Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bernier, Bryzgalov, Philly Draft Demographics

Can we get hextall in here for GM?

Can we get hextall in here for GM?
- Just5

Most likely the next guy in here after homer

Can we get hextall in here for GM?
- Just5

I have no hate for Homer but I would love it if Hexy were back in Philly where he belongs.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Bernier, Bryzgalov, Philly Draft Demographics
- bmeltzer

Frattin is a pretty good young player .....but your comments regarding the entire package are spot on......Honestly if the Flyers thought he was as good as some suggest he would be a Flyer today.....what that deal says to me is the Flyers weren't totally sold.

Still need to remember that Bryzgalov for another year may not be a bad idea. There were times last year he showed real flashes of brilliance. Bryzgalov lacing up with the Islanders or Devils for $2m a year after a Flyer buy out is not a happy vision.

Wow, 2004 draft class is particularly

Still need to remember that Bryzgalov for another year may not be a bad idea. There were times last year he showed real flashes of brilliance. Bryzgalov lacing up with the Islanders or Devils for $2m a year after a Flyer buy out is not a happy vision.
- spatso

If Bryz gets bought out I have a hard time seeing another team talking a chance on him. Its probably KHL or nothing, which would explain the recent erratic behavior by his agent.

If Bryz gets bought out I have a hard time seeing another team talking a chance on him. Its probably KHL or nothing, which would explain the recent erratic behavior by his agent.
- hereticpride

I guess if Toronto doesn't reach a contract with Bernier the Flyers can still offer sheet him when the time comes. Not that is makes a real difference since TO can match, whereas LA could not.

Wow, 2004 draft class is particularly
- MBFlyerfan

Yeah, that was a real forgettable one.

On a leaguewide basis, 2004 turned out to be a decent draft crop. For the Flyers, however, it was one strikeout after another among the 11 picks they held. David Laliberte was as good as it got for the Flyers. Among the biggest misses, there were four future 220-plus NHL game players selected within 11 picks of their third round selection, Rob Bellamy, who topped out as an AHL fourth-liner. There was also a future convicted murderer (Ladislav Scurko) among the Flyers' picks that year.

Still need to remember that Bryzgalov for another year may not be a bad idea. There were times last year he showed real flashes of brilliance. Bryzgalov lacing up with the Islanders or Devils for $2m a year after a Flyer buy out is not a happy vision.
- spatso

The Flyers can not worry about what happens if Bryzgalov signs elsewhere. They have to do what is best for their team.

Bryzgalov, according to rumors, is about as popular with teammates as a rat in a cheese factory. Not that that is enough of a reason to cut ties, but given that Bryzgalov's play has been substandard, it should be a factor.

As for the level of play, can Bryzgalov play at a sustained high level behind a non-Tippett system? Not sold he can. And even if he can, and they buy him out in 2014, he could sign with the Isles or Devils then.

There's also the injury factor. If Bryzgalov sustains a career ending injury, the Flyers won't be able to use a CBO on him in the summer of 2014. There's really no compelling reason, IMO, to wait to buy out Bryz until next summer.

If Bryz gets bought out I have a hard time seeing another team talking a chance on him. Its probably KHL or nothing, which would explain the recent erratic behavior by his agent.
- hereticpride

Goalies are wired guys, often with twisted personalities. Many of them would come off as being a little scorched if they were given the same media attention that Bryzgalov got over the last few years. People easily forget that Bryzgalov had some very good years in Anahiem and Phoenix.

If the Flyers buy him out, there will be a few teams ready to pounce and offer him a deal at the right price. He would be a natural fit for the Islanders or as a back up and successor to Brodeur. If Smith leaves the Coyotes, why would they not seek to get Bryzgalov back at a good price?

I am not convinced that the Flyers will buy him out. If they do, I think it might cause some regret in the future. The guy can play. Put him behind a strong D and he is a very good NHL goalie.

The Flyers can not worry about what happens if Bryzgalov signs elsewhere. They have to do what is best for their team.

Bryzgalov, according to rumors, is about as popular with teammates as a rat in a cheese factory. Not that that is enough of a reason to cut ties, but given that Bryzgalov's play has been substandard, it should be a factor.

As for the level of play, can Bryzgalov play at a sustained high level behind a non-Tippett system? Not sold he can. And even if he can, and they buy him out in 2014, he could sign with the Isles or Devils then.

There's also the injury factor. If Bryzgalov sustains a career ending injury, the Flyers won't be able to use a CBO on him in the summer of 2014. There's really no compelling reason, IMO, to wait to buy out Bryz until next summer.
- Jsaquella

I had not thought of the injury factor. Important point. Long term, I agree Bryzgalov does not really have an orange and black attitude.

Yeah, that was a real forgettable one.

On a leaguewide basis, 2004 turned out to be a decent draft crop. For the Flyers, however, it was one strikeout after another among the 11 picks they held. David Laliberte was as good as it got for the Flyers. Among the biggest misses, there were four future 220-plus NHL game players selected within 11 picks of their third round selection, Rob Bellamy, who topped out as an AHL fourth-liner. There was also a future convicted murderer (Ladislav Scurko) among the Flyers' picks that year.
- bmeltzer

Interestingly, with picks that once belonged to the Flyers, Edmonton chose Rob Schremp in the 1st round. The Rangers chose Brandon Dubinsky in the 2nd round. And when they picked Bellamy, some noted players still on the board were Johan Franzen 5 picks later in round 3, Tyler Kennedy in round 4, Ryan Callahan (incidentally picked 3 spots after Laliberte in round 4), Michael Grabovski, and Mark Streit in round 9.

I had not thought of the injury factor. Important point. Long term, I agree Bryzgalov does not really have an orange and black attitude.
- spatso

I care less about his attitude than I do the on ice results. Those have been mixed, at best.

The Flyers can't have the kind of commitment they do with Bryz for a goalie that seems to need a system to thrive. They decided to keep Laviolette, so the system isn't going to change...and to be honest, Bryzgalov could have a Vezina level season and I'd still have serious doubt about his ability to sustain it.

I care less about his attitude than I do the on ice results. Those have been mixed, at best.

The Flyers can't have the kind of commitment they do with Bryz for a goalie that seems to need a system to thrive. They decided to keep Laviolette, so the system isn't going to change...and to be honest, Bryzgalov could have a Vezina level season and I'd still have serious doubt about his ability to sustain it.
- Jsaquella

Agreed, it's not going to work for Bryz here, and his contract is an albatross. Cut the cord now!

While I still lean towards going after Backstrom or Emery, Reimer now becomes a lot more interesting. I'm not sure Toronto is ready to move him though; if they do, and Bernier struggles with the pressure of being "the guy" in Toronto, they would be in serious trouble. However if they are shopping him, I would certainly offer Read and a 2nd for him.

I care less about his attitude than I do the on ice results. Those have been mixed, at best.

The Flyers can't have the kind of commitment they do with Bryz for a goalie that seems to need a system to thrive. They decided to keep Laviolette, so the system isn't going to change...and to be honest, Bryzgalov could have a Vezina level season and I'd still have serious doubt about his ability to sustain it.
- Jsaquella

There are just too many distractions. We are well past the point of him being able to play past it. The media here has made up their minds about him, and if he is playing well, and the distractions are at a minimum, they will create the distractions. The Flyers have probably recognized this, as has the league.

Maybe they think that if they make the CBO announcement now, they will be putting themselves in a weakened negotiating position when it comes to signing a free agent or trading for a goalie.

I care less about his attitude than I do the on ice results. Those have been mixed, at best.

The Flyers can't have the kind of commitment they do with Bryz for a goalie that seems to need a system to thrive. They decided to keep Laviolette, so the system isn't going to change...and to be honest, Bryzgalov could have a Vezina level season and I'd still have serious doubt about his ability to sustain it.
- Jsaquella

I can probably be a bit more objective about the situation because I am not a direct supporter of the Flyers. I think Holmgren must be pulling his hair out over the situation. He knows the guy can play. He knows that another goaltender with that defense might have a far poorer result. Yet, the guy can't help himself and keeps saying really stupid things. Everything could be repaired if they could just keep him away from the media.

Agreed, it's not going to work for Bryz here, and his contract is an albatross. Cut the cord now!

While I still lean towards going after Backstrom or Emery, Reimer now becomes a lot more interesting. I'm not sure Toronto is ready to move him though; if they do, and Bernier struggles with the pressure of being "the guy" in Toronto, they would be in serious trouble. However if they are shopping him, I would certainly offer Read and a 2nd for him.
- BiggE

There's a lot of options, there's no one guy that "have" to get. I still wouldn't trade Read and a 2nd for him, especially if he struggles in Toronto

The Flyers can not worry about what happens if Bryzgalov signs elsewhere. They have to do what is best for their team.

Bryzgalov, according to rumors, is about as popular with teammates as a rat in a cheese factory. Not that that is enough of a reason to cut ties, but given that Bryzgalov's play has been substandard, it should be a factor.

As for the level of play, can Bryzgalov play at a sustained high level behind a non-Tippett system? Not sold he can. And even if he can, and they buy him out in 2014, he could sign with the Isles or Devils then.

There's also the injury factor. If Bryzgalov sustains a career ending injury, the Flyers won't be able to use a CBO on him in the summer of 2014. There's really no compelling reason, IMO, to wait to buy out Bryz until next summer.
- Jsaquella

sums it up pretty well

I can probably be a bit more objective about the situation because I am not a direct supporter of the Flyers. I think Holmgren must be pulling his hair out over the situation. He knows the guy can play. He knows that another goaltender with that defense might have a far poorer result. Yet, the guy can't help himself and keeps saying really stupid things. Everything could be repaired if they could just keep him away from the media.
- spatso

I'm very objective. I supported Bryz throughout the time he spent here, realize that the situation isn't entirely his fault and still think he's a good goalie.

I just don't think he'll ever get back to a near elite level as a Flyer. Most of the noise is nonsense and yes the media here is among the most aggressive and ill-informed in the entire NHL.

But the bottom line is, his play has not lived up to the commitment the Flyers made to him.

There's a lot of options, there's no one guy that "have" to get. I still wouldn;t trade Read and a 2nd for him, especially if he struggles in Toronto
- Jsaquella

Player Team Age 2012-13 Cap Hit
N Backstrom MIN 35 $6,000,000
Tim Thomas NYI 38 $5,000,000
Khabibulin EDM 40 $3,750,000
Evgeni Nabokov NYI 37 $2,750,000
Mike Smith PHX 30 $2,000,000
Chris Mason NAS 36 $1,500,000
Jose Theodore FLA 36 $1,500,000
Mathieu Garon TBL 35 $1,300,000
Jason Labarbera PHX 33 $1,250,000
Ray Emery CHI 30 $1,150,000
Brian Boucher CAR 36 $950,000
Michael Leighton CBJ 31 $900,000
Anton Khudobin BOS 26 $875,000
Henrik Karlsson CHI 29 $862,500
Yann Danis EDM 31 $800,000
Dan Ellis CAR 32 $800,000
Drouin-Deslauriers ANA 28 $612,500
Al Montoya WIN 28 $601,000
Mark Dekanich WIN 26 $600,000
Chad Johnson PHX 26 $600,000
Ced. Desjardins TBL 27 $600,000
Nathan Lawson OTT 29 $600,000
Thomas Greiss SJS 27 $587,500
David Leggio BUF 28 $550,000
Grumet-Morris FLA 31 $550,000
Carter Hutton CHI 27 $525,000
Jordan Pearce DET 26 $525,000
Alec Richards CHI 25 $525,000
Brad Thiessen PIT 26 $525,000
Mike McKenna STL 29 $525,000
Dany Sabourin WAS 32 $525,000

At the end of the day, to justify his cap hit and perhaps more importantly the length of the deal, Bryz needs to be, hands down, one of the top 10 goalies in the league.
He is not. The media crap doesn't matter, the Mr. Universe BS doesn't matter and whether his teammates like him or not doesn't matter. What matters is his play, and his play is just not good enough to justify 7 more years at a cap hit of 5.7 million.

There is no point in waiting, the risk of an injury is too much of chance to take. Buy him out now and move on.

I have no hate for Homer but I would love it if Hexy were back in Philly where he belongs.
- Hextall271

Doesn't matter much. As long as snider is running things it will always be duct tape and band aids in their flawed quest to trying to win a cup

FA Goalie List
- MBFlyerfan

Yep. There's also trade targets. Halak. Reimer. Maybe the Caps would be willing to move Neuvirth.