I feel OK with the current D but would also entertain thoughts of brining in these three players if they were available (as rumored):

-Leddy
-Colaiacovo
-Leopald

If Leddy and Leopald were available, I wonder how much it would cost to bring them on and what kind of log jam that would create on the D.

Tim/Coburn
Grossman/Schenn
Mez/Gerv
?/Gus/MAB/Lilja

I feel OK with the current D but would also entertain thoughts of brining in these three players if they were available (as rumored):

-Leddy
-Colaiacovo
-Leopald

If Leddy and Leopald were available, I wonder how much it would cost to bring them on and what kind of log jam that would create on the D.

Tim/Coburn
Grossman/Schenn
Mez/Gerv
?/Gus/MAB/Lilja
- coffee junkie

The Flyers would definately need to move some defenseman if they decide to sign one of those guys.

I would have no problems with it.

Not a big fan of bringing in Arnott... he's badly in decline on both sides of the puck, merely average at the dot, has lost what little physical edge he ever had, and probably will command a healthy chunk of change anyway. He's a good leader in the room but Couturier and Schenn are much more worthy of the icetime at this point.

I'd love to see them give Ben Holmstrom a chance to anchor the 4th-line, but that would require them to be willing to waive Shelley in order for that to happen. Holmstrom's is built for the role -- steady on defense, good on faceoffs, plays the body, has leadership qualities, accepts and thrives in a limited role.

Speaking of Blues UFA's strangely left on the open market... it's kind of crazy that Carlo Colaiacovo is still available considering the amount of openings out there and the kind of money that has gone to the dmen that have been signed. He handled top-pairing 5v5 minutes and his stats were fantastic, including all the important puck-possession metrics for a two-way dman.
- Tomahawk

why is that the case? couldn't shelley just be the spare forward? might have to waive one of shelley or sestito i guess... but i don't think that's a huge hurdle

I think Lavy needs to make the top 2 lines feature G and Hartsy along with Briere and Czech.

We all know what G and Hartnell did. Why split it up? We also know that Czech is a passer. Can you imagine him protecting that puck, coming out of the boards, and hitting #48 on the back door for a slam dunk??

Hartnell-G-Read
Czech-Schenner-Briere
Simmer-Cooter-Fedo
Rinaldo-Talbs-Wellwood

Just a little something to spice things up...

Okay. This is where we differ. Because I would take a Datysuk everyday over a Stamkos. If these players were the same age who would you take to lead your team? Stamoks puts up points but he doesnt do the things Datysuk does as a true number one. I look for an all around game.
- stveshdy

Datsyuk wasn't exactly the polished Selke-worthy center he is today at the tender age of 22 either. I don't think there's any question that while both players are elite, Stamkos' production in his first 4 seasons have been nothing short of remarkable, and there's no disputing that he's far ahead of Datsyuk on the development curve at the same age.

Stamkos' defensive game will come around with experience and coaching -- when it does, he's going to be as complete a player as they come.

I look at the Boston Bruins for example. They have Krejci who isnt a powerhouse scorer. They could trade him to Anaheim for Ryan (which has been rumored). Are they going to do that to upgrade with a better scorer?

A lot depends on how your team is built and what style of play your coach has.
- stveshdy

BINGO!

We are both basically agreeing on the same thing (i think). Do I think Voracek is a top line forward.. not yet, but that doesnt mean he isnt suited to play there. However.. if we did have both he and Bobby Ryan on the team.. I would chose Bobby Ryan for that spot. That doesnt mean I think we have such a glaring hole that we need to trade for him to do that. I dont think that is the case at all. I honestly think Voracek ends up a 20-25 goal, 45-50 assist two way player. He is still young.

I think where we differ is on what the determining factors are in being considered a 1st line forward.. Basically to me.. its when you are the best 2 way option for your team... but that is also contingent on having a very strong offensive game.

why is that the case? couldn't shelley just be the spare forward? might have to waive one of shelley or sestito i guess... but i don't think that's a huge hurdle
- FlyerMike18

Add Holmstrom, sign the RFA's, and you have 15 forwards. Rinaldo and Wellwood look like they're up for good, so that leaves only Sestito and Shelley as candidates for demotion. They've already waived Sestito before, but they've never been willing to do that w/ Shelley.

The Flyers would definately need to move some defenseman if they decide to sign one of those guys.

I would have no problems with it.
- stveshdy

I reason those three names are appealing IMHO is that they can run a second PP and move the puck which is what is still needed.

If you brought one on, who would you consider moving?

Of course in a deal for Ryan

Add Holmstrom, sign the RFA's, and you have 15 forwards. Rinaldo and Wellwood look like they're up for good, so that leaves only Sestito and Shelley as candidates for demotion. They've already waived Sestito before, but they've never been willing to do that w/ Shelley.
- Tomahawk

i guess i just don't see rinaldo as a lock...maybe you're right though

i wouldn't have a problem with him being on the team, and i wouldn't be shocked at all if he is, but i hope he's one of the bubble guys who's forced to compete for a spot in camp

Datsyuk wasn't exactly the polished Selke-worthy center he is today at the tender age of 22 either. I don't think there's any question that while both players are elite, Stamkos' production in his first 4 seasons have been nothing short of remarkable, and there's no disputing that he's far ahead of Datsyuk on the development curve at the same age.

Stamkos' defensive game will come around with experience and coaching -- when it does, he's going to be as complete a player as they come.
- Tomahawk

I agree with what your posting as well. However, I dont see Stamkos ever being as good defensively as Datysuk. He is still young and has time to develop but Datysuk is rated as the best player (all around player) in the league by his peers. Will see if Stamkos gets there.

I agree with what your posting as well. However, I dont see Stamkos every being as good defensively as Datysuk. He is still young and has time to develop but Datysuk is rated as the best player (all around player) in the league by his peers. Will see if Stamkos gets there.
- stveshdy

Hard to say that w/o a crystal ball.

There's no shortage of HOF-caliber offensive players that developed dominant defensive games as they grew older -- Yzerman, Modano, Sundin, etc. Stamkos is definitely cut from that kind of mold, hence all the initial comparisons to Yzerman.

I reason those three names are appealing IMHO is that they can run a second PP and move the puck which is what is still needed.

If you brought one on, who would you consider moving?

Of course in a deal for Ryan
- coffee junkie

I would move MAB, Voracek or Read, pick (not 1st rd) for Ryan.

I am so tired of all the excuses for briere. He is a defensive liabilty at the center position. I keep hearing well he had diferent line mates all year. Maybe that was because they tried getting briere going all year. Briere struggles in the second half of seasons even the year before last go look at his numbers not great. This team suffered from bad to average D play and that includes the forwards. Part was briere, Jagr and hartnell to a lesser extent. Yes briere is great in the playoffs scoring wise but he is on the ice for a ton of goals. Yes I know its more then just briere but he has problems with size big time. I watch briere's line a ton this year and his line had hard times getting out of their own end. What will be the excuse this year if he doesn't have a bounce back year? He isn't getting any younger.

Read schenn schenn2 cousins. 2 firsts should be enough to get weber. Resign v. Start cup march

Read schenn schenn2 cousins. 2 firsts should be enough to get weber. Resign v. Start cup march
- Deasr1

You think that is a good course of action?

Hard to say that w/o a crystal ball.

There's no shortage of HOF-caliber offensive players that developed dominant defensive games as they grew older -- Yzerman, Modano, Sundin, etc. Stamkos is definitely cut from that kind of mold, hence all the initial comparisons to Yzerman.
- Tomahawk

Its more of a prediction. I dont think Stamkos will be as good as Datysuk defensively. I think Stamkos is an absolute monster offensively and his defense isnt terrible. He is a young kid whos game is still developing but Datysuk is outstanding at both ends of the ice. Then again hes had years to improve his game so will have to wait and see what happens with Stamoks over his career.

I am so tired of all the excuses for briere. He is a defensive liabilty at the center position. I keep hearing well he had diferent line mates all year. Maybe that was because they tried getting briere going all year. Briere struggles in the second half of seasons even the year before last go look at his numbers not great. This team suffered from bad to average D play and that includes the forwards. Part was briere, Jagr and hartnell to a lesser extent. Yes briere is great in the playoffs scoring wise but he is on the ice for a ton of goals. Yes I know its more then just briere but he has problems with size big time. I watch briere's line a ton this year and his line had hard times getting out of their own end. What will be the excuse this year if he doesn't have a bounce back year? He isn't getting any younger.
- PhillyFran

What about Giroux?

What about Giroux?
- jak521

they already call him G-sus....

You think that is a good course of action?
- jak521

If he signs long term. Yes. Do it in a heartbeat. Not lose cooter simmer Coburn mezzy. Yes. Go.

If he signs long term. Yes. Do it in a heartbeat. Not lose cooter simmer Coburn mezzy. Yes. Go.
- Deasr1

I love Weber but hes only one player. Thats a lot to give up for a player whos going to cost assets and big time money on the cap. Risky move. Flyers would need to fill those holes left by those who are traded.

I'm sure the Flyers will make a bid for Weber though.

I am so tired of all the excuses for briere. He is a defensive liabilty at the center position. I keep hearing well he had diferent line mates all year. Maybe that was because they tried getting briere going all year. Briere struggles in the second half of seasons even the year before last go look at his numbers not great. This team suffered from bad to average D play and that includes the forwards. Part was briere, Jagr and hartnell to a lesser extent. Yes briere is great in the playoffs scoring wise but he is on the ice for a ton of goals. Yes I know its more then just briere but he has problems with size big time. I watch briere's line a ton this year and his line had hard times getting out of their own end. What will be the excuse this year if he doesn't have a bounce back year? He isn't getting any younger.
- PhillyFran

I'm with you man. Frankly despite all his post-season goalscoring we have 0 cups to show for it and he's been on the ice for some back-breaking goals against. Not all his fault but he's a weakness that other teams exploit, especially when we play defensive minded teams that can limit his scoring, thus capitalizing on their opportunities against. The overtime goal against NJ where he took a moronically timed line-change comes to mind.

Same here.

Also, not that he'll ever be a Selke candidate, but some of the blame for his poor defense goes to Boudreau. Hardly anyone on that team was accountable for playing defense for most of his tenure. And Semin did play much better defensively under Hunter when it was made clear to everyone that defensive was required.

He wasn't my first choice, but he might be the best of what's left.
- BringBack25

Will he be held any more accountable in a flyer jersey? Lava seemed to hold zherdevs feet to the fire when he was out there might be more of the same with semin. But when it comes to lava. He seemingly picks his battles with certain players.

If he signs long term. Yes. Do it in a heartbeat. Not lose cooter simmer Coburn mezzy. Yes. Go.
- Deasr1

Yep. But you do lose a guy who has as much potential as Couturier in Brayden Schenn, a very promising young defenseman who leads the NHL in hits by a defensemen for the past two years, a good two way player with speed coming off a 25 goal year, a very solid young prospect who they could plug in a the third line center for the next 10 years, plus two first rounders-one in what some people call the deepest NHL draft class since the 2003 class, for one guy, who may or may not be willing to sign a long term deal.

I'll pass.

I'm with you man. Frankly despite all his post-season goalscoring we have 0 cups to show for it and he's been on the ice for some back-breaking goals against. Not all his fault but he's a weakness that other teams exploit, especially when we play defensive minded teams that can limit his scoring, thus capitalizing on their opportunities against. The overtime goal against NJ where he took a moronically timed line-change comes to mind.
- JoeRussomanno

Three more years of Danny Boy.

Yep. But you do lose a guy who has as much potential as Couturier in Brayden Schenn, a very promising young defenseman who leads the NHL in hits by a defensemen for the past two years, a good two way player with speed coming off a 25 goal year, a very solid young prospect who they could plug in a the third line center for the next 10 years, plus two first rounders-one in what some people call the deepest NHL draft class since the 2003 class, for one guy, who may or may not be willing to sign a long term deal.

I'll pass.
- Jsaquella

I honestly doubt they take less. What would you consider giving up?