As is it now -- and there is still time and cap space to improve things -- the Flyers have lost offensive pop (Jagr, JVR, Carle), taken what would presently be considered a sideways steps defensively (Schenn vs Carle) and may have also weakened the backup goalie spot (Bob vs. Leighton).

But let's see what they do now.
- bmeltzer

if schenn plays like he did last year, definitely step down schenn v carle. if he plays like he did in '11, we should be alright.

also, bob stopped shots at an .899 clip last year. not like the backup g production could get worse.

edit: right?

At best, +/- is a flawed stat. Semin is soft, doesn't play hard every night and has a rep as being uncooperative and moody. No, thanks.
- Jsaquella

Outside of "doesn't play hard every night", that basically describes Jagr.

Based on supply and demand, Semin will likely get a substantial offer. But otherwise, I'd be all in.

It's interesting to me how most people are seeming this offseason either a failure or an unsuccessful one. It baffles me.

First off, we DIDN'T overpay for ANYONE. When's the last time that happened?? Everyone here knows that if the Flyers had signed one of Suter or Parise to a 13/98 contract we would be irate. For all the times people itchbay and moan about this team spending too much money and mismanaging the cap and salaries, I find it fascinating that people are grilling Homer for not spending money or overpaying someone

Secondly, we still have this young and talented core. I've been preaching about it since the end of the season. This team is going to be fun to watch as they gain experience. All we have to do is just that- watch them play together. Not blow everything up for Nash, Ryan, etc.

Finally, I offer a question open to all, including Bill: Who was available within the FA pool this year that was a clear stop gap for the holes in this team? Did anyone provide exceptional puck moving skills on the blue line? Is there anyone that could have been deemed the number one defensman for this team? Were there wingers with tremendous two way talent to sign to a contract less than 98 million dollars?

Since I answer no to these questions, I see free agency as a time that Homer could not have made this team better enough to go hard after anyone. I think its the right move to stand pat. That being said, Doan at a 3 year deal would definitely be nice.
- Giroux_Is_God[/img]

Didn't overpay for a Free Agent as of yet. Which is a good thing. Holmgren is sitting there with a good amount of cap space burning a hole in his pocket and very few, if any free agents worthy of being signed.

I'm slightly concerned Holmgren is itching to make a splash, and does something shortsighted via trade.

quick question guys....

If we cant get Ryan at a reasonable price would you start Briere on Giroux's Wing

Hartnell-G-Briere
Simmonds-Schenn-Voracek
Read-Coots-wellwood
??? - Talbot- ???

Timmo -Schenn
Mezz - Gross
Coburn-MAB

Not too shabby
- Philly1980

I would do this:

Hartnell - Giroux - Read
Wellwood - Briere - Voracek
Schenn - Coots - Simmonds
Sestito - Talbot - Rinaldo

can't break up Grossmann and Coburn

Grossmann - Coburn
Timonen - Schenn
Meszaros - Gus

I'd like to get a winger to help out -- but maybe not Ryan because it'll cost two forwards and a defensemen. They should sign Doan (but he'll want Jagr money) and maybe get defensemen somewhere just for injury concerns....

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Carle, Next steps, Prospect camp
- bmeltzer

well we do have ONE good d man from tampa ...

Outside of "doesn't play hard every night", that basically describes Jagr.

Based on supply and demand, Semin will likely get a substantial offer. But otherwise, I'd be all in.
- bradleyc4

He'd be in Lavi's dog house faster than you can say "Zherdev".

Yes please!
- PLindbergh31

perry is the best winger in the league.

He'd be in Lavi's dog house faster than you can say "Zherdev".
- Tomahawk

mostly undeserved reputation based mostly on his home country. he played balls out for hunter this past year.

I would do this:

Hartnell - Giroux - Read
Wellwood - Briere - Voracek
Schenn - Coots - Simmonds
Sestito - Talbot - Rinaldo

can't break up Grossmann and Coburn

Grossmann - Coburn
Timonen - Schenn
Meszaros - Gus
- flyersfan51

I would flip flop Schenn and Wellwood, also having Sestito and Rinaldo is somewhat redundant. They are the same player only difference is their size. Talbot deserves better than playing with two guys with cement hands.

perry is the best winger in the league.
- OrangeBlack27

Ovie, Hossa, and Kovalchuck say hello.

perry is the best winger in the league.
- OrangeBlack27

He's very good, very good. Best in the League? I don't know I would go that far. Top 5ish imo.

I see that. But looking at the crazy deals for both money and term given out to Parise and Suter. A 6 year deal isn't so bad for a quality player. The insanity is far less in that deal if you know what I'm trying to say.
- MJL

It's not an insane deal, but I'd rather have the cap room to pursue other players long term.

mostly undeserved reputation based mostly on his home country. he played inconsistent for hunter this past year.
- OrangeBlack27

FIFY

And his agent even whined about Hunter's style at the end of the year. Semin wasn't pleased with his role or coach at all.

I would flip flop Schenn and Wellwood, also having Sestito and Rinaldo is somewhat redundant. They are the same player only difference is their size. Talbot deserves better than playing with two guys with cement hands.
- PLindbergh31

yeah that's true, maybe Harry Z?? he's not too bad.

I like Schenn and Simmonds together, but I could see Schenn with Briere.

It's not an insane deal, but I'd rather have the cap room to pursue other players long term.
- Jsaquella

Yes, but now you're forced to deal assets to upgrade the roster. There are no impact FA's left unless Doan decides to leave, which is highly unlikely.

perry is the best winger in the league.
- OrangeBlack27

concusser of giroux can keep his elbows in cally

Expecting Timonen to play a full season at his age, coming of an assortment of injuries is very unrealistic imo.
- PLindbergh31

he does it every year, though. hoping coburn (and mesz to some extent) take some of his minutes this year.

yeah that's true, maybe Harry Z?? he's not too bad.

I like Schenn and Simmonds together, but I could see Schenn with Briere.
- flyersfan51

meh... Harry Z is a minor league player I think.

mostly undeserved reputation based mostly on his home country. he played balls out for hunter this past year.
- OrangeBlack27

?

He was a healthy scratch under both Boudreau and Hunter at times this year.

Yes, but now you're forced to deal assets to upgrade the roster. There are no impact FA's left unless Doan decides to leave, which is highly unlikely.
- LordStanley88

There's free agency next summer, too. And if the new CBA does have an amnesty clause, there'll be another FA period this summer.

he does it every year, though. hoping coburn (and mesz to some extent) take some of his minutes this year.
- OrangeBlack27

Yes. His minutes have to be somewhat limited. I would certainly cut down on his PK minutes.

mostly undeserved reputation based mostly on his home country. he played balls out for hunter this past year.
- OrangeBlack27

Good point. There is definately a different standard for europeans especially russians.

mostly undeserved reputation based mostly on his home country. he played balls out for hunter this past year.
- OrangeBlack27

We need a guest blog from Dmitry Chesnokov.

Ovie, Hossa, and Kovalchuck say hello.
- LordStanley88

Best 2-way winger in the league.

Ovie, Hossa, and Kovalchuck say hello.
- LordStanley88

Sup.

Corey Perry is the best winger in the league.