He gave his opinion.
- Just5

I guess I missed the part where he said "I think" or "I believe" or "In my opinion"

Hopefully Giroux has somewhat of a bounce back year next season, then I'd trade him. His value is probably at an all time low. I wouldn't look to move Jake, guys with size and his type of skating ability often can play well into their 30s

Sadly, the guy I'd look to move is Simmonds. His value is at an all time high, and re-signing him to a big money long term deal at age 30 in 2019 would be very risky. I'd also look to move Schenn for a player that can give you more at ES.
- BiggE

It's definitely simmonds imo. Contract the biggest reason

So Dave Isaac is reporting that Weal can be a UFA this offseason because he has 3+ years of professional experience and <80 NHL games played. Anyone know if this is true?
- PhillySportsGuy

Group 6 free agents (must be elected by the player): Players who have reached age 25, who have 3 accrued years of professional experience (that is, beyond junior or collegiate hockey), and whose contracts have expired, but have played less than:

80 NHL games played for forwards and defensemen.
28 NHL games played for goaltenders.

Konecny scored two great goals, but he also took an incredibly stupid penalty that cost the team. Provorov actually struggled a little in that game. Flyers were up against a much better and stronger team.
- MJL

It was a very weak call on Konecny ....after the PP was like 7 vs. 2 you knew Columbus would get an opportunity. It would be nice if the PK had of stepped up. As far as Provorov struggling I thought he was OK....even the leagues best d men have ordinary nights. Let's face the true facts....this team is not very good. Hextall has not built a very good team at the NHL level. Hopefully all this patience with the prospect pool pays off.

Don't bring me down.
Konecny will learn to not take those types of penalties, his innate skills though can't be taught. I thought Provorov played fine for a just turned 20 year old rookie who is carrying this D corps on his back.
- BiggE

Has anyone watched Owen Tippet this year? Seems like he is the kind of player the flyers need. Good size, fast skater, shoot first winger. Flyers might have to draft higher to get him but from what I read he would fill a huge need.

It was a very weak call on Konecny ....after the PP was like 7 vs. 2 you knew Columbus would get an opportunity. It would be nice if the PK had of stepped up. As far as Provorov struggling I thought he was OK....even the leagues best d men have ordinary nights. Let's face the true facts....this team is not very good. Hextall has not built a very good team at the NHL level. Hopefully all this patience with the prospect pool pays off.
- landros 2

It might be something they would normally let go in a 3rd period of a tight game, but not with the PP discrepancy. It was definitely a penalty. I'm okay with saying that Provorov was ordinary, even though the Blue Jackets controlled play they did not give up a lot of high danger chances. I think this team is capable of being much better, but have to admit that they have not played well most of the year, so they are what they are. I won't blame Hextall because the teams best players have not played well overall.

I'm cool with the plan, I think building from within is the way to go.
- BiggE

We'll see if the grand plan comes to fruition.....I still don't think the core is near good enough, but honestly this team is were it belongs in the standings. I don't ever remember disliking so many guys on my beloved Flyers.

Hopefully Giroux has somewhat of a bounce back year next season, then I'd trade him. His value is probably at an all time low. I wouldn't look to move Jake, guys with size and his type of skating ability often can play well into their 30s

Sadly, the guy I'd look to move is Simmonds. His value is at an all time high, and re-signing him to a big money long term deal at age 30 in 2019 would be very risky. I'd also look to move Schenn for a player that can give you more at ES.
- BiggE

Team only scores on the PP and you're suggesting we move the two guys who lead the league in PP goals. Those returns had better be stellar otherwise this team is going the way of the Avs.

Team only scores on the PP and you're suggesting we move the two guys who lead the league in PP goals. Those returns had better be stellar otherwise this team is going the way of the Avs.
- hereticpride

Dont you know , ES goals count more than any other goal..
Nothing matters but ES..

In all honesty, I think Simmonds (UGH hate saying it) being moved solves a few issues possibly.I wouldnt be okay with moving both Simmonds and Schenn because it weakens your PP but if you can move one and get some ES balance then it makes sense.

It might be something they would normally let go in a 3rd period of a tight game, but not with the PP discrepancy. It was definitely a penalty. I'm okay with saying that Provorov was ordinary, even though the Blue Jackets controlled play they did not give up a lot of high danger chances. I think this team is capable of being much better, but have to admit that they have not played well most of the year, so they are what they are. I won't blame Hextall because the teams best players have not played well overall.
- MJL

This is were we do have a difference of opinion.....I don't think they are any better then they are playing. Hextall has done nothing with the core except to trade Hartnell for nothing. It's under Hextalls direction that this team is were it is at. I hope some of the kids start to come, because this team sucks and is boring to watch.

This is were we do have a difference of opinion.....I don't think they are any better then they are playing. Hextall has done nothing with the core except to trade Hartnell for nothing. It's under Hextalls direction that this team is were it is at. I hope some of the kids start to come, because this team sucks and is boring to watch.
- landros 2

Hextall's plan, which was well advertised was that he wasn't likely going to make any major trades or free agent signing, so not doing anything with the core, is not a surprise. Pretty much every player, with a few exceptions can be better than they have this season. Giroux's poor season has set the tone, along with the poor team defense. Those two factors are the biggest reasons why the team is where they're at in my opinion.

Dont you know , ES goals count more than any other goal..
Nothing matters but ES..

In all honesty, I think Simmonds (UGH hate saying it) being moved solves a few issues possibly.I wouldnt be okay with moving both Simmonds and Schenn because it weakens your PP but if you can move one and get some ES balance then it makes sense.
- opeth_pa

Yeah I hate the thought of moving Simmonds but if it gets you a haul then I think you may have to
I'd need a return similar to the Carter trade in all honesty I think.

Dont you know , ES goals count more than any other goal..
Nothing matters but ES..

In all honesty, I think Simmonds (UGH hate saying it) being moved solves a few issues possibly.I wouldnt be okay with moving both Simmonds and Schenn because it weakens your PP but if you can move one and get some ES balance then it makes sense.
- opeth_pa

I'd rather see Couturier and Schenn moved but your probably right ....

This is were we do have a difference of opinion.....I don't think they are any better then they are playing. Hextall has done nothing with the core except to trade Hartnell for nothing. It's under Hextalls direction that this team is were it is at. I hope some of the kids start to come, because this team sucks and is boring to watch.
- landros 2

I think they could be better IF their best players were playing to their level.
The core has to be changed. There should be a move made in the off season or be prepared for the same product next year

I think they could be better IF their best players were playing to their level.
The core has to be changed. There should be a move made in the off season or be prepared for the same product next year
- 3flyerkids

The biggest factor is that they need to add more skill and speed to the lineup. We saw last night how individual skill can help you. Konecny made two strong plays to score, and got the Flyers back in the game.

Hextall's plan, which was well advertised was that he wasn't likely going to make any major trades or free agent signing, so not doing anything with the core, is not a surprise. Pretty much every player, with a few exceptions can be better than they have this season. Giroux's poor season has set the tone, along with the poor team defense. Those two factors are the biggest reasons why the team is where they're at in my opinion.
- MJL

Actually what was advertised was he would only make moves if it made them better now and in the future.....yes Giroux hasn't been very good, but the secondary guys have not done enough to pick up the slack.....I sure hope some changes are coming....because the current set up is brutal.

If the Jets came calling with Kyle Conner and their 1st for Simmonds would you do the deal? That's sort of the return I'd be looking for.

I'm excited to watch the flames in the playoffs. I hope they dismantle teams out west
- Just5

The Flames have a current 10 game winning streak, they will now go in the tank and become the first team in the 100+ year history of the NHL to have a such streak and miss the playoffs.

Actually what was advertised was he would only make moves if it made them better now and in the future.....yes Giroux hasn't been very good, but the secondary guys have not done enough to pick up the slack.....I sure hope some changes are coming....because the current set up is brutal.
- landros 2

I used the word likely. Trading a core player in a deal that fits those parameters, was not likely with the way the NHL trade market is. I think it's a domino effect. Playing poor defensively leads to losing momentum in games, and without a top player and top line playing at the level they've played at in seasons past, when the Giroux line would carry the team for long stretches, we get what has happened this season.

I think they could be better IF their best players were playing to their level.
The core has to be changed. There should be a move made in the off season or be prepared for the same product next year
- 3flyerkids

The same product next year....come March should get Hextall fired. We are talking draft picks from 2012, 2013.....this is not being patient....this is drafting 'busts'....and the guy responsible should go. Yes I know Holmgren was at the helm, but Hextall has had time to put his finger print on this team.....to me Hextall is now on the clock.

The biggest factor is that they need to add more skill and speed to the lineup. We saw last night how individual skill can help you. Konecny made two strong plays to score, and got the Flyers back in the game.
- MJL

Agree...." Add more skill and speed" is a must . Problem is that could take a lot of time thought the draft. Change the core to add those skill sets. I am sure it is easier said than done but Hextall has to make a change going into next year

I used the word likely. Trading a core player in a deal that fits those parameters, was not likely with the way the NHL trade market is. I think it's a domino effect. Playing poor defensively leads to losing momentum in games, and without a top player and top line playing at the level they've played at in seasons past, when the Giroux line would carry the team for long stretches, we get what has happened this season.
- MJL

I get trades are extremely difficult....core player trades, even tougher. Unfortunately that's the (frank)ing job of a GM, on a below average team. When guys don't play well, or to their potential there needs to be changes. It starts with the captain, but the other core guys haven't been able to carry this team either. Enough of the multi year deals for 4 th line players, let those positions go to the youth of the organization.

I get trades are extremely difficult....core player trades, even tougher. Unfortunately that's the (frank)ing job of a GM, on a below average team. When guys don't play well, or to their potential there needs to be changes. It starts with the captain, but the other core guys haven't been able to carry this team either. Enough of the multi year deals for 4 th line players, let those positions go to the youth of the organization.
- landros 2

There is no doubt that changes need to be made, and that was always part of the plan moving forward, regardless of how well this team did this season. Even if they made the playoffs and won a round, Hextall would still realize they aren't there. One thing the Flyers have to be very careful about, and that is not overreact to this season. They need to figure out where changes need to be made, and which players are just caught up in the entire team flushing down the toilet. The Bellemare extension was the right choice. A little more money than I would've liked. Weise was not signed last year with the idea of being a 4th line player. The problem is that the Flyers now have some veteran players who are all in that 4th line range, because of the lack of scoring. I'd like to see some legitimate competition for spots on the roster in camp next season, and not players locked in because of contract. If I was Hextall, I'd look to move a few of those depth veterans under contract this off season if I could. Due to contract situations, it won't be easy.

If the Jets came calling with Kyle Conner and their 1st for Simmonds would you do the deal? That's sort of the return I'd be looking for.
- hereticpride

I'd do that provided the pick was unprotected