I see Gill's name mentioned a lot. Why give up any assets at all for a 25 game rental of a soon to be 37 year old guy? Gill isn't part of the future here if he is acquired, and he isn't going to be a difference maker in the playoffs. So in all honesty what's the point in trading for him?
- PLindbergh31

I think the only thing you'd have to give up for Gill is like some mid round draft picks maybe a Phantom that's never gonna see NHL time.

The key to JvR is how much a guy like Burke covets him. I'm loathe to trade JvR, because I think his ceiling is high. I really do think he could be a consistent 35-40 goal scorer in time, and that's not something you toss away easily.
- Jsaquella

Flyers will rue the day they trade him. I really feel that way. I think there is a decent chance JVR doesn't see the ice again until mid March anyway. Next year is a huge year in JVR's development.

A case like Schenn you have to weigh the assets you're giving up against the long term potential of the guy you'd be getting. Given how well the Flyers have generally produced and drafted forwards, it might be worth it to trade a young forward to get a good young defenseman who has experience and can grow with the core of young forwards rather than keep the full stable of young forwards
- Jsaquella

This is what I have been saying for a long time. We finally get to argue ont he same side. And for people that want to just draft Defenseman, please realize it takes MUCH longer to develop a defenseman then it does a forward. By the time the defenseman taken in the next draft are ready to contribute to the team, it could take 4-5 years... By that time, the young forwards will no longer be young forwards, but Vets in thier prime, looking for Big contracts...

IMO better to get someone like Johnson or Schenn now that can grow with the team... and still draft defenseman in hopes in a couple years they will be ready to add in a support role. And in the mean time, fill the team with UFA help.

I think the only thing you'd have to give up for Gill is like some mid round draft picks maybe a Phantom that's never gonna see NHL time.
- JoeRussomanno

I read on EE's blob that the Habs are currently asking for a 2nd.

Not saying that is fact, but I would think at this moment it doesn't hurt the Habs to ask for a high pick.

They still have some time to adjust their asking price.

I think the only thing you'd have to give up for Gill is like some mid round draft picks maybe a Phantom that's never gonna see NHL time.
- JoeRussomanno

I think you might be surprised Joe. I can see a team who thinks they are close giving up a # 2 for Gill.

I think the Kings make the most sense. Bernier to Columbus as part of the package makes all the sense in the world. The Kings are starving for offense.
- PLindbergh31

Columbus is going to want a young forward with top line potential in any deal. Does LA have that guy, and a willingness to trade him?

Plus, the Kings don't have a lot of cap room. They'd have to trade away a decent salary to make it work. Doesn't seem like a Lombardi move to me.

Flyers priority needs to be defense.

Unless Nash is offered to the Flyers for next to nothing, they should pass.
- ggunky

I'm starting to think more and more their priority should be a checking center. They don't have a true checking center unless you count Couturier and he's a kid. Get a checking center that can play big minutes and this might actually make it a tad easier on our defensemen.

I read on EE's blob that the Habs are currently asking for a 2nd.

Not saying that is fact, but I would think at this moment it doesn't hurt the Habs to ask for a high pick.

They still have some time to adjust their asking price.
- ggunky

Ill pass. Rather keep my pick than add slow foot Gill.

I think you might be surprised Joe. I can see a team who thinks they are close giving up a # 2 for Gill.
- PLindbergh31

Then we don't get Gill.

speaking of guys who should get more ice time...I'm wondering why Mez doesn't seem to get much PP time. He seems to have a pretty heavy point-shot and is pretty hungry to get involved offensively. Coburn has the tools to be soo good. I wish he'd just take charge.
- Dkos

When Mez shoots I think of Bob Uecker in Major League.... "JUST a bit outside."

Columbus is going to want a young forward with top line potential in any deal. Does LA have that guy, and a willingness to trade him?

Plus, the Kings don't have a lot of cap room. They'd have to trade away a decent salary to make it work. Doesn't seem like a Lombardi move to me.
- bradleyc4

A package of Bernier, Dustin Brown, Voynov, and a pick could get it done.

great blog Bill

i hope others will take notice.

What's dead on? He's a 36 year old defenseman brought in for depth. Bill didn't mention much about Gustafsson and MAB other then they played well at times and struggled at times. Does that mean they suck also? Lilja has done what he was brough here to do. Let's not read things that aren't there.
- MJL

Why you heff to be mad?

I'm starting to think more and more their priority should be a checking center. They don't have a true checking center unless you count Couturier and he's a kid. Get a checking center that can play big minutes and this might actually make it a tad easier on our defensemen.
- JoeRussomanno

I would love to see the Flyers aquire a true 3rd line checking center.

No doubt.

Ill pass. Rather keep my pick than add slow foot Gill.
- stveshdy

I agrEE.

I would be willing to give up Voracek and a # 2 for Schenn. Not sure if that is even in the ballpark. JVR isn't getting traded at this deadline. His value is at an all-time low, and he's having an injury plagued season.
- PLindbergh31

The only way Toronto thinks about this is if they miss out on Nash, Carter, Ryan, and Iginla. But it may pay off if Homer plays the waiting game and gets involved in deals for Nash, Ryan, and Iginla to drive up the price.

I know MJL is going to say that never happens, but it does.

Flyers will rue the day they trade him. I really feel that way. I think there is a decent chance JVR doesn't see the ice again until mid March anyway. Next year is a huge year in JVR's development.
- PLindbergh31

Hmm... I think I heard this before... Nah. Must be deja vu.

Owning the Simple Jacks since HB began. Great blog Bill.
- MBFlyerfan

Happy 94th birthday!

A package of Bernier, Dustin Brown, Voynov, and a pick could get it done.
- PLindbergh31

Then they can name Mike Richards as captain.

Hmm... I think I heard this before... Nah. Must be deja vu.
- RooNosHockey

Well he's had an injury plagued season this year. Next year (if healthy) 25 goals, and 55-60 points are a legitimate possibility.

I would love to see the Flyers aquire a true 3rd line checking center.

No doubt.
- ggunky

It will be a lot easier imo to do than go get the cure for pronger's absence.
I brought this up before and I keep reading out of Buffalo that Gaustad will be available. He's still young and should be had for the right price. Seeing how they were burned by Leino not sure if they would want a Voracek. But missing Blair Betts this year has hurt us a lot more than I thought.

Hmm... I think I heard this before... Nah. Must be deja vu.
- RooNosHockey

JVR was on pace for a 30 goal season until he got bit by a nasty injury bug.

Well he's had an injury plagued season this year. Next year (if healthy) 25 goals, and 55-60 points are a legitimate possibility.
- PLindbergh31

Need more out of JvR next year. 30+ goals and 75-80 points. I want that cap hit to look like a steal, not a disappointment.

Columbus is going to want a young forward with top line potential in any deal. Does LA have that guy, and a willingness to trade him?

Plus, the Kings don't have a lot of cap room. They'd have to trade away a decent salary to make it work. Doesn't seem like a Lombardi move to me.
- bradleyc4

Still Could be a 3 way deal:

To LA:
Nash

To Columbus:
Bernier, JVR, LA 1

To Flyers:
J.Johnson, Columbus 2nd

I would love to see the Flyers aquire a true 3rd line checking center.

No doubt.
- ggunky

Talbot?