So you believe they had zero conversations with Mason? They just decided to let him walk and didn't once talk to him in the last year.

I can't believe that. That would be too stupid and I don't think they're that dumb. Maybe they didn't discuss a contract with all the numbers and years laid out but they had to have done some poking and prodding since last July 1st don't you think?

Exploratory conversations and contract negotiations can be two different things.
- mayorofangrytown

I think Hextall had some idea of what he wanted or might have wanted, but I don't think that is enough to say signing Neuvirth was easier or that it had anything to do with what Mason wanted.

Even if they talked last July, Mason then went out and had his worst season as a Flyer, which would absolutely change what he could get.

This is the way I see it. You don't sign Neuvirth to that contract without talking to Mason if you had any real intention of bringing him back to be the starter. I also think he is paid more than a normal backup. So adding it all up it seems reasonable to me that the decision not to sign him was because of more than his potential contract demands

I think Hextall had some idea of what he wanted or might have wanted, but I don't think that is enough to say signing Neuvirth was easier or that it had anything to do with what Mason wanted.

Even if they talked last July, Mason then went out and had his worst season as a Flyer, which would absolutely change what he could get.

This is the way I see it. You don't sign Neuvirth to that contract without talking to Mason if you had any real intention of bringing him back to be the starter. I also think he is paid more than a normal backup. So adding it all up it seems reasonable to me that the decision not to sign him was because of more than his potential contract demands
- YuenglingJagr

I think that is safe to say. I think there is more than just contract demands going on with them not wanting to bring back Mason although that it is certainly part of it. Also have to realize that Neuvirth had a little bit of leverage here on the Flyers.

Hakstol and Neuvirth are best buds. Hakstol's wife and Neuvirth's girlfriend go out and do lunch all the time. They have each other over for dinner and a movie and also go out on the town together as couples. Hakstol doesn't really care how well the team does as a coach he just wants all his best buddies to remain on the team!
- MJL

You think they go to Radkos house on holidays?

I think that is safe to say. I think there is more than just contract demands going on with them not wanting to bring back Mason although that it is certainly part of it. Also have to realize that Neuvirth had a little bit of leverage here on the Flyers.
- MJL

What leverage?

You think they go to Radkos house on holidays?
- YuenglingJagr

Of course! Why do you think Gudas gets all that ice time?

Do we know in the area of what Mason is looking for, that could have been an issue.
- ob18

No, and the Flyers didn't either (at least as of exit day last month). They never had a conversation with Anton Thun (Mason's agent) at any point last summer or all season regarding a potential contract extension. At least per the Mason camp.

I'd suspect they at had some dialogue since then.

What leverage?
- YuenglingJagr

The leverage of the Flyers not wanting to re-sign Mason, needing a goalie to protect, and Hextall not wanting to go into the off season with zero goalies with NHL experience signed for next season. The Flyers were painted into a small corner.

I'm calling BS on Darth. aBSolute conjecture!

Why the heck Nuevy was given a raise is beyond reason!

I'm calling BS on Darth. aBSolute conjecture!

Why the heck Nuevy was given a raise is beyond reason!
- coffee junkie

That's a well articulated post there. You've convinced me.

The leverage of the Flyers not wanting to re-sign Mason, needing a goalie to protect, and Hextall not wanting to go into the off season with zero goalies with NHL experience signed for next season. The Flyers were painted into a small corner.
- MJL

That's really it in a nutshell. Why people are trying to search for grand meaning in the signing is beyond me.

Gabriel Vilardi nice 1st period tonight............never hurt having one last chance to showcase yourself.

Gabriel Vilardi nice 1st period tonight............never hurt having one last chance to showcase yourself.
- ob18

You love doing this!

Gabriel Vilardi nice 1st period tonight............never hurt having one last chance to showcase yourself.
- ob18

You love doing this!
- Mononoke

- Mordecai

Forward for Windsor #4 ranked prospect by NHL Central Scouting currently playing in the Memorial Cup on the NHL Network

He wears #13

Forward for Windsor #4 ranked prospect by NHL Central Scouting currently playing in the Memorial Cup on the NHL Network

He wears #13
- ob18

#13.. thats where the Flyers were supposed to pick.. he's going to be the best player out of this draft. You watch!

That's really it in a nutshell. Why people are trying to search for grand meaning in the signing is beyond me.
- hereticpride

I don't get it either. Flyers are in a spot where the really can't sign another goalie until after the expansion draft.

neuvirth is better than mason anyway

I don't get it either. Flyers are in a spot where the really can't sign another goalie until after the expansion draft.
- FlyerFan16

If only there was another way to get a goalie

The leverage of the Flyers not wanting to re-sign Mason, needing a goalie to protect, and Hextall not wanting to go into the off season with zero goalies with NHL experience signed for next season. The Flyers were painted into a small corner.
- MJL

Just not sure I buy into that. I thought Hextall had moves available before he got painted into a small corner. I don't doubt that he wanted something figured out before the offseason though.

I don't think Nick Schultz or PEB had Hextall cornered either and they got sizable contracts similar to Neuvirth

First night without NHL hockey since Round 3 eve. 12 days ago? Something like that

If only there was another way to get a goalie
- YuenglingJagr

If they add another goalie in any other method, they would either have to leave that goalie exposed or leave Stolarz exposed. That's why I don't see them adding a goalie until after the expansion draft.

First night without NHL hockey since Round 3 eve. 12 days ago? Something like that
- YuenglingJagr

You're welcome to play Xbox with Mordecai or me. Or you could figure out what outfit you'll be wearing at the Pirates of the Caribbean premiere with Boyd Gordon.

If they add another goalie in any other method, they would either have to leave that goalie exposed or leave Stolarz exposed. That's why I don't see them adding a goalie until after the expansion draft.
- FlyerFan16

He was saying we could have traded for another goalie to expose without giving Neuvirth that contract. That goalie would have filled the Neuvirth expansion role. But it's too late for that, and that's what they chose to do. So yes they won't add another goalie, but they could have months ago.

If they add another goalie in any other method, they would either have to leave that goalie exposed or leave Stolarz exposed. That's why I don't see them adding a goalie until after the expansion draft.
- FlyerFan16

But they're going to have to expose Neuvirth or Stolarz...so how does that change anything?