Weber (27yrs old) for eight years isnt terrible cause he will be 35 when the deal is over. The only thing that worries me is that a player of his caliber (who is physical) seem to wear down. Its a risk to sign any player to that long of a contract.
- stveshdy

Pronger helped lead the Flyers to the SCF at age 35. Scott Stevens was playing at a very high level after age 35. I'd have zero worries about Shea Weber on a 10 year deal signed this summer.

Also Weber's only 26 right now. He turns 27 this summer.

I'm looking at that as well as a possible free agent addition either this summer or next. Who knows if Pronger wakes up in a week or so, feels great and has no setbacks. If he can play next year-maybe unlikely, but not impossible-then you have $4.91mm on the salary cap and little room to hang onto a Suter or whomever.

So not only would you have traded assets to land the guy, you'd be moving more out to fit him under the cap.

Now say they get a guy like Luke Schenn. He's signed for a few years, at a reasonable cap hit and only 22. There's certainly others, such as Jack Johnson, who could be had according to rumors.
- Jsaquella

I would like the Flyers to add a player like Grossman or Boychuk in free agency this summer.

I would like the Flyers to add a player like Grossman or Boychuk in free agency this summer.
- stveshdy

If they don't have Pronger, I'd like to see a guy like Suter or Weber. Grossman or Boychuk would be solid adds as depth guys, but neither is a number one defenseman.

Pronger helped lead the Flyers to the SCF at age 35. Scott Stevens was playing at a very high level after age 35. I'd have zero worries about Shea Weber on a 10 year deal signed this summer.

Also Weber's only 26 right now. He turns 27 this summer.
- Jsaquella

Thats fine that we are naming guys who did play at a high level but each player is different. Im sure there are other players who didnt play at a high level either. 10 year contract would make Weber 37yrs old before the contract expires. Its a risk your going to take bc you never know what will happen. Im not against anything you are saying, I personally dont like long-term contracts.

If they don't have Pronger, I'd like to see a guy like Suter or Weber. Grossman or Boychuk would be solid adds as depth guys, but neither is a number one defenseman.
- Jsaquella

If you dont land Suter who else out on the market is a number one defenseman? The Flyers will have to add guys who can play solid minutes. I actually would like to add both if possible. Your going to need to replace Carle and possible Pronger. The Flyers cant put all their eggs in one basket bc Suter is going to cost a fortune when you have the rest of the league bidding for his services. I still Nashville tries to sign Weber long term.

Thats fine that we are naming guys who did play at a high level but each player is different. Im sure there are other players who didnt play at a high level either. 10 year contract would make Weber 37yrs old before the contract expires. Its a risk your going to take bc you never know what will happen. Im not against anything you are saying, I personally dont like long-term contracts.
- stveshdy

As long as the long term isn't handed out to every Tom, Richard or Harry I'm fine with them.

Handing a 10 year deal to Weber, it's not the same as giving a ten year deal to Johnny Oduya. I'm giving examples of players similar to Weber that played at a high level in their mid to late 30's. I'm not using guys like Lidstrom because he's not physical like Weber.

If you dont land Suter who else out on the market is a number one defenseman? The Flyers will have to add guys who can play solid minutes. I actually would like to add both if possible. Your going to need to replace Carle and possible Pronger. The Flyers cant put all their eggs in one basket bc Suter is going to cost a fortune when you have the rest of the league bidding for his services. I still Nashville tries to sign Weber long term.
- stveshdy

A lot depends on the cap and the demands of the various players. Is Suter worth signing to a long deal to mitigate the cap hit? Would Carle accept a Coburn sized deal? Can they make a trade in the summer to add somebody?

Grossman or Boychuk would help, no matter if you added Suter or not. But at the same time, adding them and saying they're the Pronger replacement isn't being realistic.

weber 106 mph slapshot, git homer

A lot depends on the cap and the demands of the various players. Is Suter worth signing to a long deal to mitigate the cap hit? Would Carle accept a Coburn sized deal? Can they make a trade in the summer to add somebody?

Grossman or Boychuk would help, no matter if you added Suter or not. But at the same time, adding them and saying they're the Pronger replacement isn't being realistic.
- Jsaquella

The Flyers may never get the Pronger replacement. You can only add what is available. Even if you add Suter your not replacing Pronger cause Suters game is comparable to Timmonen.

The Flyers may never get the Pronger replacement. You can only add what is available. Even if you add Suter your not replacing Pronger cause Suters game is comparable to Timmonen.
- stveshdy

No, you're not replacing Pronger, but you would be adding a top pair defenseman who plays a very good two way game and has a bit of a nasty streak.

What I am saying is that neither Grossman or Boychuk is really a top pair guy. There's only a handful of guys that could truly replace Pronger. Weber, maybe Brent Seabrook.

No, you're not replacing Pronger, but you would be adding a top pair defenseman who plays a very good two way game and has a bit of a nasty streak.

What I am saying is that neither Grossman or Boychuk is really a top pair guy. There's only a handful of guys that could truly replace Pronger. Weber, maybe Brent Seabrook.
- Jsaquella

If Nashville lets Suter walk (which I believe will happen) there is no way that they allow Weber to go also. They will give Weber whatever he wants. So realistically the Flyers are going to have to bid against every other team to get Suter. Im expecting him to be vastly overpaid with too many years on his contract. I dont have an idea to what the Flyers should do.

Edit: They need to upgrade somehow. So obviously they cant have their cake and eat it to (when it comes to years and contract).

If Nashville lets Suter walk (which I believe will happen) there is no way that they allow Weber to go also. They will give Weber whatever he wants. So realistically the Flyers are going to have to bid against every other team to get Suter. Im expecting him to be vastly overpaid with too many years on his contract. I dont have an idea to what the Flyers should do.

Edit: They need to upgrade somehow. So obviously they cant have their cake and eat it to (when it comes to years and contract).
- stveshdy

All I am saying is, while Boychuk or Grossman would be good additions to just about any NHL team, neither is a number one defenseman. Suter is. The fact is, teams will overpay for Grossman, Boychuk and Suter. If I have to overpay, I want to overpay for a number one defenseman, not a number 3 or 4 defenseman.

I don't think they'll mind handing Suter an 8 or 10 year deal, either.

The last part is especially true. I don't think that the offer is enough to pry him, even if Nashville was willing to deal Weber.

But theoretically, the deal proposed is upgrading Coburn at the cost of JvR. Plus with trading the 1st rounder, I'd be loathe to move another pick for Gill
- Jsaquella

Regarding Weber and Nashville's standings... If they don't think Weber isn't going to be a long term option, a trade may help then in both short term and long term.

Let's just say it is Coburn, JVR, and a 1st for Weber. What does Nashville need - more offense; 1) Money that's 4.85M for 7.5M - giving Nashville more money 2.65 for more offense via another trade/upgrade. 2) Coburn is a good defenseman - His shot is a considerable downgrade from Weber, but he can move the puck and is not that much downgrade in their own zone. 3) the offensive that they lose in Weber is more than made up for by JVR. And, 4) The pick is icing on the cake, to secure the long term win.

I don't think this is a bad deal for Nashville. It's fair - but, what can they get elsewhere? If Nashville asked for anything more it's not worth it. Because Weber is a RFA - I'd start with Carle instead of Coburn, and make the pick conditional (upon Weber resigning).

The Flyers should think long a hard about that deal... They lose good 2 players plus pick for one very expensive player. One expensive player is just a groin pull, torn ACL, concussion from screw up the season - not to mention the cap implications. With Pronger's Salary in limbo, I can't see the Flyers making the trade. A first round pick should not be causally given away... We got Couturier, Giroux, etc.. with 1st rounders. JVR upside could be something the Flyers regret trading.

All I am saying is, while Boychuk or Grossman would be good additions to just about any NHL team, neither is a number one defenseman. Suter is. The fact is, teams will overpay for Grossman, Boychuk and Suter. If I have to overpay, I want to overpay for a number one defenseman, not a number 3 or 4 defenseman.

I don't think they'll mind handing Suter an 8 or 10 year deal, either.
- Jsaquella

I'm a little more leery of handing that type of deal to Suter then I am Weber. Weber I would have zero reservations. Suter is very good, but I don't think he's in Weber's class. I don't think Suter is in Pronger's class either. So I guess it depends on what type of Cap hit you want to, and can take on.

Regarding Weber and Nashville's standings... If they don't think Weber isn't going to be a long term option, a trade may help then in both short term and long term.

Let's just say it is Coburn, JVR, and a 1st for Weber. What does Nashville need - more offense; 1) Money that's 4.85M for 7.5M - giving Nashville more money 2.65 for more offense via another trade/upgrade. 2) Coburn is a good defenseman - His shot is a considerable an downgrade from Weber, but he can move the puck and is not that much downgrade in their own zone. 3) the offensive that they lose in Weber is more than made up for by JVR. And, 4) The pick is icing on the cake, to secure the long term win.

I don't think this is a bad deal for Nashville. It's fair - but, what can they get elsewhere? If Nashville asked for anything more it's not worth it. Because Weber is a RFA - I'd start with Carle instead of Coburn, and make the pick conditional (upon Weber resigning).

The Flyers should think long a hard about that deal... They lose good 2 players plus pick for one very expensive player. One expensive player is just a groin pull, torn ACL, concussion from screw up the season - not to mention the cap implications. With Pronger's Salary in limbo, I can't see the Flyers making the trade. A first round pick should not be causally given away... We got Couturier, Giroux, etc.. with 1st rounders. JVR upside could be something the Flyers regret trading.
- leon neon

It's not a good deal for Nashville. I like Coburn, and he's a good player. But he is a considerable downgrade in all areas, including in the defensive end, to Weber. And a Forward doesn't make up for offense on the backend. Different positions. If Nashville trades Weber, they can get a much better deal then that.

It's not a good deal for Nashville. I like Coburn, and he's a good player. But he is a considerable downgrade in all areas, including in the defensive end, to Weber. And a Forward doesn't make up for offense on the backend. Different positions. If Nashville trades Weber, they can get a much better deal then that.
- MJL

They need offense - all around... JVR would help them. So, what if they are -8 goals from the point but gain 11 goals up front with JVR.

I was stating both sides... I don't think it's a good deal for the Flyers either - too high risk. I'd pass.

They need offense - all around... JVR would help them. So, what if they are -8 goals from the point but gain 11 goals up front with JVR.

I was stating both sides... I don't think it's a good deal for the Flyers either - too high risk. I'd pass.
- leon neon

They need offense in addition to keeping Weber and Suter to be a legitimate Cup team. Not instead of Weber and/or Suter.

It's a very good deal for the Flyers, in fact it's a flat out steal for Weber. It would take me all of a second to agree to that deal.

Iafrate, MacInnis or Dave Manson probably would have been capable of 110 MPH shots if they used composite sticks instead of wood.
- bmeltzer

Capturing my youth right there, they were larger than life with those bombs from the point.

I think the Preds view themselves as a Cup contender. I think they will be buyers not sellers.

If the Flyers crave Weber/Suter I think it will have to happen this summer.

I'm guessing Homer will be kicking tires on the Gleason,Allen, Sutton, Grossman type dmen.

Just my guess. That said it's the Flyers so nothing would shock me.

I think the Preds view themselves as a Cup contender. I think they will be buyers not sellers.

If the Flyers crave Weber/Suter I think it will have to happen this summer.

I'm guessing Homer will be kicking tires on the Gleason,Allen, Sutton, Grossman type dmen.

Just my guess. That said it's the Flyers so nothing would shock me.
- Buts16

All I know is if Weber/Suter are made available at any time. Whether it's the deadline or in the Summer. I fully expect the Flyers to be bidders.

I noticed that Roo and Hartnell gave a salute when they were introduced last night. Was that a nod to Jagr?

They need offense in addition to keeping Weber and Suter to be a legitimate Cup team. Not instead of Weber and/or Suter.

It's a very good deal for the Flyers, in fact it's a flat out steal for Weber. It would take me all of a second to agree to that deal.
- MJL

To get any sort of step change in offense (enough to be a "legitmate Cup team"), they will need to trade away assets... Their assets lie in defensive corp (Suter / Weber), and picks to a lesser degree. They are not going to be even close to a favorite for the cup. So, it doesn't make sense to "sell the farm", by packaging up young defenseman, or prospects to pry away a player that could make a difference.

I would not make the trade if I was the Flyers, because of cap issues. We don't need 7.5M defenseman - I don't care who it is... Many fans complain about the Flyer's (Homers) cap management skills - how the cap handcuffs us. Picking up Weber would put a strain on the cap situation, with huge implications for next year. And, like I said... Pronger's ~5M could come back on the pay roll tomorrow or worse case he could retire and screw us long term.

I noticed that Roo and Hartnell gave a salute when they were introduced last night. Was that a nod to Jagr?
- Dkos

No, they were recognizing Mike Rupp's irrelevance from the Winter Classic.

All I know is if Weber/Suter are made available at any time. Whether it's the deadline or in the Summer. I fully expect the Flyers to be bidders.
- MJL

I have no doubt the Flyers will be involved.

I just don't think it will be in the next month but who knows.

Read yesterday, (can't remember where) Briere and JVR aren't even cleared to skate yet, so they are nowhere near returning.