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Forums :: Blog World :: Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: 2/8/12
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steelydan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Philly, PA
Joined: 04.16.2009

Feb 8 @ 5:58 PM ET
Whats he do exactly?

Move the puck?

Not be an an ass but the Flyers need physical stay at home d-men. Not puck movers. Playing DEFENSE is not the strength of JJ and thats an issue for me.

- flyer_nutter


So other than Kimmo, who is the Flyers' puck-moving D-man? Also, when is Kimmo's last year? Also, Do the Flyers have a chance to upgrade the defense if Carle decides to walk? Also, is Pronger expected to sit on LTIR for the rest of the career, at this point of his injury?

Not sure if you see a trend, but our defense is pretty much written in magnadoodle. Jack Johnson, a young defenseman with above-average offensive talent, completely makes sense in this team's defensive future. Either Kimmo retires after next year or signs for reasonably less. Carle will likely walk seeing as what the current market is for a #2-#3 defenseman. Pronger could have very well played his last game and spend the length of his contract on LTIR. All of a sudden, your defense is Coburn, Meszy, and perhaps Kimmo.

There is cap space, and there is room for a project like JJ on this team. If he develops and becomes more responsible than people give him credit for, it's a bargain. If he doesn't pan out, then a puck-moving d-man is always a commodity at the trade deadline, defensively-sound or not (see 2012 Flyers ).
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 5:59 PM ET
Gill is a teddy bear to me.

Coburn is not your typical stay at home d-man, and lacks a consistent snarl to his game. They need a guy who will bring that most nights, and Coburn does not.

Meszaros well he can be a dominant player, and also play like absolute poop.

I'll put it this way, if Coburn and Meszaros are such good d-men, or they are solid stay at home guys, why is that still a huge area of concern. You spend your money fixing your biggest needs.

Adding JJ to me is basically like going out and spending money on a goal scorer. Sure it helps, but doesnt do enough to fix the biggest issue your team has.

- flyer_nutter


What specifically as far as area of concern are you referring to? What's the biggest need?
Schenn2shine
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 07.26.2011

Feb 8 @ 5:59 PM ET
Gill is a teddy bear to me.

Coburn is not your typical stay at home d-man, and lacks a consistent snarl to his game. They need a guy who will bring that most nights, and Coburn does not.

Meszaros well he can be a dominant player, and also play like absolute poop.

I'll put it this way, if Coburn and Meszaros are such good d-men, or they are solid stay at home guys, why is that still a huge area of concern. You spend your money fixing your biggest needs.

Adding JJ to me is basically like going out and spending money on a goal scorer. Sure it helps, but doesnt do enough to fix the biggest issue your team has.

- flyer_nutter

Exactly
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:00 PM ET
So other than Kimmo, who is the Flyers' puck-moving D-man? Also, when is Kimmo's last year? Also, Do the Flyers have a chance to upgrade the defense if Carle decides to walk? Also, is Pronger expected to sit on LTIR for the rest of the career, at this point of his injury?

Not sure if you see a trend, but our defense is pretty much written in magnadoodle. Jack Johnson, a young defenseman with above-average offensive talent, completely makes sense in this team's defensive future. Either Kimmo retires after next year or signs for reasonably less. Carle will likely walk seeing as what the current market is for a #2-#3 defenseman. Pronger could have very well played his last game and spend the length of his contract on LTIR. All of a sudden, your defense is Coburn, Meszy, and perhaps Kimmo.

There is cap space, and there is room for a project like JJ on this team. If he develops and becomes more responsible than people give him credit for, it's a bargain. If he doesn't pan out, then a puck-moving d-man is always a commodity at the trade deadline, defensively-sound or not (see 2012 Flyers ).

- steelydan



flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:01 PM ET
So other than Kimmo, who is the Flyers' puck-moving D-man? Also, when is Kimmo's last year? Also, Do the Flyers have a chance to upgrade the defense if Carle decides to walk? Also, is Pronger expected to sit on LTIR for the rest of the career, at this point of his injury?

Not sure if you see a trend, but our defense is pretty much written in magnadoodle. Jack Johnson, a young defenseman with above-average offensive talent, completely makes sense in this team's defensive future. Either Kimmo retires after next year or signs for reasonably less. Carle will likely walk seeing as what the current market is for a #2-#3 defenseman. Pronger could have very well played his last game and spend the length of his contract on LTIR. All of a sudden, your defense is Coburn, Meszy, and perhaps Kimmo.

There is cap space, and there is room for a project like JJ on this team. If he develops and becomes more responsible than people give him credit for, it's a bargain. If he doesn't pan out, then a puck-moving d-man is always a commodity at the trade deadline, defensively-sound or not (see 2012 Flyers ).

- steelydan


I'd rather spend the money on guys like Murray, Boychuk, Giordano.

Hell id rather overpay for Weber or Suter, maybe even Carle. I think there are other options that have to be seriously explored before making a rush decision and getting JJ. Dont throw out money so eagerly.

The Flyers are winning poop this season. Make moves to fix the D in the off-season.
steelydan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Philly, PA
Joined: 04.16.2009

Feb 8 @ 6:01 PM ET

- MJL


Everytime you give me thumbs up, I put a star on my chart. I think I'm up to 3 this week!
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:03 PM ET
Everytime you give me thumbs up, I put a star on my chart. I think I'm up to 3 this week!
- steelydan


I call it like I see it. Good stuff!
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:04 PM ET
What specifically as far as area of concern are you referring to? What's the biggest need?
- MJL


Biggest need to me is a CONSISTENTLY physical stay at home d-man who can play around 20 minutes a night.

Realistically I would be willing to gamble on Schenn. A lot more than I would on JJ.
steelydan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Philly, PA
Joined: 04.16.2009

Feb 8 @ 6:05 PM ET
I'd rather spend the money on guys like Murray, Boychuk, Giordano.

Hell id rather overpay for Weber or Suter, maybe even Carle. I think there are other options that have to be seriously explored before making a rush decision and getting JJ. Dont throw out money so eagerly.

The Flyers are winning poop this season. Make moves to fix the D in the off-season.

- flyer_nutter


Hey, if those guys make sense, I'm all for it. However, Nashville management has made it known they're are *intent* on re-upping both of those guys. Is that a guarantee? No. But what happens if they do? What are we left with come free agency?

The Flyers are in 4th and aren't far out from 1st. No reason to believe that they can't make a run in the playoffs. Sign up a guy like JJ, and he could spark the powerplay, which goes a long way in the playoffs. Or maybe we trade for him and enjoy a 1st round exit to the Pens. Either way, whether you are upgrading on February 8th or July 8th, the end result is the same. If JJ can be had for a solid price (1st plus low-level prospect), I see no reason to sit idle.

steelydan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Philly, PA
Joined: 04.16.2009

Feb 8 @ 6:06 PM ET
Biggest need to me is a CONSISTENTLY physical stay at home d-man who can play around 20 minutes a night.

Realistically I would be willing to gamble on Schenn. A lot more than I would on JJ.

- flyer_nutter


I don't see why Meszy or Coburn don't satisfy that role for you. If anything, trading for a JJ simply takes Gus or MAB off the ice and makes the defense more solid.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:07 PM ET
Biggest need to me a CONSISTENTLY physical stay at home d-man who can play around 20 minutes a night.

Realistically I would be willing to gamble on Schenn. A lot more than I would on JJ.

- flyer_nutter



I think it's a need this year due to losing Pronger. But realistically with the defense they have right now, they don't need a guy that can play 20 minutes. They need a solid veteran that can help out on the PK and play solid defensively to add depth such as Allen. When you make a move for a player like Johnson, that's a move for the future, not so much for right now. This team needs to plan for the future
2Real
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: IT'S GRITTIN TIME, CA
Joined: 07.14.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:09 PM ET
Jack Johnson is a minus player. Not just that, he's a huge minus player.
- Schenn2shine

mike green is a huge plus player so i can assume he's one of the best defensively sounded players in the league right?
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:10 PM ET
Hey, if those guys make sense, I'm all for it. However, Nashville management has made it known they're are *intent* on re-upping both of those guys. Is that a guarantee? No. But what happens if they do? What are we left with come free agency?

The Flyers are in 4th and aren't far out from 1st. No reason to believe that they can't make a run in the playoffs. Sign up a guy like JJ, and he could spark the powerplay, which goes a long way in the playoffs. Or maybe we trade for him and enjoy a 1st round exit to the Pens. Either way, whether you are upgrading on February 8th or July 8th, the end result is the same. If JJ can be had for a solid price (1st plus low-level prospect), I see no reason to sit idle.

- steelydan


My reason is this. The money the Flyers have, I do not throw at a player like JJ. They need to throw it at stay at home guys who bring a solid defensive game first and foremost.

Will he improve the team? Sure. Although at the end of the day you are left with less cap space, a lost draft pick/prospect and have done nothing to address the biggest issue on D.

The Flyers are not beating the Rangers or Bruins this season in a 7 game series.
Stay the course, wait till the off-season when teams are more likely to be able to move players. If you really want to go out and make a move this season, get Luke Schenn.
2Real
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: IT'S GRITTIN TIME, CA
Joined: 07.14.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:13 PM ET
My reason is this. The money the Flyers have, I do not throw at a player like JJ. They need to throw it at stay at home guys who bring a solid defensive game first and foremost.

Will he improve the team? Sure. Although at the end of the day you are left with less cap space, a lost draft pick/prospect and have done nothing to address the biggest issue on D.

The Flyers are not beating the Rangers or Bruins this season in a 7 game series.
Stay the course, wait till the off-season when teams are more likely to be able to move players. If you really want to go out and make a move this season, get Luke Schenn.

- flyer_nutter
JJ is signed under 5 mil for what 7 years? not bad considering players like komasarek get a lot of and jbo
steelydan
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Philly, PA
Joined: 04.16.2009

Feb 8 @ 6:14 PM ET
My reason is this. The money the Flyers have, I do not throw at a player like JJ. They need to throw it at stay at home guys who bring a solid defensive game first and foremost.

Will he improve the team? Sure. Although at the end of the day you are left with less cap space, a lost draft pick/prospect and have done nothing to address the biggest issue on D.

The Flyers are not beating the Rangers or Bruins this season in a 7 game series.
Stay the course, wait till the off-season when teams are more likely to be able to move players. If you really want to go out and make a move this season, get Luke Schenn.

- flyer_nutter


Understood. Appears we have different ideas as to what Meszy and Coburn bring to the table as defenseman. I think getting Gus/MAB off the ice and replaced with a guy like JJ makes the defense look better as a whole.

Either way, whether they stand pat or make a move, the Flyers should be able to make the playoffs and gain valuable experience, if nothing else
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:14 PM ET
My reason is this. The money the Flyers have, I do not throw at a player like JJ. They need to throw it at stay at home guys who bring a solid defensive game first and foremost.

Will he improve the team? Sure. Although at the end of the day you are left with less cap space, a lost draft pick/prospect and have done nothing to address the biggest issue on D.

The Flyers are not beating the Rangers or Bruins this season in a 7 game series.
Stay the course, wait till the off-season when teams are more likely to be able to move players. If you really want to go out and make a move this season, get Luke Schenn.

- flyer_nutter



Well your not getting a stay at home guy you want without having less Cap space and lost prospect/draft picks. And you don't throw big money or assets for stay at home guys. You can get cheaper veterans to fill that role. Going forward especially if Pronger doesn't return, Carle leaves, And Timonen is gone in another year. By far the overwhelming need is 2 way puck moving defenseman.
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:17 PM ET
I will put this another way.

Look at the D core of Boston and the Rags this season. Two of the best in the NHL.

They are primarily made up of guys who play good D FIRST and FOREMOST.

Thats how the Flyers need to fashion a new D core. Not with guys who have a questionable defensive game. I will always stand by the fact that a d-mans first job is to help prevent the puck going into his own net.

Dont throw money around when it could be spent more wisely on players with a better defensive game. Which this team sorely needs.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:19 PM ET
I will put this another way.

Look at the D core of Boston and the Rags this season. Two of the best in the NHL.

They are primarily made up of guys who play good D FIRST and FOREMOST.

Thats how the Flyers need to fashion a new D core. Not with guys who have a questionable defensive game. I will always stand by the fact that a d-mans first job is to help prevent the puck going into his own net.

Dont throw money around when it could be spent more wisely on players with a better defensive game. Which this team sorely needs.

- flyer_nutter


Boston's top 2 defenseman are two way puck moving defenseman. So are Ference and Corvo. In the Flyers top 4 right now, there isn't a defenseman who has a questionable defensive game.
jak521
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Buckle Up.
Joined: 02.19.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:24 PM ET
BREAKING NEWS!!!

Bryz sucks..
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:24 PM ET
BREAKING NEWS!!!

Bryz sucks..

- jak521


Forgot to add Donkey doo!
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:25 PM ET
Well your not getting a stay at home guy you want without having less Cap space and lost prospect/draft picks. And you don't throw big money or assets for stay at home guys. You can get cheaper veterans to fill that role. Going forward especially if Pronger doesn't return, Carle leaves, And Timonen is gone in another year. By far the overwhelming need is 2 way puck moving defenseman.
- MJL


Then throw the money at Suter who at least brings more of a complete game to the table.

If were on the topic. The Flyers will need another war horse once Timonen retires. That to me is the biggest need currently. Not to be throwing money around at guys like JJ and building a d-core of a bunch of guys best suited to a 2nd pairing role.

My plan would be this. Stay the course for the season. In the off-season explore if Weber and Suter are available and see what it would cost to aquire one. If none are available due to whatever reason (wanting too much monet etc.), then go to plan B.

Look around the league for guys like Douglas Murray or Giordano and see what they would cost. Look into Boychuk. Look into how much Carle will want.

The only move now Id make is for Luke Schenn. He is the kind of d-man that makes sense to obtain imo.
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:26 PM ET
Boston's top 2 defenseman are two way puck moving defenseman. So are Ference and Corvo. In the Flyers top 4 right now, there isn't a defenseman who has a questionable defensive game.
- MJL


Im not including Kimmo in this.

However there is a reason why the Flyers have let in as many goals as they have this season.

This D core imo has clear questions about how they protect their own zone.
MJL
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Candyland, PA
Joined: 09.20.2007

Feb 8 @ 6:28 PM ET
Then throw the money at Suter who at least brings more of a complete game to the table.

If were on the topic. The Flyers will need another war horse once Timonen retires. That to me is the biggest need currently. Not to be throwing money around at guys like JJ and building a d-core of a bunch of guys best suited to a 2nd pairing role.

My plan would be this. Stay the course for the season. In the off-season explore if Weber and Suter are available and see what it would cost to aquire one. If none are available due to whatever reason (wanting too much monet etc.), then go to plan B.

Look around the league for guys like Douglas Murray or Giordano and see what they would cost. Look into Boychuk. Look into how much Carle will want.

The only move now Id make is for Luke Schenn. He is the kind of d-man that makes sense to obtain imo.

- flyer_nutter


You'd have to trade for some of those players. We can all put names out of a hat and say trade for them. But we don't even know if they're available.
LordStanley88
Philadelphia Flyers
Joined: 01.30.2012

Feb 8 @ 6:29 PM ET
I'd have no problem with acquiring Hal Gill. He has been very good in the post-season with Montreal. He and Gorges were the one's responsible for shutting down Crosby and Ovechkin when they made their ECF run in 2010.
flyer_nutter
Philadelphia Flyers
Location: Unleash the Peanuts, MB
Joined: 10.16.2008

Feb 8 @ 6:30 PM ET
You'd have to trade for some of those players. We can all put names out of a hat and say trade for them. But we don't even know if they're available.
- MJL


You definately would have to.

The offense of this team should be willing to take a hit. You deal from an area of strength.

Nobody knows if they are available but dont rush throwing money at JJ. He may very well be able to be obtained in the off-season. Explore the other options first. The Flyers will have to wait for the off-season to do that.

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