I think you're vastly overlooking the talent level of Ryan's current linemates.
- BulliesPhan87

In terms of playmaking ability... Claude Giroux is well ahead of them.

give me Ryan at 5.1 over Voracek at 3.5
- flyersfan51

How come?

I think people are overrating the need for him.
- funmaster18

Exactly this.

Are there any veteran defensive minded wingers in FA this year?

The more I think about it, pairing Read/Couturier up with a defensive minded veteran winger could reate one hell of a shut down 3rd line to go up against other teams top lines.

That would be a major impact move they could make.

Top two lines of...

Hartnell-Giroux-Briere
Simmonds-Schenn-Voracek

and a shut down 3rd line that goes up against the top lines... I'l take that.

As for Lilja, the player is on an over-35 contract. The Flyers are probably going to be stuck with his cap hit this season -- albeit a modest one -- unless they can find a team looking for a veteran spare defenseman or one that needs to add a few salaries (preferably ones that come off the books next year, as Lilja's will) to get to the salary cap floor.]
- bmeltzer

The chickens have come home to roost on that 2nd-year given to Lilja... I don't usually hold things against Flyers' brass, but that was really overaggressive/cavalier contract negotiating on their part. They could have just signed him to a 1-year deal last summer, then re-upped him for another year if he had played well for them, and they wouldn't have been stuck in a 35+ contract situation. Instead, they're faced with having to carry 8 D on the roster, with 9 under contract.

Are there any veteran defensive minded wingers in FA this year?

The more I think about it, pairing Read/Couturier up with a defensive minded veteran winger could reate one hell of a shut down 3rd line to go up against other teams top lines.

That would be a major impact move they could make.
- Flyers2821

They have that Talbot guy.

He scored 30+ for the past 4 years playing with guys who are not even close to what Claude Giroux is as a playmaker. Bobby Ryan would score 40 a season playing with a top 2-3 playmaker in the NHL.
- Flyers2821

Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry (last year's Hart Trophy Winner) aren't exactly pushovers. I think Ryan could score 40+ goals too but is that really worth some of the deals that have been suggested?

If you can move Jake to get Ryan, fine with me. I would be all for that.

Jake, MAB, 1st for Bobby Ryan?
- Flyers2821

I'd do that as well.

Honestly, people disagree but I'd throw Mesz in there and sign a D to replace him.

I think people are overrating the need for him.
- funmaster18

+10000000000000000000000

They have that Talbot guy.
- bradleyc4

True, he could slide up to the 3rd line but I like having him in the 4th line center role, killing penalties and getting the chance to move up when players are out of the line up.

Any guys similar in FA?

The chickens have come home to roost on that 2nd-year given to Lilja... I don't usually hold things against Flyers' brass, but that was really overaggressive/cavalier contract negotiating on their part. They could have just signed him to a 1-year deal last summer, then re-upped him for another year if he had played well for them, and they wouldn't have been stuck in a 35+ contract situation. Instead, they're faced with having to carry 8 D on the roster, with 9 under contract.
- Tomahawk

I would be happy if they never extended another 35+ contract... ever.

Totally agree. No need for Nash or Ryan. If we break the bank, do it for Weber.. Otherwise.. let the group develop. Think of the type of games that LA, NJ etc won deep into the playoffs. Tight checking low scoring. Defense goaltending, DEPTH scoring. Not flashy regular season scoring or a one line attack that can be shut down.
- Hextall271

Both nj and la have the talent up front that we are beginng to lack. If we stay put, fans won't be happy with what's on the ice. Right now we are asking for everyone to take on bigger roles and we don't know if guys like schenn, couturier and are voracek are ready.

Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry (last year's Hart Trophy Winner) aren't exactly pushovers. I think Ryan could score 40+ goals too but is that really worth some of the deals that have been suggested?
- NickTheKid87

I am not saying anything about them as players. But they are not on Giroux's level when it comes to being a playmaker on the ice and creating scoring opportunities for line mates. They simply just are not.

As per usual, excellent write-up, Bill.

In terms of playmaking ability... Claude Giroux is well ahead of them.
- Flyers2821

Getzlaf is one of the best playmaking centers in the league actually.

@NicktheKid87: Could you please use scientific notation when dealing with very large numbers? You're stretching the page.

How come?
- funmaster18

10-15 more goals.....gives Giroux a scoring winger he needs. I also think that would move Hartnell back with Briere.

Read - Giroux - Ryan
Hartnell - Briere - Simmonds

Exactly this.
- BulliesPhan87

Everyone wants to pay Ryan almost three million more than Voracek when Voracek, who is 2 years younger, could develop into a strong offense player in his own right. 50 points last year wasn't bad an I think he got better as the year wore on. We can have him cheaper and not have to lose any assets or him.


And again, offense WAS NOT an issue last year.

In terms of playmaking ability... Claude Giroux is well ahead of them.
- Flyers2821

Not so fast, Getzlaf and Koivu are elite puck distributors. Not to mention Perry and Selanne drawing a lot of attention on their respective lines. No matter which line he ends up on, he's in a great situation.

Getzlaf is one of the best playmaking centers in the league actually.
- LordStanley88

Yet, Giroux is better.

Ott to me is a fantastic pick up if we walk away from rinaldo.
- Schenn2shine

i like him

and the flyers could keep rinaldo, just send him back down to the phantoms

10-15 more goals.....gives Giroux a scoring winger he needs. I also think that would move Hartnell back with Briere.

Read - Giroux - Ryan
Hartnell - Briere - Simmonds
- flyersfan51

How is his defense?

Not so fast, Getzlaf and Koivu are elite puck distributors. Not to mention Perry and Selanne drawing a lot of attention on their respective lines. No matter which line he ends up on, he's in a great situation.
- Tomahawk

Yet, he would be in a better situation playing with Claude Giroux.

In terms of playmaking ability... Claude Giroux is well ahead of them.
- Flyers2821

Giroux is a step above, no doubt. But these are Getzlaf's assists totals for the last 5 years:

58
66
50
57
46

Giroux had a fantastic year last year and had 65. You are undervaluing Getzlaf.

Amen! I will be furious if he doesn't get in after Sundin does.
- Hextall271

Was reading chatter from different network's/main sites commentators yesterday and many feel next year, with only one likely deserving first timer, will be Eric's (and Shanny's) year. Keeping fingers crossed.