Seems like it to me.
- FlyerFan16

Nah I trust Hexy to look elsewhere

So after taking some time to let the Flyers draft weekend sink in a bit, here are my thoughts about what needs to be done before the start of 18-19.

I think the Flyers have come to a crossroads in their overall development. After improving 10 points in the standings and making the playoffs, I believe missing the playoffs in 18-19 would be seen by the fans, and more importantly by Flyers management, as a significant failure and step back.

However, some work remains to be done before I can safely call this team a strong bet to make the playoffs. First, the 3C position must be addressed. They were able to succeed last year with a fading Valteri Filppula holding down that role, but right now, at this moment in time, they don't have anyone in house that can fill that role and bringing back Filppula who will be one year older and slower, is not the solution.

Ideally that player needs to be at least an average skater at the NHL level, have some skill, be a solid penalty killer that can be part of your regular PK rotation and have the ability to at least fill in on the pp and in the top 6 when needed. IMO, there is no one currently in the system that can fill those criteria during the 2018-2019 season.

The other legit issue is goaltending. The goaltending situation heading into next season is a question mark at best. Will Brian Elliott at 33 and coming off of the first significant surgery career, be able to at least equal the level of play that he was sustaining prior to the injury? Will Neuvirth be able to get through the season without a significant injury? Can Alex Lyon succeed at the NHL level? These are all legitimate questions. The last thing I want them to do is rush Carter Hart into a situation that he isn't prepared for, however I'm really not worried about this as it seems like something that would be anathema to Hextall's philosophy on development.

So to sum up, there is a gaping hole at 3C and serious questions about the goaltending. We know that 3 teams from the Atlantic are getting in and last years top 3 along with Florida are all looking pretty good. It's also a pretty safe bet that the Pens and Bluejackets will be good teams next year and while Washington will feel some effects from a Cup hangover, it's tough to see them not making the playoffs. I can see Jersey taking a step back and I'm not sure that Carolina will be much better. However, the Isles, especially if they re-sign JT should be improved and with Uncle Lou in charge they will challenge for a playoff spot.

With all that being said, staying with the status quo and hoping to fill the 3C spot with in house talent coupled with just crossing their fingers and going with Elliott/Neuvirth next season, IMO, is a trip along the highway to the draft lottery.

The D will be better, of that I have no doubt. Also kids like Patrick, TK and Lindblom will be better and I think that Scott Laughton has potential to be a solid 3rd line winger. Wayne Simmonds, as long as he can stay healthy, will be a lot better in 18-19 than he was in 17-18 and I think Couturier, Jake and Giroux will still be the players they were last year. However, if, at the very least, they don't acquire a legit 3C and figure out some way to upgrade the goaltending, I think we could be in for a very disappointing 18-19 season.

There is a lot of time to fix these 2 issues, I'm hoping they do.

So after taking some time to let the Flyers draft weekend sink in a bit, here are my thoughts about what needs to be done before the start of 18-19.

I think the Flyers have come to a crossroads in their overall development. After improving 10 points in the standings and making the playoffs, I believe missing the playoffs in 18-19 would be seen by the fans, and more importantly by Flyers management, as a significant failure and step back.

However, some work remains to be done before I can safely call this team a strong bet to make the playoffs. First, the 3C position must be addressed. They were able to succeed last year with a fading Valteri Filppula holding down that role, but right now, at this moment in time, they don't have anyone in house that can fill that role and bringing back Filppula who will be one year older and slower, is not the solution.

Ideally that player needs to be at least an average skater at the NHL level, have some skill, be a solid penalty killer that can be part of your regular PK rotation and have the ability to at least fill in on the pp and in the top 6 when needed. IMO, there is no one currently in the system that can fill those criteria during the 2018-2019 season.

The other legit issue is goaltending. The goaltending situation heading into next season is a question mark at best. Will Brian Elliott at 33 and coming off of the first significant surgery career, be able to at least equal the level of play that he was sustaining prior to the injury? Will Neuvirth be able to get through the season without a significant injury? Can Alex Lyon succeed at the NHL level? These are all legitimate questions. The last thing I want them to do is rush Carter Hart into a situation that he isn't prepared for, however I'm really not worried about this as it seems like something that would be anathema to Hextall's philosophy on development.

So to sum up, there is a gaping hole at 3C and serious questions about the goaltending. We know that 3 teams from the Atlantic are getting in and last years top 3 along with Florida are all looking pretty good. It's also a pretty safe bet that the Pens and Bluejackets will be good teams next year and while Washington will feel some effects from a Cup hangover, it's tough to see them not making the playoffs. I can see Jersey taking a step back and I'm not sure that Carolina will be much better. However, the Isles, especially if they re-sign JT should be improved and with Uncle Lou in charge they will challenge for a playoff spot.

With all that being said, staying with the status quo and hoping to fill the 3C spot with in house talent coupled with just crossing their fingers and going with Elliott/Neuvirth next season, IMO, is a trip along the highway to the draft lottery.

The D will be better, of that I have no doubt. Also kids like Patrick, TK and Lindblom will be better and I think that Scott Laughton has potential to be a solid 3rd line winger. Wayne Simmonds, as long as he can stay healthy, will be a lot better in 18-19 than he was in 17-18 and I think Couturier, Jake and Giroux will still be the players they were last year. However, if, at the very least, they don't acquire a legit 3C and figure out some way to upgrade the goaltending, I think we could be in for a very disappointing 18-19 season.

There is a lot of time to fix these 2 issues, I'm hoping they do.
- BiggE

You’re spot on. They need to sign one of the bigger name centers in ufa. I think Stastny is wasting breath. I believe he doesn’t want to come east. Bozak is who I’d key on, with Riley nash as a 1b. I would overpay to sign him for 3 years. Yes overpay Tyler bozak. Many peoples eyes will bleed reading that I mentioned it last night saying no way they’d pay a premium for bozak. Well enjoy Laughton as your 3rd line center again...worked out so well last year. Even with resigning our own players in upcoming years, Hextall has managed the cap well to be able to do this. He cannot get wrapped up in term on this player. 3 years max at a hefty cap hit

You’re spot on. They need to sign one of the bigger name centers in ufa. I think Stastny is wasting breath. I believe he doesn’t want to come east. Bozak is who I’d key on, with Riley nash as a 1b. I would overpay to sign him for 3 years. Yes overpay Tyler bozak. Many peoples eyes will bleed reading that I mentioned it last night saying no way they’d pay a premium for bozak. Well enjoy Laughton as your 3rd line center again...worked out so well last year. Even with resigning our own players in upcoming years, Hextall has managed the cap well to be able to do this. He cannot get wrapped up in term on this player. 3 years max at a hefty cap hit
- Just5

That has Dale Weise written all over it.

"bottom-6 role player, only signed for 3 years at a slight overpayment."

That has Dale Weise written all over it.

"bottom-6 role player, only signed for 3 years at a slight overpayment."
- jmatchett383

Well this has been Hexys Achilles heel no doubt. But something has to get done and he’s got to find the right piece at a term that isnt going to hurt this team

You’re spot on. They need to sign one of the bigger name centers in ufa. I think Stastny is wasting breath. I believe he doesn’t want to come east. Bozak is who I’d key on, with Riley nash as a 1b. I would overpay to sign him for 3 years. Yes overpay Tyler bozak. Many peoples eyes will bleed reading that I mentioned it last night saying no way they’d pay a premium for bozak. Well enjoy Laughton as your 3rd line center again...worked out so well last year. Even with resigning our own players in upcoming years, Hextall has managed the cap well to be able to do this. He cannot get wrapped up in term on this player. 3 years max at a hefty cap hit
- Just5

Bozak isn’t much of a PKer, I’d rather have Nash. However either would be a solid upgrade.

Bozak isn’t much of a PKer, I’d rather have Nash. However either would be a solid upgrade.
- BiggE

I know we have pk issues. But bozak can help on pp2 which is just as much of a need. Patrick has pk ability I expect they’ll put him on the units next year.

That has Dale Weise written all over it.

"bottom-6 role player, only signed for 3 years at a slight overpayment."
- jmatchett383

Bozak is a much better player than Dale Weise, he’s a solid 45 point player that can step up on the pp and the top 6 when needed. Weise, OTOH, is a steaming pile of dung with a hot wife

I know we have pk issues. But bozak can help on pp2 which is just as much of a need. Patrick has pk ability I expect they’ll put him on the units next year.
- Just5

Good point. I’d be down with Bozak and I agree that term is much more important than the dollar amount.

Wonder what Ottawa wants for duchesne !!

I see Matt Calvert and Thomas hickey in the flyers future free agent wise

Would really like rousell.

For some odd reason don’t think Ronald does anything goalie wise.

This team is closer to missing the playoffs than winning a round imo

Bozak isn’t much of a PKer, I’d rather have Nash. However either would be a solid upgrade.
- BiggE

Hextall's MO is to key on one free agent and sign. I hope it is Nash, that and Ian Cole, ship out Gudas and lets see what we have.

I do think we will see a point pull back from G, Jake and Coots. More from G and a small pullback from the other 2 point

TK, Laughton, Sanheim, Lindbolm, Patrick and one surprise from the system will need to step up for the Flyers to get into the dance.

article on Philly.com saying in an interview Hextall appears determined to add through free agency or trade

Hextall's MO is to key on one free agent and sign. I hope it is Nash, that and Ian Cole, ship out Gudas and lets see what we have.

I do think we will see a point pull back from G, Jake and Coots. More from G and a small pullback from the other 2 point

TK, Laughton, Sanheim, Lindbolm, Patrick and one surprise from the system will need to step up for the Flyers to get into the dance.

article on Philly.com saying in an interview Hextall appears determined to add through free agency or trade
- wcorvette

All good points. I think any drops in production from G, Jake or Coots should be more than made up by having a healthy Simmonds, and from increased production from TK, Patrick, Lindblom, Sanheim and possibly Laughton. Some guys that could contribute from LHV would likely by Myers, Vecchione and Aube-Kubel along with possibly Vorobyev.

I'd be fine with Riley Nash as the 3C and would much rather have Ian Cole than Gudas on this team. I also think there is a trade that could be made to upgrade the goaltending a bit too. St. Louis may be ready to move on from Jake Allen and in the past, he worked well with Brian Elliott. If they can get a 3rd for Gudas, which would give them 3 in the 2019 draft, I'd offer a 2nd and Neuvirth for Allen and, with the Flyers having ample cap room this season, I'd even be willing to retain some of Neuvirth's cap hit to make the deal a little sweeter for St. Louis.

Wonder what Ottawa wants for duchesne !!

I see Matt Calvert and Thomas hickey in the flyers future free agent wise

Would really like rousell.

For some odd reason don’t think Ronald does anything goalie wise.

This team is closer to missing the playoffs than winning a round imo
- rinaldo

I would kick tires on Anderson. Offer Neuvirth and Stolarz and see if Ottawa will eat some $$. Also explore UFA with Lehner and Bernier but they've had reps of being difficult in the past.

I would kick tires on Anderson. Offer Neuvirth and Stolarz and see if Ottawa will eat some $$. Also explore UFA with Lehner and Bernier but they've had reps of being difficult in the past.
- Baxter27

I'd be fine with Anderson, he's still a good goalie and much more durable than Neuvirth. Also, his wife received her cancer treatments in Philly, and they would probably be very happy to come here.

edit: have little or no interest in Bernier and even less on Lehner who is reported to be head case.

I'd be fine with Anderson, he's still a good goalie and much more durable than Neuvirth. Also, his wife received her cancer treatments in Philly, and they would probably be very happy to come here.

edit: have little or no interest in Bernier and even less on Lehner who is reported to be head case.
- BiggE

Looking at his career numbers it seems less is more with Anderson. Does his best with a light work load. That could fit it real nice with Eliott.

Schenn is a proven 20+ goal scorer in the nhl and a well above average player. Let’s not spike the football on the trade yet.

It is certainly favorable, but to flippantly say that the trade is already a win is premature.
- StepfordSam

I agree but as you look at the trade you can see why it was made. Schenn would not have gotten the Flyers the cup, with the 2 pieces they picked up the Flyers should be really good in the coming years. When the Flyers up and coming pieces are all hitting 22-25, Schenn will be approaching 30

Looking at his career numbers it seems less is more with Anderson. Does his best with a light work load. That could fit it real nice with Eliott.
- Baxter27

That's what I'm thinking. Everyone thinks you have to have prototypical #1 going into the playoffs, but I think that's a load of bunk. As long as both goalies are down with being part of a tandem, then just rotate them all year and right into the playoffs. If one gets particularly hot, sure you roll with him for a few consecutive games, but none of those ridiculous streaks of 14 out of 15 starts that Hak has done with goalies here in the past and you don't start either in both of a back to back.

I would kick tires on Anderson. Offer Neuvirth and Stolarz and see if Ottawa will eat some $$. Also explore UFA with Lehner and Bernier but they've had reps of being difficult in the past.
- Baxter27

Them
Being Ottawa likely won’t want to eat money!! Cheap bastards.

Send them Weiss glass joe and 4th...unlikely but what can u do

All good points. I think any drops in production from G, Jake or Coots should be more than made up by having a healthy Simmonds, and from increased production from TK, Patrick, Lindblom, Sanheim and possibly Laughton. Some guys that could contribute from LHV would likely by Myers, Vecchione and Aube-Kubel along with possibly Vorobyev.

I'd be fine with Riley Nash as the 3C and would much rather have Ian Cole than Gudas on this team. I also think there is a trade that could be made to upgrade the goaltending a bit too. St. Louis may be ready to move on from Jake Allen and in the past, he worked well with Brian Elliott. If they can get a 3rd for Gudas, which would give them 3 in the 2019 draft, I'd offer a 2nd and Neuvirth for Allen and, with the Flyers having ample cap room this season, I'd even be willing to retain some of Neuvirth's cap hit to make the deal a little sweeter for St. Louis.
- BiggE

agree on the goalie, I do get a strange feeling Nuevy is actaully healthy this year, just dont see him on the Flyers.

agree on the goalie, I do get a strange feeling Nuevy is actaully healthy this year, just dont see him on the Flyers.
- wcorvette

Hard to believe that Neuvirth can get through a whole season without at least one visit to the IR, but you never know.

I agree but as you look at the trade you can see why it was made. Schenn would not have gotten the Flyers the cup, with the 2 pieces they picked up the Flyers should be really good in the coming years. When the Flyers up and coming pieces are all hitting 22-25, Schenn will be approaching 30
- wcorvette

How old will clode Jake #14 and Wayne be?

I actually think Hextall might get something done after listening to his comments. He seemed a little pissed that teams wanted his best prospects for one year guys. I’m not really enamoured with any of the UFA’s to be honest that aren’t named Taveras. But I’d rather have a Bozak, then another year of Filpula any day. Hextall also hinted at adding to the top 4 in D and adding a vet back there as well. A upgrade over Gudas and Macdonald would definitely help.

agree on the goalie, I do get a strange feeling Nuevy is actaully healthy this year, just dont see him on the Flyers.
- wcorvette

For how long?

Them
Being Ottawa likely won’t want to eat money!! Cheap bastards.

Send them Weiss glass joe and 4th...unlikely but what can u do
- rinaldo

I’d do Weise and Nuevy for Anderson.

Hard to believe that Neuvirth can get through a whole season without at least one visit to the IR, but you never know.
- BiggE

if he stays and is healthy, which is a big IF, he could be the surprise we need for the season. If Nuevy doesnt have a good season his career is likely over in the NHL.

40 games min and healthy for the playoffs would be nice