They're not going to make $100mm off the one remaining playoff gate, and one has to wonder exactly how much a Stanley Cup would push ticket sales. This isn't Philly, where a title means 3 years of sellouts. The Devils have won Stanley Cups in the past and the attendance has never really gotten a huge uptick from it.

I do agree that Parise is likely to stay, because he likes it in NJ and obviously has a guy that can build championship teams. As long as NJ can stay in the neighborhood of offers from other teams, I think he stays
- Jsaquella

All true. Their attendance I wouldn't think is what is hurting them financially, as it has always been poor. I don't know what is the root of their financial issues. I sure wish their financial difficulties would somehow effect the product they put on the ice.

Do the Flyers really need more offense? Especially at 7mill per? I would say they are the deepest offensive team in the league, that money should be spent elsewhere imo.
- canadianpenfan

that's what 95% of Flyers fans believe.

Do the Flyers really need more offense? Especially at 7mill per? I would say they are the deepest offensive team in the league, that money should be spent elsewhere imo.
- canadianpenfan

It depends if they use some of that offense to land a defenseman. It has to be replaced somehow. But I wouldn't go after Nash if it was me.

They cant give away season tickets. I can't decide if you blame the franchise for pushing fans away with boring hockey, even though they win, or blame the fans that just wont buy tickets. All I know is, I get embarrassed for them with all those empty seats.. ... And yet they still have those cups... Disgusting.
- RooNosHockey

It's a bad situation. They dropped the Devils right in the middle of three other teams, and it was dumb.

In 1982, the Flyers and Rangers had good teams, if not contenders than very solid playoff teams. The Islanders were in the midst of a 4 year run as Champs. Very hard to generate excitement off the bat for a team like that, especially since the Colorado Rockies were not a good team.

Even with the success, they're still second fiddle in NY to the Rangers and get ignored south of Trenton in NJ

Do the Flyers really need more offense? Especially at 7mill per? I would say they are the deepest offensive team in the league, that money should be spent elsewhere imo.
- canadianpenfan

I'd guess the logic goes like this-Get Nash to get Giroux a proven stud winger that can score a ton of goals. Trade leftover offensive depth to help defense.

The trouble is that they need to improve team defense, not just upgrade the defense corps.

I'd guess the logic goes like this-Get Nash to get Giroux a proven stud winger that can score a ton of goals. Trade leftover offensive depth to help defense.

The trouble is that they need to improve team defense, not just upgrade the defense corps.
- Jsaquella

Then it would be important to add forwards who can play at both ends of the ice as well. The coach needs to stress more team defense this year and if players are unwilling to do that then there needs to be consequences imo.

I'd guess the logic goes like this-Get Nash to get Giroux a proven stud winger that can score a ton of goals. Trade leftover offensive depth to help defense.

The trouble is that they need to improve team defense, not just upgrade the defense corps.
- Jsaquella

Exactly. I don't know if Nash is considered a defensive liability or not, and playing in Columbus they are so bad, who can even evaluate his overall game. Sure he is a world class player, but will he show a commitment to playing in his own end? I think he will be so happy to get out of there, that he will flourish wherever he ends up.

Parise/Nash or bust...

Even with all the injuries to JvR I don't think the Flyers would make that deal. The Flyers would be better off holding onto JvR and offering him in a bigger deal for a player like Weber, Seabrook, etc.
- stveshdy

I think you're exactly right with holding onto JVR for the time being, although, there is a bit of risk that comes with that.

Then it would be important to add forwards who can play at both ends of the ice as well. The coach needs to stress more team defense this year and if players are unwilling to do that then there needs to be consequences imo.
- stveshdy

Or get the guys who are here to do a better job of it. Giroux struggled mightily at times in his own end, but a lot of folks ignored it. He can be better, and has shown it in the past. He's not alone, either.

It's a bad situation. They dropped the Devils right in the middle of three other teams, and it was dumb.

In 1982, the Flyers and Rangers had good teams, if not contenders than very solid playoff teams. The Islanders were in the midst of a 4 year run as Champs. Very hard to generate excitement off the bat for a team like that, especially since the Colorado Rockies were not a good team.

Even with the success, they're still second fiddle in NY to the Rangers and get ignored south of Trenton in NJ
- Jsaquella

That is definately a good point, but I can't say its the only reason. Look at Ottawa for example. The majority of thier fans were Montreal fans before the Sens came around. They had to earn their fans back from the most storied and sucessful team in NHL history. I think the product has just as much to do with it. Yea they win, but they were so boring when they did. Hard to get excited about 1-0, 2-1 games every single day.

Exactly. I don't know if Nash is considered a defensive liability or not, and playing in Columbus they are so bad, who can even evaluate his overall game. Sure he is a world class player, but will he show a commitment to playing in his own end? I think he will be so happy to get out of there, that he will flourish wherever he ends up.
- PLindbergh31

He's had success as a short handed goal scorer, but I doubt he's Bob Gainey in his own end.

Then it would be important to add forwards who can play at both ends of the ice as well. The coach needs to stress more team defense this year and if players are unwilling to do that then there needs to be consequences imo.
- stveshdy

Amen. The two players they traded, who will remain nameless. Were very good two way players, who were good in their own end. Giroux is good on the PK, but at 5 on 5, is average defensively at best. We all know the story with Briere. Couturier, Talbot, are really the only two forwards who I would label as being very good defensively. Voracek and Read are decent to a lesser degree. Losing those two players was a big loss on the defensive side of the puck. I'd like to see a little less skill, and little more two way presence in the forward ranks.

He's had success as a short handed goal scorer, but I doubt he's Bob Gainey in his own end.
- Jsaquella

his cap hit is such a big number, I think it would hamstring the Flyers from doing other things. He would be a monster playing with Giroux that I'm certain of.

If he could be had for JVR, Bob and the Flyers # 1 pick, I would probably do it, but I don't think that is enough to get it done. Perhaps I'm underestimating Howson's level of incompetence though.

That is definately a good point, but I can't say its the only reason. Look at Ottawa for example. The majority of thier fans were Montreal fans before the Sens came around. They had to earn their fans back from the most storied and sucessful team in NHL history. I think the product has just as much to do with it. Yea they win, but they were so boring when they did. Hard to get excited about 1-0, 2-1 games every single day.
- RooNosHockey

Takes two & half hours to drive from Ottawa to Montreal. Takes half of that or less on a train to get to MSG from most of North Jersey. Not to mention that in the NY/NJ metro area, you have two NFL teams, two NBA teams, two MLB teams and 3 NHL teams, you have to fight for space in the paper. In Ottawa, you have the Roughriders and a AAA baseball team.

Plus, it's a Canadian market in Ottawa.

I actually am one of the minorties....I say a deal to bring another franchise player here is a GREAT idea....Nash is on a level that only Claude Giroux approaches. When I hear the Flyers want to give a 40 year old Jagr 3.5 a year and Matt Carle 5 mill a year!!!! Seriously ....This is a 40 goal scoring power forward that can play a physical game that JVR doesn't seem to have in him....Does the D need an upgrade??? of course... But the Flyers are currently blessed with a bunch of young, promising propects that will be used in trade bait. I wanted Nash Back when he was on the market in February!!! But I guess the the Flyers thought the deal was too rich.....JVR, Bobrovsky and a couple of first is no longer too rich.

his cap hit is such a big number, I think it would hamstring the Flyers from doing other things. He would be a monster playing with Giroux that I'm certain of.

If he could be had for JVR, Bob and the Flyers # 1 pick, I would probably do it, but I don't think that is enough to get it done. Perhaps I'm underestimating Howson's level of incompetence though.
- PLindbergh31

I think that ownership is going to demand a face they can sell if Nash is dealt. Can they sell JvR?

Or get the guys who are here to do a better job of it. Giroux struggled mightily at times in his own end, but a lot of folks ignored it. He can be better, and has shown it in the past. He's not alone, either.
- Jsaquella

Yup. They had a lot of players taking on different roles this season. However, I dont think its too hard to command the players to play at both ends of the ice.

I think that ownership is going to demand a face they can sell if Nash is dealt. Can they sell JvR?
- Jsaquella

Probably not. The thing is Nash kinda forced their hand, everyone knows he has to be moved. When that is the case it's hard to get fair value. Howson's best hope is a few teams get in a bidding war.

I actually am one of the minorties....I say a deal to bring another franchise player here is a GREAT idea....Nash is on a level that only Claude Giroux approaches. When I hear the Flyers want to give a 40 year old Jagr 3.5 a year and Matt Carle 5 mill a year!!!! Seriously ....This is a 40 goal scoring power forward that can play a physical game that JVR doesn't seem to have in him....Does the D need an upgrade??? of course... But the Flyers are currently blessed with a bunch of young, promising propects that will be used in trade bait. I wanted Nash Back when he was on the market in February!!! But I guess the the Flyers thought the deal was too rich.....JVR, Bobrovsky and a couple of first is no longer too rich.
- landros 2

There's no legit rumor saying it would be JvR, Bob and a 1st.

The rumor on Jagr has him looking at a 1 year, $3mm deal, not $3.5mm.

Also, should the Flyers go back to the Clarke school, where young prospects are fodder to bring in experienced stars from other teams over and over?

Then it would be important to add forwards who can play at both ends of the ice as well. The coach needs to stress more team defense this year and if players are unwilling to do that then there needs to be consequences imo.
- stveshdy

I'm still not sure if the Flyers inablity to adjust to teams like NJ, Bos, and NY are the players not executing the game plan, or the coach not adjusting. IMO it is clear that the way to beat NJ's forecheck is to keep your forwards down low for a quick pass from the pressured defense. It ususally comes from the corner to a forward at the top of the circle. LA is doing it perfectly.

I didn't see a second of this when the Flyers were playing NJ. So I can't tell if the coach thought if he kept pushing his system, the Flyers would eventually win out, or if the players were unable or unwilling to make the adjustments the coach was asking for.

IMO, since none of the lines, or players seemed to at least be trying to adjust to quicker passes from the D, I have to assume the coach didn't try and adjust his game. I hope he learns that sometimes he might have to adjust his game plan....

I actually am one of the minorties....I say a deal to bring another franchise player here is a GREAT idea....Nash is on a level that only Claude Giroux approaches. When I hear the Flyers want to give a 40 year old Jagr 3.5 a year and Matt Carle 5 mill a year!!!! Seriously ....This is a 40 goal scoring power forward that can play a physical game that JVR doesn't seem to have in him....Does the D need an upgrade??? of course... But the Flyers are currently blessed with a bunch of young, promising propects that will be used in trade bait. I wanted Nash Back when he was on the market in February!!! But I guess the the Flyers thought the deal was too rich.....JVR, Bobrovsky and a couple of first is no longer too rich.
- landros 2

Who are all these promising young prospects? Howson can get a better deal then that in my opinion. I wouldn't want Bobrovsky is I was him.

What makes some sense is a Nash/Kane trade. I just thought of that. Although if Kane has been tough to deal with in a great City like Chicago, he would be an absolute peach in Columbus.

The Jackets issue is really no one wants to play there.

Yup. They had a lot of players taking on different roles this season. However, I dont think its too hard to command the players to play at both ends of the ice.
- stveshdy

It's not too hard, necessarily, but at the same time, it's a lot of young guys who were learning how to play at the NHL level. Outside of Jagr, Briere, Talbot and Hartnell they were one of the youngest groups in the league-and 3 of those 4 vets are hardly known for their two way play

Takes two & half hours to drive from Ottawa to Montreal. Takes half of that or less on a train to get to MSG from most of North Jersey. Not to mention that in the NY/NJ metro area, you have two NFL teams, two NBA teams, two MLB teams and 3 NHL teams, you have to fight for space in the paper.
- Jsaquella

Additionally, outside the one block radius of the Rock, Newark sucks. They can try to tell you otherwise with their marketing propaganda, but fact is that it sucks. When I go to that arena I pay the outrageous fees to park no more than one block away and get the h-e-double-hockey-sticks out of there ASAP when the event is over. Doors locked, windows up, and get the f outta my way!