak18

Not sure. Which team? Just listed assets that we could include to entice a team. Not saying any team would. I am not an NHL GM.

Just pointing out the Flyers have assets that could make it happen if they really wanted to correct that perceived issue. They could also trade for a 1st line winger in the hopes that ignites Giroux's 5 on 5 game. Optionality

Not sure. Which team? Just listed assets that we could include to entice a team. Not saying any team would. I am not an NHL GM.

Just pointing out the Flyers have assets that could make it happen if they really wanted to correct that perceived issue. They could also trade for a 1st line winger in the hopes that ignites Giroux's 5 on 5 game. Optionality
- mickel25

The most likely and feasible avenue to acquire a #1 center is to draft one.

Why would another team give up a #1 center? Especially when most teams want multiple 1Cs in their lineups.
- Glak18

On any other day but today I would take the time to write a sonnet about Mat[t] Barzal

Why would another team give up a #1 center? Especially when most teams want multiple 1Cs in their lineups.
- Glak18

How did you feel about the Ryan Johansen/Seth Jones deal when it went down?

- ggunky

Address the ball'...

HELLOOOOOOOOOO BALLLLLLLLLLLLL

The most likely and feasible avenue to acquire a #1 center is to draft one.
- MJL

Giroux with/without AMac this season:

with: 52.69 CF/60, 47.8% CF%
without: 65.18 CF/60, 54.3% CF%

The without statline would be objectively top 20 amongst NHL forwards... 65+ CF/60 is elite, like top 10 in NHL elite.



FLYERS have a number one center