Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Worlds Updates, Akeson, Murray and Player Development

Good on Luke, Oliver, and Gus!

did we get tavares yet?

Great post, Bill.

And it really made me wish that the Flyers' AHL affiliate was closer to Philly.

did we get tavares yet?
- Philly1980

If he was a bit quicker, a bit faster, and a bit more explosive (likely a product of lacking both of the quickness and speed) he would be an elite player, up top with Crosby and Stamkos. Hes a close notch below, but his skill is right there with them.

From Frankie

WHO'S NEXT?

Ranking the top five Flyers prospects in order of likelihood to make the opening night roster out of training camp:

1. Scott Laughton: With five valuable NHL games under his belt, plus a season in the OHL and AHL, Laughton is well-rounded enough to make the jump.

2. Jason Akeson: Impressed enough with speed and scrappy play in his debut in final game of the season to replace Danny Briere, a player with a nearly identical style, size and skill set.

3. Tye McGinn: Hard-nosed player who made a mark on the coaching staff in his 18 games but could never stick in the lineup after a facial injury.

4. Nick Cousins: The Flyers like Cousins, who netted 103 points in the OHL, but Paul Holmgren said the NHL is "a stretch" for him right away. He needs work on his defensive play.

5. Marcel Noebels: Representing Germany in the world championships. Made seamless jump from ECHL to AHL. Will likely play in a couple preseason games

From Frankie

WHO'S NEXT?

Ranking the top five Flyers prospects in order of likelihood to make the opening night roster out of training camp:

1. Scott Laughton: With five valuable NHL games under his belt, plus a season in the OHL and AHL, Laughton is well-rounded enough to make the jump.

2. Jason Akeson: Impressed enough with speed and scrappy play in his debut in final game of the season to replace Danny Briere, a player with a nearly identical style, size and skill set.

3. Tye McGinn: Hard-nosed player who made a mark on the coaching staff in his 18 games but could never stick in the lineup after a facial injury.

4. Nick Cousins: The Flyers like Cousins, who netted 103 points in the OHL, but Paul Holmgren said the NHL is "a stretch" for him right away. He needs work on his defensive play.

5. Marcel Noebels: Representing Germany in the world championships. Made seamless jump from ECHL to AHL. Will likely play in a couple preseason games
- nastyflyergirl

ANNNDDD that is exactly why he cannot be taken seriously.

From Frankie

WHO'S NEXT?

Ranking the top five Flyers prospects in order of likelihood to make the opening night roster out of training camp:

1. Scott Laughton: With five valuable NHL games under his belt, plus a season in the OHL and AHL, Laughton is well-rounded enough to make the jump.

2. Jason Akeson: Impressed enough with speed and scrappy play in his debut in final game of the season to replace Danny Briere, a player with a nearly identical style, size and skill set.

3. Tye McGinn: Hard-nosed player who made a mark on the coaching staff in his 18 games but could never stick in the lineup after a facial injury.

4. Nick Cousins: The Flyers like Cousins, who netted 103 points in the OHL, but Paul Holmgren said the NHL is "a stretch" for him right away. He needs work on his defensive play.

5. Marcel Noebels: Representing Germany in the world championships. Made seamless jump from ECHL to AHL. Will likely play in a couple preseason games
- nastyflyergirl

Wow.

I think Frank needs to pump the brakes a bit on Akeson, comparing him to Danny B.

With Homer's desire to "get bigger", I'm not sure Akeson answers that concern, but Tye McGinn, playing full time in the NHL, sure does.

Bill,

How long do you honestly think Murray will be with the Phantoms? Is he a candidate to get a NHL shot again sooner rather than later?

From Frankie

WHO'S NEXT?

Ranking the top five Flyers prospects in order of likelihood to make the opening night roster out of training camp:

1. Scott Laughton: With five valuable NHL games under his belt, plus a season in the OHL and AHL, Laughton is well-rounded enough to make the jump.

2. Jason Akeson: Impressed enough with speed and scrappy play in his debut in final game of the season to replace Danny Briere, a player with a nearly identical style, size and skill set.

3. Tye McGinn: Hard-nosed player who made a mark on the coaching staff in his 18 games but could never stick in the lineup after a facial injury.

4. Nick Cousins: The Flyers like Cousins, who netted 103 points in the OHL, but Paul Holmgren said the NHL is "a stretch" for him right away. He needs work on his defensive play.

5. Marcel Noebels: Representing Germany in the world championships. Made seamless jump from ECHL to AHL. Will likely play in a couple preseason games
- nastyflyergirl

I will tell you that a year ago, the Flyers were asked for input on a top organizational prospects article I helped work on. It was not their opinion at the time than Akeson was even a top 10 prospect in the organization (despite leading the Phantoms in scoring as a rookie). He's definitely one now but second? No.

Briere was a 1st round draft pick with plus speed (especially as a younger player) who absolutely tore apart the AHL offensively.

Akeson was an undrafted overager with below-average speed who has quickly become a good AHL offensive player (but not so much so that it was obvious he's too talented for that level).

Basically, the only thing that Akeson and Briere truly have in common is being undersized forwards with defensive deficiencies.

Bill,

How long do you honestly think Murray will be with the Phantoms? Is he a candidate to get a NHL shot again sooner rather than later?
- Pyzik

He coached the Phantoms this year more or less as a favor to the Flyers organization. I don't think he'll want to do it again next year. Also, at age 62, I don't think he'll get another NHL head coaching job. I think the ideal role for him at this point, actually, is either an NHL organization's head of hockey operations (Chris Pryor does a good job of that in Philly, so there's no opening on the Flyers in that role) or else an assistant NHL coach in the same capacity that John Paddock served this season -- an eye in the sky who focuses on team defense.

He coached the Phantoms this year more or less as a favor to the Flyers organization. I don't think he'll want to do it again next year. Also, at age 62, I don't think he'll get another NHL head coaching job. I think the ideal role for him at this point, actually, is either an NHL organization's head of hockey operations (Chris Pryor does a good job of that in Philly, so there's no opening on the Flyers in that role) or else an assistant NHL coach in the same capacity that John Paddock served this season -- an eye in the sky who focuses on team defense.
- bmeltzer

after seeing team defense this past season.... i'll take a new eye in the sky

Briere was a 1st round draft pick with plus speed (especially as a younger player) who absolutely tore apart the AHL offensively.

Akeson was an undrafted overager with below-average speed who has quickly become a good AHL offensive player (but not so much so that it was obvious he's too talented for that level).

Basically, the only thing that Akeson and Briere truly have in common is being undersized forwards with defensive deficiencies.
- bmeltzer

I figured you would appreciate that.

after seeing team defense this past season.... i'll take a new eye in the sky
- Don'tForgetTocchet

Briere was a 1st round draft pick with plus speed (especially as a younger player) who absolutely tore apart the AHL offensively.

Akeson was an undrafted overager with below-average speed who has quickly become a good AHL offensive player (but not so much so that it was obvious he's too talented for that level).

Basically, the only thing that Akeson and Briere truly have in common is being undersized forwards with defensive deficiencies.
- bmeltzer

IOW, they're both humans who play hockey.

It might as well be the summer in here.

Congrats to Bob for the Veznia Nomination.

And jeers to us for changing our Goalie Philosophy immediately after we finally got a goalie with promise, and he then struggled...

Congrats to Bob for the Veznia Nomination.

And jeers to us for changing our Goalie Philosophy immediately after we finally got a goalie with promise, and he then struggled...
- flyler

Despite the inevitable uproar here, I'd like to see Bob take some hardware home.

Congrats to Bob for the Veznia Nomination.

And jeers to us for changing our Goalie Philosophy immediately after we finally got a goalie with promise, and he then struggled...
- flyler

How are Philly fans not more outraged that they basically gave away a goalie people are starting to compare to Hasek (in terms of competitiveness/prep). Philly fans are usually way more unforgiving.

From Frankie

WHO'S NEXT?

Ranking the top five Flyers prospects in order of likelihood to make the opening night roster out of training camp:

1. Scott Laughton: With five valuable NHL games under his belt, plus a season in the OHL and AHL, Laughton is well-rounded enough to make the jump.

2. Jason Akeson: Impressed enough with speed and scrappy play in his debut in final game of the season to replace Danny Briere, a player with a nearly identical style, size and skill set.

3. Tye McGinn: Hard-nosed player who made a mark on the coaching staff in his 18 games but could never stick in the lineup after a facial injury.

4. Nick Cousins: The Flyers like Cousins, who netted 103 points in the OHL, but Paul Holmgren said the NHL is "a stretch" for him right away. He needs work on his defensive play.

5. Marcel Noebels: Representing Germany in the world championships. Made seamless jump from ECHL to AHL. Will likely play in a couple preseason games
- nastyflyergirl

I would say that Akeson has the size, style, and skill set of......Jon Sim. That's who he reminds me of. We'll see if there is a difference in the future.

[quote=jacketsfan0649]


I will hold on judging until I see how the return works out but yeah, they gave up on him too quickly for my likings

[quote=jacketsfan0649]

Playing very good for one season does not equate to comparisons to hasek.

How are Philly fans not more outraged that they basically gave away a goalie people are starting to compare to Hasek (in terms of competitiveness/prep). Philly fans are usually way more unforgiving.
- jacketsfan0649

Well, I'd give it another season (one of full length, at that) before I start making comparisons to Hasek. But there's some outrage, and if Bob takes hom the Vezina it'll really kick up.

That said, the Flyers totally gave up on him.

Despite the inevitable uproar here, I'd like to see Bob take some hardware home.
- BulliesPhan87

Fully agree. My disappointment is not in Bob, but in the fact that I really wanted him to succeed Here.