After all this talk of losing JvR and gaining Ryan or Nash, I would really like one of these rumors to come true. Giroux with Nash or Ryan is much more dangerous then Giroux with Voracek or Jagr. I don't think Giroux can have a repeating season without proper line mates.

parise wants to stay in nj, shane doan to test fa market

parise wants to stay in nj, shane doan to test fa market
- mydoglicks

The Debbies might not be able to bring him back.

Don't forget- they're having some serious money issues. That building was half full every night....

I hear yah. The improved D is a must. I'm OK with signing Carle, signing Voracek and bumping Wellwood up. Then sign best affordable forward.

I think that Dman would be in the 2-2.5 mil area to equal out if I'm catching your drift here. I suppose its possible, but remember what a beast Mez was paired up with O'Donnell on the 3rd pairing? Schenn will at the very least equal O'Donnell's ability if the Flyers give him orders to be positionally sound. I am liking the D core as it stands
- Just5

parise wants to stay in nj, shane doan to test fa market
- mydoglicks

I wouldnt mind adding Doan but those 35+ contracts suck.

After all this talk of losing JvR and gaining Ryan or Nash, I would really like one of these rumors to come true. Giroux with Nash or Ryan is much more dangerous then Giroux with Voracek or Jagr. I don't think Giroux can have a repeating season without proper line mates.
- Schenn2shine

Not me. Cost would be too high in terms of what we have to give up. I think Jagr will be better this year than last. He's said several times that he knows what he needs to do to modify his training to be even better, and after learning what we did about his work ethic last year, it's hard not to think he's right.

I say bring back Jagr for one more year, then see what happens, and who is available, when we can lose his cap hit and Kimmo's.

Plus, Giroux want's him back, and that's good enough for me.

Give up, we aren't getting Parise.
- Richieattack18

I'm still hopeful for Ryan but concerned about the trade.

I'm starting to think - pure speculation - that they may move toward Doan (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=399323) as a target. The biggest plus - no trade. Sign him to a 3 yr deal (probably 1 more than we want, but 1 less than he wants), and after 3 yrs - Ryan becomes a UFA. Jagr salary plus alittle more would get this done.

Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek
Schenn-Briere-Doan
Simonds-Coots-Read
Talbot-Sestito/Wellwood/Rinaldo/Harry

Not me. Cost would be too high in terms of what we have to give up. I think Jagr will be better this year than last. He's said several times that he knows what he needs to do to modify his training to be even better, and after learning what we did about his work ethic last year, it's hard not to think he's right.

I say bring back Jagr for one more year, then see what happens, and who is available, when we can lose his cap hit and Kimmo's.

Plus, Giroux want's him back, and that's good enough for me.
- BringBack25

I have my doubts that Jagr modifying his training is going to stop him from getting the type of injuries he had last Season.

Forget about Ryan in Philly unless they can sign Carle and land another Dman better than Gus/Bor.

I'm still hopeful for Ryan but concerned about the trade.

I'm starting to think - pure speculation - that they may move toward Doan (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=399323) as a target. The biggest plus - no trade. Sign him to a 3 yr deal (probably 1 more than we want, but 1 less than he wants), and after 3 yrs - Ryan becomes a UFA. Jagr salary plus alittle more would get this done.

Hartnell-Giroux-Voracek
Schenn-Briere-Doan
Simonds-Coots-Read
Talbot-Sestito/Wellwood/Rinaldo/Harry
- leon neon

I have my doubts that Jagr modifying his training is going to stop him from getting the type of injuries he had last Season.
- MJL

Well, that is a concern. No question. But I do think that it is hard to adjust back to the NHL after so many seasons in the KHL. And it seems reasonable that he's learned something from it. I think a big part of it may be to actually train a little less after games. I think it was Bill (not 100%) that mentioned that even when he had is leg issues this season that he would still skate at night with the weight vest on, etc.

There is definitely some risk associated with Jagr and his age. But he probably brings more intangibles to the table than any other player being discussed, with the possible exception of Parise (who is never going to sign here imo).

Forget about Ryan in Philly unless they can sign Carle and land another Dman better than Gus/Bor.
- jstross

I would assume that Carle would be signed if they traded a d-man for Ryan. And, I think Gus/Lilja/Bourdon might be able to handle the 6/7 spot. They did last year, and Gus/Bourdon should be better with a year of experience. If things are terrible - do a mid-season or deadline trade.

Well, that is a concern. No question. But I do think that it is hard to adjust back to the NHL after so many seasons in the KHL. And it seems reasonable that he's learned something from it. I think a big part of it may be to actually train a little less after games. I think it was Bill (not 100%) that mentioned that even when he had is leg issues this season that he would still skate at night with the weight vest on, etc.

There is definitely some risk associated with Jagr and his age. But he probably brings more intangibles to the table than any other player being discussed, with the possible exception of Parise (who is never going to sign here imo).
- BringBack25

Jagr played his whole career in the NHL. I don't think adjusting to the NHL had anything to do with it. I think it had to do with being 40 years old. And now he'll be a year older. I think the intangibles are great. But I need more then that to bring him back. I think he's a good player who would again help the Flyers. But I'd prefer to move in a different direction.

I would assume that Carle would be signed if they traded a d-man for Ryan. And, I think Gus/Lilja/Bourdon might be able to handle the 6/7 spot. They did last year, and Gus/Bourdon should be better with a year of experience. If things are terrible - do a mid-season or deadline trade.
- leon neon

Flyers are likely going to be using LTIR. Which means they won't be able to bank Cap space. So it remains to seen how much Cap space they would have to make an in season trade.

Jagr played his whole career in the NHL. I don't think adjusting to the NHL had anything to do with it. I think it had to do with being 40 years old. And now he'll be a year older. I think the intangibles are great. But I need more then that to bring him back. I think he's a good player who would again help the Flyers. But I'd prefer to move in a different direction.
- MJL

Not saying he didn't know what it was like. I'm saying it takes time for a person to adjust to the rigors of the NHL after not playing in it for 3 or 4 years. Especially a body as old as his.

At the end of the season, I was thinking the same way you are - time to go in a new direction. But I don't see anyone that could bring what Jagr will that we can get for any less money and without costing significant other assets in a trade. One possibility is Doan, but it's been said he wants a 4 year deal, and I wouldn't want to do that. I'd love him on a 2 yr deal tho.

So if we can't get Doan, I don't know who else is going to bring what Jagr will for any less money, or without costing us key players in a trade. Any ideas?

Not saying he didn't know what it was like. I'm saying it takes time for a person to adjust to the rigors of the NHL after not playing in it for 3 or 4 years. Especially a body as old as his.

At the end of the season, I was thinking the same way you are - time to go in a new direction. But I don't see anyone that could bring what Jagr will that we can get for any less money and without costing significant other assets in a trade. One possibility is Doan, but it's been said he wants a 4 year deal, and I wouldn't want to do that. I'd love him on a 2 yr deal tho.

So if we can't get Doan, I don't know who else is going to bring what Jagr will for any less money, or without costing us key players in a trade. Any ideas?
- BringBack25

I don't know who else is available that they can get. I really don't see it as adjusting to the rigors of the NHL. I see it as a guy who is physically well past his prime. I think he can do the same as he did last year. But I would expect some of the same short term injury issues to happen again.

so have we traded half the team and two first rounders for 10 more goals yet?

I don't know who else is available that they can get. I really don't see it as adjusting to the rigors of the NHL. I see it as a guy who is physically well past his prime. I think he can do the same as he did last year. But I would expect some of the same short term injury issues to happen again.
- MJL

Tim Sestito would be news worthy
Brett Sutter anyone for <$1M

I have my doubts that Jagr modifying his training is going to stop him from getting the type of injuries he had last Season.
- MJL

Another factor in Jagr's favor would be that shortly prior to this season he'd already been playing a lot of hockey. This season, he would be starting after a complete offseason's rest. Still, at his age these injuries will happen.

Not me. Cost would be too high in terms of what we have to give up. I think Jagr will be better this year than last. He's said several times that he knows what he needs to do to modify his training to be even better, and after learning what we did about his work ethic last year, it's hard not to think he's right.

I say bring back Jagr for one more year, then see what happens, and who is available, when we can lose his cap hit and Kimmo's.

Plus, Giroux want's him back, and that's good enough for me.
- BringBack25

I agree. I'd like to see Jagr back. He's one of the best players of all time and has proven chemistry with G and Harts. They were magic together. I would prefer to take another one year deal of Jagr, than commit to a new big ticket/costly acquisition there. The team will need capspace to go after/sign Weber and also several key players will need new contracts in the next few seasons (Jake now, Harts and Simmonds next season, G, Coots, Schenn, Read the season after).

Regarding Jagr's age, I believe the injuries he suffered last season are not due (directly) to age. Many younger players had various injuries, many of them more serious and had them them missing more games than Jagr. On a roster of 20+ players, Jagr's 9 (reg season) games missed was at right about the midpoint of the range for all roster players. Based on this, and his play when healthy last season, I don't see reason to exclude him for age. That being said, he must be certifiably recovered, healthy and ready to go. If he's going to be bringing any lingering injuries into next season, I'd pass.

Jagr is great on and off the ice and a great mentor for Jake and the many young players...I think he has a positive impact on the whole team. I think he keeps the egos in check...I mean, who's a bigger presense in the room than Jags? He seems to have wisened up over the years and keeps his own ego in check too. As long as he plays with G he should be fine. I think coming off G's line kind of messed with a good thing and upset the chemistry a bit...unless someone is injured, they should keep them together imo.

I think if Parise is receptive (not likely), he's a guy you have to try and sign, and that might mean no Jagr, but I'm hesitant to get into trading a package of Jake/Mez + 1st rd picks or Schenn in a pkg for a Nash or Ryan...I'd rather sign Jags and let the young guys develop further with him around another year. The team as is (w Carle and Jagr) will get to the playoffs and, depending on the health of the roster and how the D and Bryz are playing, should be contenders.

Great read, Bill. Thanks for supplying us with good hockey articles on a nigh-daily basis. It helps stave off the offseason blues.

As for the Flyers, at this juncture I would prefer they stand pat. Re-sign Carle and Voracek and stand pat. They will still make noise, the youngsters will grow and improve, and (barring injuries) they can hit 100 points again and hopefully go deep in the playoffs.
- Flyskippy

And this is why I love Skip... Always on point and speaking the truth. I wouldn't be opposed to getting Parise or Ryan, but I would be pretty pumped if the team went into the season with Matty C. and Jake back. I'd really like to add Prust if possible.

i'm so confused when it comes to the cap -- some people say they have a little more than 3 to play with after signing carle and jake......some say we have the money for both ryan and parise....who the hell knows.
- flyersfan51

Everything Bill is saying is 100% correct.... as usual. That's assuming, however, that everything Bill says happens. There is a good bet Sestito starts in the minors as does Harry Z. Flyers could finally send Shelley away either and his was a complete non-factor this year. Where it gets interesting is the fact that they have Lilja and Bourdon. It seems pretty clear the Flyers like Bourdon better, but it now draws a couple of questions. Do they send Bourdon down and risk him through waivers (obviously no)? Do they send Lilja down and risk him through waivers (I don't think so bc as Bill pointed out, he may be worth something to a team looking to reach the cap floor)? Do they really want Bourdon to be a 7th defenseman and get minimal playing time? I think this is why they trade a defenseman and see what Bourdon is made of.

If the Flyers traded Jake, Mezzy, and a pick to Anaheim, as well as send Sestito, Shelley, and Harry Z to the minors the Flyers could actually acquire B.Ryan, Parise, Carle, a 4th liner, and a back up goalie.

Yet, it should be mentioned that it's very unlikely Parise comes here and to those that keep saying acquire Schultz... if only it were that easy. Seeing as every team is on equal footing, I would put the Flyers 5th behind VAN, TOR, EDM, and NYR or his services.

Everything Bill is saying is 100% correct.... as usual. That's assuming, however, that everything Bill says happens. There is a good bet Sestito starts in the minors as does Harry Z. Flyers could finally send Shelley away either and his was a complete non-factor this year. Where it gets interesting is the fact that they have Lilja and Bourdon. It seems pretty clear the Flyers like Bourdon better, but it now draws a couple of questions. Do they send Bourdon down and risk him through waivers (obviously no)? Do they send Lilja down and risk him through waivers (I don't think so bc as Bill pointed out, he may be worth something to a team looking to reach the cap floor)? Do they really want Bourdon to be a 7th defenseman and get minimal playing time? I think this is why they trade a defenseman and see what Bourdon is made of.

If the Flyers traded Jake, Mezzy, and a pick to Anaheim, as well as send Sestito, Shelley, and Harry Z to the minors the Flyers could actually acquire B.Ryan, Parise, Carle, a 4th liner, and a back up goalie.

Yet, it should be mentioned that it's very unlikely Parise comes here and to those that keep saying acquire Schultz... if only it were that easy. Seeing as every team is on equal footing, I would put the Flyers 5th behind VAN, TOR, EDM, and NYR or his services.
- Flyers1218

Sestito, Shelley and Harry Z can't be sent to the minors until 12 days before the start of the Season.