I won't be heartbroken if he goes, especially since the Flyers have a surplus of forwards as it is. I just think he's the most valuable of the bunch in terms of current ability. I think Laughton may have the most potential so I'd be inclined to protect him as he may be someone MCphee wants to take in spite of only being able to take 10 players without contracts in 2017-2018.
- Baxter27

I don't know about laughton man. I'm not high on him at all

Nice win. Just wish they could be more consistent... the future is uncertain but it doesn't seem dark.

have you ever seen the post on youtube under the Joe Mixon video? hiding behind a keyboard brings out a lot of vile people with points of view that just make me say - yep this is why America is how it is today....not to get too serious on a hockey blog
- nastyflyergirl

I have not seen the video. Of course, it probably has more to do with the NEVER ENDING Eagles coverage that has turned me off anything to do with them more than anything else.

Sorry if this was mentioned in previous blog (I'm in Portland my timing has been all over the place). But did anyone see/hears Ghost's post game remarks? He said, "I think if a lot of us, if we had the heart of Brandon Manning, we'd be in a little different sitatuon." Made me scratch my head if he was calling teammates' effort out over the course of the year or was more so just praising Manning.

I absolutely despise when social media become news. #Lazyjournalism

I cant contribute to the women's hockey compensation discussion as I've never seen one. But suspect that market price is probably lower than NHL due to demand issue.
- missingmike

I could be wrong because I honestly haven't read up on it completely but I think part of the issue is the women are asked to compete for their country (which I could kill to be good enough to do) which involves taking time away from their work and lives and unlike the NHL players. they aren't making millions. as far as demand, look at the USA women's soccer team. they fair much better and correct me if I am wrong but I believe i have read they bring in more money than the men's team but yet the men still make more. its a fight across the board in the USA right now where in most cases men make more for doing the same job.

Damn it, another serious post. I need to stop

Nice win. Just wish they could be more consistent... the future is uncertain but it doesn't seem dark.
- JoeRussomanno

I think the offense will get better and the defense gets better. I am SO looking forward to seeing Sanheim, Hagg, Morin and Myers in the lineup over the next 1-3 years.

I have not seen the video. Of course, it probably has more to do with the NEVER ENDING Eagles coverage that has turned me off anything to do with them more than anything else.
- hockeylover

well he broke the woman's face. it was really violent. but more so than the video the comments justifying him hitting her is just a head shaker.

Sorry if this was mentioned in previous blog (I'm in Portland my timing has been all over the place). But did anyone see/hears Ghost's post game remarks? He said, "I think if a lot of us, if we had the heart of Brandon Manning, we'd be in a little different sitatuon." Made me scratch my head if he was calling teammates' effort out over the course of the year or was more so just praising Manning.
- arichardson22

I'm guessing it was more in praise of Manning than anything else. Other than Simmonds, who we don't want spending too much time in the box, Manning seems to be the only guy on this team that willingly stands up for his teammates.

I think the offense will get better and the defense gets better. I am SO looking forward to seeing Sanheim, Hagg, Morin and Myers in the lineup over the next 1-3 years.
- nastyflyergirl

Same, but I worry a little regarding Myers recent spat of concussions.

I'd leave Raffl exposed. He's not very valuable on that contract. There's Raffl's out there every summer
- Just5

Which player that is available this summer as a UFA is equal to Raffl?

I'm guessing it was more in praise of Manning than anything else. Other than Simmonds, who we don't want spending too much time in the box, Manning seems to be the only guy on this team that willingly stands up for his teammates.
- BiggE

What he lacks in skill he tries to make up for in grit. I am okay with it...seems like a good dude. Just would rather have him as the 7th. He won't be though because OMG fight motivation!

He did pummel Gaunce though, which was funny

Which player that is available this summer as a UFA is equal to Raffl?
- MJL

Chris Vandevelde...they're both a -7

Which player that is available this summer as a UFA is equal to Raffl?
- MJL

Define equal to Raffl. Is it equal to the Raffl who scored 13 goals and 31 points while getting a lot of time on a line with Voracek and Giroux in 15-16 when he also managed to stay healthy? Or equal to the Raffl who has been frequently injured this year, was a healthy scratch a couple of time and has only 11 points in 52 games, and in the combined seasons of 13-14, 14-15 and this season has only dressed (mainly due to injury) in 187 of 239 games?

Raffl will turn 29 next year and isn't the big, powerful skater type who will usually be able to play well into his 30s. I think we've seen the best of him at this point, and the quality of his play will likely decline from this point forward.

I'm not going to go out and scan the roster of every team to answer your question, life is too short, but I'm willing to bet that a suitable replacement could be found if needed.

What he lacks in skill he tries to make up for in grit. I am okay with it...seems like a good dude. Just would rather have him as the 7th. He won't be though because OMG fight motivation!

He did pummel Gaunce though, which was funny
- YuenglingJagr

Yes he did!


Actually, assuming that Provorov, Ghost, Gudas and AMac are all back next year and the likelihood of Morin and Hagg making the team, I think there is a good chance that he is the 7th man next year. Perhaps not at the start of the season, but almost certainly at some point.

Yes he did!


Actually, assuming that Provorov, Ghost, Gudas and AMac are all back next year and the likelihood of Morin and Hagg making the team, I think there is a good chance that he is the 7th man next year. Perhaps not at the start of the season, but almost certainly at some point.
- BiggE

Haha I am telling you if that lineup comes out...one of the noobs are sitting

I wasn't speaking about the equal pay argument though. I was just pointing out the tweets and the keyboard tough guy acts with regard to the coach. Half of these tough guys would mess their pants if they came face to face with the coach or the players they so quickly criticize.


Also, I guess Andrew MacDonald is the new Terry Carkner of this generation.
- hockeylover

Oh I got that. Keyboard warriors with internet intestinal fortitude can say some nasty poop they would never say to someones face in person.

I was just adding to the overall theme.

Winnik and King are decent comparables for Raffl.

I think Raffl has good size and skating ability. Whether he'll get back to being the 30 points per 82 game guy he was in his first three seasons is hard to predict.

While I am pulling for the Flyers to end the season on a positive note, I am hoping Florida and LA take advantage of the game in hand and pass us by...probably not getting much movement beyond that...

Looks like Weal is playing himself into a contract offer, but I think that further complicates the forward group for next year...

\AN-droo MAK-DAWN-uhld\

I feel like he plays more like the phonetic spelling of his name. It just fits him so well Playing hockey is easy AN-droo....just sound it out!

While I am pulling for the Flyers to end the season on a positive note, I am hoping Florida and LA take advantage of the game in hand and pass us by...probably not getting much movement beyond that...

Looks like Weal is playing himself into a contract offer, but I think that further complicates the forward group for next year...
- JW98FlyerFan

nope...I will be happy if it holds here (10th)

Which player that is available this summer as a UFA is equal to Raffl?
- MJL

Any 3rd or 4th line ufa forward?

Bonino, Dwight King, Korpikoski, Cullen (again), Versteeg, Rene Bourque, Wingels

I know I know. Raffl has proven so much and is a cut above all these scrubs as evidenced by his logo.

Raffl is typical summertime ufa fodder

I think Bonino will get a lot more than $2.35m. Probably closer to $4m.

nope...I will be happy if it holds here (10th)
- YuenglingJagr

With 5 home games left out of the last 7, I'd happily settle for 10th right now.

Any 3rd or 4th line ufa forward?

Bonino, Dwight King, Korpikoski, Cullen (again), Versteeg, Rene Bourque, Wingels

I know I know. Raffl has proven so much and is a cut above all these scrubs as evidenced by his logo.

Raffl is typical summertime ufa fodder
- Just5

Versteeg? You mean Kris Versteeg??? No thank you sir.

Bonino, based off his last 2 years, is gonna get paid if UFA, but he's a C and not as versatile as Raffl. Not really a fan of the others, mostly because I don't know their games that well. Raffl, for the $$ he gets paid, is a fine bottom-6 player, but not an irreplaceable talent.

Define equal to Raffl. Is it equal to the Raffl who scored 13 goals and 31 points while getting a lot of time on a line with Voracek and Giroux in 15-16 when he also managed to stay healthy? Or equal to the Raffl who has been frequently injured this year, was a healthy scratch a couple of time and has only 11 points in 52 games, and in the combined seasons of 13-14, 14-15 and this season has only dressed (mainly due to injury) in 187 of 239 games?

Raffl will turn 29 next year and isn't the big, powerful skater type who will usually be able to play well into his 30s. I think we've seen the best of him at this point, and the quality of his play will likely decline from this point forward.

I'm not going to go out and scan the roster of every team to answer your question, life is too short, but I'm willing to bet that a suitable replacement could be found if needed.
- BiggE

Equal to the player that I know Raffl is, including contract cost. Not sure why you would need to scan the roster of every team when a simple google search can get you the available UFA list. Raffly has good size and skates well, and is a good all around player. I think he's a solid all around forward who can get you 15 goals and 30 points in a 3rd line role, and is a solid 5 on 5 player. Out of all the role players on the team, he's on the top of the list for me, and I would make every effort to keep him. Dale Weise if he gets his act together and plays like he has the last week could replace him, and that may be the plan, but he has to obviously improve to do that. Durability is a mild concern with Raffl.

Haha I am telling you if that lineup comes out...one of the noobs are sitting
- YuenglingJagr