The priority right now is the development of the prospects and what is best for them. I agree that he should ride the bus until the new year minimally I think. Let him start lighting it up, get the confidence going.

Whatever is best for the propects is the priority. Morin should get a quick callup because he showed he's ready to contribute. He earned it in the preseason.

If Hextall's top priority was the '17-'18 flyers...someone needs to remind him not to make deals like the Schenn one. So lets relax about any expectations for this squad.
- Just5

While I agree with this, there is zero excuse for the Flyers (a team with no financial limitations that some clubs have) to year after dress year the zombies and expose their fans to that level of hockey.

I dont for a second think this is purely about whats best for the prospects, they have some weird obsession with "roles" at the same time which makes them look past a better player. Scared your team will be too small? Then dont draft players like that. Nobody wants to rush the kids, but its obvious there is a quota they have regarding how many will play on the big club at a time. I disagree with that as a fan.

At least we're not the Arizona Coyotes, right?

While I agree with this, there is zero excuse for the Flyers (a team with no financial limitations that some clubs have) to year after dress year the zombies and expose their fans to that level of hockey.

I dont for a second think this is purely about whats best for the prospects, they have some weird obsession with "roles" at the same time which makes them look past a better player. Scared your team will be too small? Then dont draft players like that. Nobody wants to rush the kids, but its obvious there is a quota they have regarding how many will play on the big club at a time. I disagree with that as a fan.
- flyer_nutter

If a kid can play, he should be playing regardless of size or weight.

Gaudreau, Marchand, Atkinson, Sheary can all play for me now. I'll take them. Call my team the Smerfs, part 2. I'm fine with that.

Patrick Kane, Marner. I'll take them all.

Idk maybe we should take a look at whose producing and whose not ? Weal tk filpula since he joined that unit for instance have not. Why can't he play pk? Our pk literally just stood there last night waiting for the jets. He would make a great addition there as well. Hasktol refusal to play him on special teams doesn't mean he can't contribute there. Just like the refusal to bring young guys in for plugs doesn't mean those guys couldn't be an upgrade. Hasktol has been an unsuccessful nhl coach he's not above questioning. Hextall outside of drafting has proven nothing. Frankly I hope the team gets sold so we can have a real owner whose involved again and these guys can actually feel pressure. They're all too comfy.
- Tfaehner

You're just making it up. You don't know that he would make a great addition there. It isn't about a theoretical possibility. It's about the reality of the situation. Your comments about Hakstol and Hextall are irrelevant to the situation. it's not about if they could be wrong or right about it, it's about what they're going to do and how they're going to handle developing players.

The priority right now is the development of the prospects and what is best for them. I agree that he should ride the bus until the new year minimally I think. Let him start lighting it up, get the confidence going.

Whatever is best for the propects is the priority. Morin should get a quick callup because he showed he's ready to contribute. He earned it in the preseason.

If Hextall's top priority was the '17-'18 flyers...someone needs to remind him not to make deals like the Schenn one. So lets relax about any expectations for this squad.
- Just5

While I agree with this, there is zero excuse for the Flyers (a team with no financial limitations that some clubs have) to year after dress year the zombies and expose their fans to that level of hockey.

I dont for a second think this is purely about whats best for the prospects, they have some weird obsession with "roles" at the same time which makes them look past a better player. Scared your team will be too small? Then dont draft players like that. Nobody wants to rush the kids, but its obvious there is a quota they have regarding how many will play on the big club at a time. I disagree with that as a fan.
- flyer_nutter

If you think that it's not about what is best for the prospects you're badly mistaken. Every team uses role playing veterans to fill in roster spots and to take on roles while a team develops replacements for them. The Flyers aren't scared that their team is too small but they still don't want a team of midgets. That's the reality of the NHL, which is a physical league. It's about balance. Your entire viewpoint is simply based on a pessimistic outlook. The facts don't back you up.

If a kid can play, he should be playing regardless of size or weight.

Gaudreau, Marchand, Atkinson, Sheary can all play for me now. I'll take them. Call my team the Smerfs, part 2. I'm fine with that.

Patrick Kane, Marner. I'll take them all.
- 77rams

So would every other team. Unfortunately all small players don't play at that level. In that case you need other tools to be an effective players. Size and physical ability being some of those tools.

2 more goals foe Vecchione tonight

So would every other team. Unfortunately all small players don't play at that level. In that case you need other tools to be an effective players. Size and physical ability being some of those tools.
- MJL

I'm addressing the comment about having too many small players as a reason why somebody small in stature isn't brought up.

If that's a GM's belief, he's ridiculous and doing his team a disservice. If it's other factors, then say it.

2 more goals foe Vecchione tonight
- nastyflyergirl

Two more goals? Sorry Mike.

Grow two more inches then we'll talk.

I'm addressing the comment about having too many small players as a reason why somebody small in stature isn't brought up.

If that's a GM's belief, he's ridiculous and doing his team a disservice. If it's other factors, then say it.
- 77rams

I would disagree with you on that. It's always about the mix of players. It's dependent on the role a player is going to play. If you're bringing up a player to play a 3rd line role then size is a factor. Size is a factor if you already have a number of smaller players in the lineup. I assure you if the Flyers had a small player with the ability of any of the players you mentioned, his lack of size would not stop them from putting them on the team. It has not stopped them from playing smaller players like Konecny or Weal.

I would disagree with you on that. It's always about the mix of players. It's dependent on the role a player is going to play. If you're bringing up a player to play a 3rd line role then size is a factor. Size is a factor if you already have a number of smaller players in the lineup. I assure you if the Flyers had a small player with the ability of any of the players you mentioned, his lack of size would not stop them from putting them on the team. It has not stopped them from playing smaller players like Konecny or Weal.
- MJL

My point.

According to Hextall, size would stop him from calling that player up. I hope that's not true and I'm sure it was the last thing Martel and Vecchione wanted to hear. The role Hextall should be looking to fill at this time for is for someone in a scorer's role. Another large, lumbering body is the last thing we need.

The Flyers are devoid of scoring on every line except the first. To deny placing such a player on your roster whether it be by a call up, trade, whatever, only because of size at this point is wrong.

Two more goals? Sorry Mike.

Grow two more inches then we'll talk.
- 77rams

And probably 20lbs more of muscle

Hey Bill, that was a beauty blog. You made some really strong points. I keep watching Konecny fly around like a fart in a hailstorm and shoot wide and accomplish very little. He is oozing with talent but like you say he is only 20. Sanheim will break through once he scores a couple goals, he is getting really close. I have to remark on your Schenn comment. I hated to see Schenn go and I complain regularly but I also am a firm believer he would not have clicked between 93 and 28. There was just too much history of him being shuffled all over the place and nobody in management ever showed real confidence in him. Schenn now has 14 points in the last 6 games and he is getting better every game. This is like Cam Neely being moved out of Vancouver for Barry Pederson. Neely would never have become the player he was in Vancouver as it was not just happening. The break out in Boston is similar to the breakout Schenn is having in STL. I get really frustrated when Flyer fans do not give him the credit he deserves, it is not just Tarasenko and Schwartz, it is the chemistry the line as a whole has and at this point it is one of the top five lines in the nhl, with that crazy TB line leading the way. Once again, great blog, go flyers, shoot down the Flames tomorrow and Brayden Schenn I still love you, lol Super blog Bill and I apologize for the odd criticism of many things Philly wise but I will always be a Flyers diehard.

I would disagree with you on that. It's always about the mix of players. It's dependent on the role a player is going to play. If you're bringing up a player to play a 3rd line role then size is a factor. Size is a factor if you already have a number of smaller players in the lineup. I assure you if the Flyers had a small player with the ability of any of the players you mentioned, his lack of size would not stop them from putting them on the team. It has not stopped them from playing smaller players like Konecny or Weal.
- MJL

I would say with the recent non production of all the small players it would not hurt to sit a couple of them and give Martel and Vechionne a shot. There is really nothing to lose at this point since we are losing every game anyway. Case in point is Gost getting called up due to the injury to Streit and the rest is history. Gost may not have got that opportunity to shine if Streit had not got hurt. Streit never got his job back. You need some size but there is always room for a little guy that can score, ie Alexander DeBrincat is 5'6" 150 pounds and he is scoring on a regular basis as of late for the Hawks, so who says Martel can not do it?

You're just making it up. You don't know that he would make a great addition there. It isn't about a theoretical possibility. It's about the reality of the situation. Your comments about Hakstol and Hextall are irrelevant to the situation. it's not about if they could be wrong or right about it, it's about what they're going to do and how they're going to handle developing players.
- MJL

How would you know MJL? You and Hakstol should just get a, oh never mind I really have a hard time with your Mr Know It all approach to Flyer Hockey. You cease to amaze me with your argumental state of affairs, lol I would be pleased to teach you a few things about the game but then again you seem to know everything.

To help with the scoring problems maybe we could package that guy Frost we drafted last year with next years first from St Louis and one of our top prospects for Brayden Schenn.

But seriously what did we expect when Hextall traded away one of our top scorers from a team with little scoring depth.

I no longer live in philly but have watched most games on center ice for years. I enjoy Bill's articles and have enjoyed reading the banter on here this year.

I appreciate that Hextall has drafted well and hopefully the team can make a push in the next few years.

In the meantime Hextalls free agent signings and trades have been suspect. I am hoping that Hextall brings up some new forward blood from the AHL such as Vechione, Lindblom and Martel to take the rooster spot of Dale Weise. They could each play for a couple of weeks or a month and rotate. Would not hurt their developments to give them at least a taste at this time. It is unlikely they will be worse than Dale and it would at least provide some needed entertainment value at this time.

I was really disappointed to see the league not penalize Komarov for boarding and injuring Ghost. Was there ever an explanation from the league why no suspension occurred? If not the league really owes the fans an explanation on that one.

Thanks.

I was out of town and missed the game. Just saw Gudas trying to decapitate Perrault.

There is no way at all that a play like that shouldn't cost you a half season, at minimum. He could easily have killed the guy or put him into a coma.

But, based on prior DOPS rulings, he'll likely get 5 games and a stern talking to.

If only it was just about if Linblom is equal to or better than Wiese is at this point. Not exactly a high benchmark to reach. It's about more than that.
- MJL

Here is where I disagree. Yes, its about more than that, I get it. Where I disagree is with the idea that, at this point, his development is significantly better served in the AHL. While there may be some benefit to him spending a bit more time in the minors, I don't think it's enough to outweigh the benefit of his coming up and replacing Weise in the lineup. It's not like he's going to be seeing Rinaldo/Lyubimov/Gordon like minutes on the 4th line. Starting his NHL career playing 11-12 minutes on a 3rd line is not a terrible thing. We both know that at some point injuries will occur, they always do. So, at some point, he will likely see an increase in his minutes (if earned) and probably some special teams play as well.

While I understand Hextall's developmental philosophy, he also has to balance that with his duty as General Manager of the Flyers, in putting the best team possible on the ice and giving the Flyers the best chance to succeed. I believe getting Weise out and Lindblom in does that and it outweighs any small benefit that Lindblom may see by staying in the AHL.

Please understand, I don't care if Ron Hextall, Bill Meltzer or anyone else disagrees with me. While I respect Hextall (and Bill as well) greatly, he and his staff are not infallible. In this instance, I believe they are making a mistake in not replacing Weise with Lindblom right now.

I was out of town and missed the game. Just saw Gudas trying to decapitate Perrault.

There is no way at all that a play like that shouldn't cost you a half season, at minimum. He could easily have killed the guy or put him into a coma.

But, based on prior DOPS rulings, he'll likely get 5 games and a stern talking to.
- jmatchett383

He's going to get more than 5. His last suspension was 6 games and was only a year ago. He's looking at anywhere from 8-10 minimum.

My point.

According to Hextall, size would stop him from calling that player up. I hope that's not true and I'm sure it was the last thing Martel and Vecchione wanted to hear. The role Hextall should be looking to fill at this time for is for someone in a scorer's role. Another large, lumbering body is the last thing we need.

The Flyers are devoid of scoring on every line except the first. To deny placing such a player on your roster whether it be by a call up, trade, whatever, only because of size at this point is wrong.
- 77rams

You're completely misconstruing what Hextall is saying.

I would say with the recent non production of all the small players it would not hurt to sit a couple of them and give Martel and Vechionne a shot. There is really nothing to lose at this point since we are losing every game anyway. Case in point is Gost getting called up due to the injury to Streit and the rest is history. Gost may not have got that opportunity to shine if Streit had not got hurt. Streit never got his job back. You need some size but there is always room for a little guy that can score, ie Alexander DeBrincat is 5'6" 150 pounds and he is scoring on a regular basis as of late for the Hawks, so who says Martel can not do it?
- joegreif17

The old nothing to lose player development strategy and team building.

Here is where I disagree. Yes, its about more than that, I get it. Where I disagree is with the idea that, at this point, his development is significantly better served in the AHL. While there may be some benefit to him spending a bit more time in the minors, I don't think it's enough to outweigh the benefit of his coming up and replacing Weise in the lineup. It's not like he's going to be seeing Rinaldo/Lyubimov/Gordon like minutes on the 4th line. Starting his NHL career playing 11-12 minutes on a 3rd line is not a terrible thing. We both know that at some point injuries will occur, they always do. So, at some point, he will likely see an increase in his minutes (if earned) and probably some special teams play as well.

While I understand Hextall's developmental philosophy, he also has to balance that with his duty as General Manager of the Flyers, in putting the best team possible on the ice and giving the Flyers the best chance to succeed. I believe getting Weise out and Lindblom in does that and it outweighs any small benefit that Lindblom may see by staying in the AHL.

Please understand, I don't care if Ron Hextall, Bill Meltzer or anyone else disagrees with me. While I respect Hextall (and Bill as well) greatly, he and his staff are not infallible. In this instance, I believe they are making a mistake in not replacing Weise with Lindblom right now.
- BiggE

In my opinion there is no question at this point that playing top line minutes including the PP in the AHL is a significantly better situation for Lindblom now to develop as a player than being called up to play 10 minutes on the 3rd line. I don't see stating that they're not infallible as making a case for why Lindblom should be called up. At this point in time, I don't see swapping out Wiese for Lindblom making much of an impact.

In my opinion there is no question at this point that playing top line minutes including the PP in the AHL is a significantly better situation for Lindblom now to develop as a player than being called up to play 10 minutes on the 3rd line. I don't see stating that they're not infallible as making a case for why Lindblom should be called up. At this point in time, I don't see swapping out Wiese for Lindblom making much of an impact.
- MJL

Nobody asked your opinion and I am sure nobody cares, skip