You can't put too much into Hextall's track record... The first two years, he was still dealing with Holmgrens contacts and wrestling with the cap. Only now is the cap starting to free up - but, he can't play with it too much because of the up and coming contracts from the stars he drafted.
- leon neon

Part of the issue is that we have all been taught to expect the Flyers to do something dramatic to "win now." In my opinion, we are in a good position. Our system has a few strong prospects in it and our young NHL core is still developing. I really think our biggest issue (mine especially) is having the patience to see how this all plays out. Sucks when division rivals are lifting Lord Stanely's Cup, but we will get our turn. I haven't felt this good about our future since we were "awarded" Lindros.

I love the fact that Provy was brought to tears after the playoff loss. TK is the best #11 since Ron Flockhart. Carter Hart may realize the promise of Pelle. Patrick could be Richards and Carter combined. As fans, we don't always get to see the locker room dynamic and the influence G, Simmer and even AMac has on these kids. So many good things. Now if we could just get rid of Weise, Lehtera, Gudas, Nuevy, etc...

I tend to agree. Both have 50-60 games in the AHL. We don't have a strong chance of a cup next year... give the kids a shot and experience. Let them make their mistakes on a down season. How much damage can they do at 3C?
- leon neon

lol

I don't think it is worth ruling out Rubtsov from making the team this year. His defensive game is well developed and coach will probably consider him "reliable". We all know what happens with reliable players under Hak.
- bighandsome91

nah

The person who is commenting on something other than the players need to add weight is the person making it into something more.

Of course it is your opinion, why is that in question? My comments were based on your opinion of he needed to add weight. My opinion is that it would be nice but he does not need to. The word need is pretty self explanatory.

The reference to other players is simply that many players play at that weight, and if you're a good player, you're a good player whether you weight 180 or 190. Adding weight will not necessarily make him a better player.
- MJL

Not to jump into this argument (which your both basically on the same side...)

I agree in the fact that any specific player can play at any weight... Heavier does not necessarily make them "better" in many aspects of the word. However, if heavier means more muscle. Then, you "could" translate this to harder to remove from the puck, win battles in the corners, harder hitting, and possibly more durable... However, with the heavier weight - you must work to improve these skills. If the player shy's away from contact, then the heavier weight is unless.

In regard to Frost or any 18-19 year old... I think the "heavier" is better, specifically in the durability category. We don't need a thundering check to Frost creating an injury. I'd rather a solid, heavier Frost - dare I say it... to weather the storm.

Not to jump into this argument (which your both basically on the same side...)

I agree in the fact that any specific player can play at any weight... Heavier does not necessarily make them "better" in many aspects of the word. However, if heavier means more muscle. Then, you "could" translate this to harder to remove from the puck, win battles in the corners, harder hitting, and possibly more durable... However, with the heavier weight - you must work to improve these skills. If the player shy's away from contact, then the heavier weight is unless.

In regard to Frost or any 18-19 year old... I think the "heavier" is better, specifically in the durability category. We don't need a thundering check to Frost creating an injury. I'd rather a solid, heavier Frost - dare I say it... to weather the storm.
- leon neon

pretty funny right there

so true I listed all the 1st round picks from Provy till now, #1 D and almost a complete top 6 O.

Frost will have to really blow the doors off not to be sent back, going back will be good too, he will play for Canada
- wcorvette

The greatest benefit for Frost is another year in Juniors. Represent Canada on the world stage, lead the league in scoring. Get stronger. You better believe this is Ron's thinking as well. There is no rush, unless, of course, he is that unbelievable in camp. I think he is a year away from realistically making the club.

The greatest benefit for Frost is another year in Juniors. Represent Canada on the world stage, lead the league in scoring. Get stronger. You better believe this is Ron's thinking as well. There is no rush, unless, of course, he is that unbelievable in camp. I think he is a year away from realistically making the club.
- cdearth23

agreed, but I sure hope he lights it up and stays...

Calgary never said Johnny Hockey needed to add weight. If Frost impresses at camp, then we will have a tough decision to make. It is nice that we have the option to send him back to junior to let him develop more. Patience. I have to keep telling myself that we are still a few seasons off. As these kids start to hit, we will all be in our glory.
- cdearth23

Not to get into too much of this debate, but the comparison of Frost and Johnny Hockey isn't a good one in my opinion. They play the game very differently. Plus Gaudreau was a few years older, playing against stronger competition.

Not to get into too much of this debate, but the comparison of Frost and Johnny Hockey isn't a good one in my opinion. They play the game very differently. Plus Gaudreau was a few years older, playing against stronger competition.
- VladDrag

please get into the debate, it is the off-season we need some intensity

please get into the debate, it is the off-season we need some intensity
- wcorvette

Fite me

Fite me
- VladDrag

can't, so far I agree with you

Not to get into too much of this debate, but the comparison of Frost and Johnny Hockey isn't a good one in my opinion. They play the game very differently. Plus Gaudreau was a few years older, playing against stronger competition.
- VladDrag

Good point. My point is that Gudreau is tiny for the NHL regardless of position. If Frost is going to be a center, then yes, he needs to get stronger. If we can stick him on wing for the first few years, then it's a non-issue. Johnny is listed as 5'9" and 157. I think that was Ralph Macchaio's exact measurements when he made Karate Kid as a 40 year old...

If he can play, he can play regardless of height and weight.

I don't think it is worth ruling out Rubtsov from making the team this year. His defensive game is well developed and coach will probably consider him "reliable". We all know what happens with reliable players under Hak.
- bighandsome91

He'll look great skating in a straight lane up and down the ice, dumping the puck in at the red line.

Good point. My point is that Gudreau is tiny for the NHL regardless of position. If Frost is going to be a center, then yes, he needs to get stronger. If we can stick him on wing for the first few years, then it's a non-issue. Johnny is listed as 5'9" and 157. I think that was Ralph Macchaio's exact measurements when he made Karate Kid as a 40 year old...
- cdearth23

Ralpah Macchio wasn't Russian, so he didn't have to lie about his age.

Provorov is pushing a healthy 73.

Ralpah Macchio wasn't Russian, so he didn't have to lie about his age.

Provorov is pushing a healthy 73.
- jmatchett383

I want to see Provy drop the gloves and drop an unsuspecting punk. He does this intense boxing workout in the offseason. He could be a miniature Ivan Drago. But speaks better English.

Is Seattle expansion within 3 years? If so, I don’t think Frost makes it this year so he’s automatically protected / not eligible for expansion.

Edit: If Not* not so

Good point. My point is that Gudreau is tiny for the NHL regardless of position. If Frost is going to be a center, then yes, he needs to get stronger. If we can stick him on wing for the first few years, then it's a non-issue. Johnny is listed as 5'9" and 157. I think that was Ralph Macchaio's exact measurements when he made Karate Kid as a 40 year old...

If he can play, he can play regardless of height and weight.
- cdearth23

I don't mind if Frost starts on the wing, but he's a center. I think you get the most out of him as a center.

Is Seattle expansion within 3 years? If so, I don’t think Frost makes it this year so he’s automatically protected / not eligible for expansion.
- arichardson22

sneaky good post.

answer?

Do you think the Flyers would like him to add weight? Do you think the Flyers are building his work out and diet to add weight? Do you think they Flyers believe if he adds 5-10 the right way, it will make him a better player?
- wcorvette

I think the Flyers want every player to follow a sound nutrition and physical fitness program to keep a high level of physical fitness. I think the Flyers want every young player to mature physically and get stronger. Adding weight will not necessarily make a player better. Too much weight could affect a players quickness and agility. None of that points to Frost NEEDing to gain 8-10 lbs.

I don't mind if Frost starts on the wing, but he's a center. I think you get the most out of him as a center.
- VladDrag

Agreed.

Ralpah Macchio wasn't Russian, so he didn't have to lie about his age.

Provorov is pushing a healthy 73.
- jmatchett383

Idk Denisenko looks just like him...

sneaky good post.
- wcorvette

Great point. And in all honesty, will Frost making the squad out of camp this year make or break us? Unfortunately, I think we know that answer.

Now if there is some type of chemical spill off the coast or in the back bay of Sea Isle during the rookie camp and these kids all grow tremendously before the season, then all bets are off.

agreed, but I sure hope he lights it up and stays...
- wcorvette

What happens if he doesn’t light it up?

I see Vancouver did not extend an offer to Poulliot, but may bring him back on a one year deal as a UFA. Would he be of interest at all. Not sure why he has not panned out, watched him at the WJC and he was very good there.

I think the Flyers want every player to follow a sound nutrition and physical fitness program to keep a high level of physical fitness. I think the Flyers want every young player to mature physically and get stronger. Adding weight will not necessarily make a player better. Too much weight could affect a players quickness and agility. None of that points to Frost NEEDing to gain 8-10 lbs.
- MJL

yeah that is what I believe, I think that is pretty obvious. I don't think I am to far off, maybe you could call the Flyers and ask? I am sure Hak is still taking your calls.

The point is you took my word (needs) and decided to twist it to maker it appear that i was saying frost has has to or else. For "NEEDS" to be that meaningful of a word in what I wrote, there would have to be some sort of stated or inferred consequence if he didn't gain the weight.

You did not answer the questions, you danced around them by saying the Flyers want every player to follow etc etc. Just what you do.

one more time for you, my opinion is the Flyers want him to add weight, about 10 pounds. While I could have used a different word than "needs" I am pretty sure most intelligent folk would know what I meant.