This for sure. Teaching kids how to win in gritty situations is probably more important than sheltered minutes in the NHL.
- VladDrag

Do you really think playing playoff games against Jason Akeson and Martin Straka types is better for development than actually playing against NHL players? You get better by playing against better talent.

These guys have played in pressure situations before. They played in the CHL playoffs and the WJC for team Canada. Playing for Team Canada is way more pressure than playing in the AHL playoffs.

A little late now, but when the season went south, they could have brought them up for 25-30 NHL games.
- PhillySportsGuy

Your right that would have been smart. That way they could have assured ourselves another year of no playoffs for our A team. That is a great way to build a winning mentality with the kids.
You win drunk GM of the day!
Sorry BiggE

1. "Winning" culture is irrelevant
2. They don't log heavy minutes on the Phantoms
3. They could log the same kinds of minutes on the Flyers
- PhillySportsGuy

Morin, Sanheim, Hagg and Laughton do get heavy minutes on the phantoms.

Has there been any info on that kid from Union who played with Gostisbehere signing?
- PLindbergh31

Haven't heard anything yet

Do you really think playing playoff games against Jason Akeson and Martin Straka types is better for development than actually playing against NHL players? You get better by playing against better talent.

These guys have played in pressure situations before. They played in the CHL playoffs and the WJC for team Canada. Playing for Team Canada is way more pressure than playing in the AHL playoffs.
- PhillySportsGuy

A few games in the NHL is not going to make much of a difference. Best thing for them is to remain in the AHL, playing with the Phantoms on a playoff run which can be beneficial to their development.

except they haven't clinched a spot yet thanks to the ridiculous AHL playoff format. 3rd most points in the league and 5 points away from missing the playoffs.
- nastyflyergirl

I'm aware of this. I'm assuming they will have it locked up by early April, which would give them the last 4-5 games of the NHL season. But if it's between playing 4-5 NHL games and missing the playoffs (anywhere from an extra 4-20+ games int he AHL), then I'd leave them down.

Haven't heard anything yet
- PhillySportsGuy

Thanks! I didn't realize Union made the frozen 4 tournament. Of course the sarcasm from the peanut gallery had to chime in.

Do you really think playing playoff games against Jason Akeson and Martin Straka types is better for development than actually playing against NHL players? You get better by playing against better talent.

These guys have played in pressure situations before. They played in the CHL playoffs and the WJC for team Canada. Playing for Team Canada is way more pressure than playing in the AHL playoffs.
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't think a handful of NHL games will make them exponentially better players than playing 1+ round of the AHL playoffs will.

Like you said, 1/4 season of NHL, maybe. I'd bring them up just to give them a taste, but I don't think it will hinder or hurt their development either way once April rolls around.

Morin, Sanheim, Hagg and Laughton do get heavy minutes on the phantoms.
- Feanor

Two of those defensemen could get similar minutes on the Flyers in these meaningless games. Sanheim would get his PP2 time and Morin would get PK time. They'd both log minutes at even strength too.

I just think it's illogical when people think playing against AAAA players will be better for development than playing against actual NHL players.

I'm aware of this. I'm assuming they will have it locked up by early April, which would give them the last 4-5 games of the NHL season. But if it's between playing 4-5 NHL games and missing the playoffs (anywhere from an extra 4-20+ games int he AHL), then I'd leave them down.
- jmatchett383

Phantoms only have a .05% lead over the 5th place team in their division. They'd need to go something like .615% the rest of the way to secure it

Your right that would have been smart. That way they could have assured ourselves another year of no playoffs for our A team. That is a great way to build a winning mentality with the kids.
You win drunk GM of the day!
Sorry BiggE
- Konalover

OMG! We might ruin a 21 and 22 year old by playing them 25 games in the NHL! And all are clearly worse than Manning, MacDonald and Streit!

If Morin and Sanheim are going to be ruined by 25 games of hockey on a slightly below average team, then they probably weren't going to make it anyway.

A few games in the NHL is not going to make much of a difference. Best thing for them is to remain in the AHL, playing with the Phantoms on a playoff run which can be beneficial to their development.
- MJL

I disagree. Giving them an idea of what to expect next season will help them with their offseason workouts and leave them better prepared for camp next year.

Two of those defensemen could get similar minutes on the Flyers in these meaningless games. Sanheim would get his PP2 time and Morin would get PK time. They'd both log minutes at even strength too.
- PhillySportsGuy

They're not going to get similar minutes on the Flyers this season when they have Provorov, Gudas, MDZ, Ghost and MacDonald ahead of them.

He is a smallish righty d-man who plays a solid two way game, but has real offensive potential. Plays for Bowling Green, their top d-man. He was a third round pick..
- jak521

The pick Homer got from Boston for Meszaros.

He's 5'10", but 196 pounds. Short but stocky.

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=107113

They're not going to get similar minutes on the Flyers this season when they have Provorov, Gudas, MDZ, Ghost and MacDonald ahead of them.
- Feanor

I would have traded Del Zotto and would happily sit MacDonald to get the young guys minutes. That's just me though. A guy who cares about the future rather than the present.

I'm aware of this. I'm assuming they will have it locked up by early April, which would give them the last 4-5 games of the NHL season. But if it's between playing 4-5 NHL games and missing the playoffs (anywhere from an extra 4-20+ games int he AHL), then I'd leave them down.
- jmatchett383

Truthfully I rather have them continue to play together and try to get on a roll into the playoffs

The pick Homer got from Boston for Meszaros.

He's 5'10", but 196 pounds. Short but stocky.

http://www.eliteprospects.../player.php?player=107113
- Feanor

Only a +6???

No thanks.

Truthfully I rather have them continue to play together and try to get on a roll into the playoffs
- nastyflyergirl

As would I. Like I said, I would play them if they have a spot locked up. I didn't realize they were that close to falling out.

I would have traded Del Zotto and would happily sit MacDonald to get the young guys minutes. That's just me though. A guy who cares about the future rather than the present.
- PhillySportsGuy

You're a real visionary hero, and also apparently able to force other teams into making trades. Shame that the Flyers went with Hextall as GM over you. What does he even know about developing young defensemen.

1. "Winning" culture is irrelevant
2. They don't log heavy minutes on the Phantoms
3. They could log the same kinds of minutes on the Flyers
- PhillySportsGuy

Comment #1 has Mr. Snider turning in his grave.

Imagine if that was his attitude after we were the St L blues' female dog in the late 60's.

I wonder who we would be rooting for because it wouldn't be the Flyers.

I would have traded Del Zotto and would happily sit MacDonald to get the young guys minutes. That's just me though. A guy who cares about the future rather than the present.
- PhillySportsGuy

So you don't think Hextall cares about the future?

If Morin and Sanheim are going to be ruined by 25 games of hockey on a slightly below average team, then they probably weren't going to make it anyway.
- PhillySportsGuy

I do agree with this. That said, I don't think leaving them in the AHL on a winning team, and preparing for the future, has hindered their development to as severe of a degree as you're making it out to be.

As would I. Like I said, I would play them if they have a spot locked up. I didn't realize they were that close to falling out.
- jmatchett383

I don't know why these hockey leagues come up with these ridiculous formats. Bridgeport has the 5th most points in the East out of 14 and would be out if the playoffs started today

OMG! We might ruin a 21 and 22 year old by playing them 25 games in the NHL! And all are clearly worse than Manning, MacDonald and Streit!

If Morin and Sanheim are going to be ruined by 25 games of hockey on a slightly below average team, then they probably weren't going to make it anyway.
- PhillySportsGuy

Where did you read ruining them...
If your logic was sound it would of happened...it didn't.

Now they are in a dogfight due to A's new format.
Right now, not 25 games ago, it is better to leave them down till they clinch at least. If they clinch and can squeeze in a few up here I'm all for it.
Then go back down and win some playoff series'.

You're a real visionary hero, and also apparently able to force other teams into making trades. Shame that the Flyers went with Hextall as GM over you. What does he even know about developing young defensemen.
- Feanor

Sorry for sharing an opinion that differs from the team. I know how upset it gets all of you. For I am just a lowly peasant in Hextall's kingdom. I shall bow to him and never question his motives again! Please accept my sincerest apologies for ever questioning his ways and spare my life. For I have a family!