Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Morning, Bill.

Do you ever sleep? Or is it a newborn that keeps you up at night?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Either signThomas for 1 year or go after Emery. Dont expend assets trading for a goalie.

I just don't see how signing Thomas does anything to help Steve Mason, if the Flyers think Steve Mason is their goalie going forward.

Signing Thomas would be a hedge and I think if Thomas wasn't playing, he'd make a giant pain in the ass out of himself.

Either signThomas for 1 year or go after Emery. Dont expend assets trading for a goalie.
- BiggE

I agree with the 2nd sentence. That's why I don't think NJD stole Schneider with the 9th overall pick. Schneider hasn't proven anything yet. Goaltenders are so hit or miss and I'm not convinced he is Brodeur's heir apparent.

As for Bill's Thomas/Hasek comparison, my only criticism would be they are of different physical builds. Hasek was a human slinky and a freak of nature physically where as Thomas reminds me of the average Joe. Time off for one might be way more detrimental than to the other.

As for the draft, I'm still left with the feeling of slight disappointment that with all the hype about this being the deepest draft in years, the Flyers failed to maximize their draft picks/positions. Maybe it's the Hinkie effect. 1st pick is a project, 2nd was actually great value, 3rd was almost like Holmgren et al gave up trying. I just expected a lot more from it.

Emery, Halak, Lecavalier, Horton, etc. Even if we add some of those names to the roster, I still don't see that as a good enough improvement that this team needed to make this summer. The offseason is about hope and I just don't feel it right now.

I agree with the 2nd sentence. That's why I don't think NJD stole Schneider with the 9th overall pick. Schneider hasn't proven anything yet. Goaltenders are so hit or miss and I'm not convinced he is Brodeur's heir apparent.

As for Bill's Thomas/Hasek comparison, my only criticism would be they are of different physical builds. Hasek was a human slinky and a freak of nature physically where as Thomas reminds me of the average Joe. Time off for one might be way more detrimental than to the other.

As for the draft, I'm still left with the feeling of slight disappointment that with all the hype about this being the deepest draft in years, the Flyers failed to maximize their draft picks/positions. Maybe it's the Hinkie effect. 1st pick is a project, 2nd was actually great value, 3rd was almost like Holmgren et al gave up trying. I just expected a lot more from it.

Emery, Halak, Lecavalier, Horton, etc. Even if we add some of those names to the roster, I still don't see that as a good enough improvement that this team needed to make this summer. The offseason is about hope and I just don't feel it right now.
- phillydentist

Virtually every pick is a project. Even the surest of sure things isn't an NHL contributor until he's an NHL contributor. And right now, none of these players are. Mostly because they haven't had the chance to even try out for an NHL team, but also because they're kids. Kids. You don't draft to improve your team next year. Unless everything falls into place and you get to draft a Crosby/Malkin/Ovechkin type player. But they're generational superstars for a reason.

So the draft is hyped by experts. The Flyers draft two quality prospects with their first two picks. What's wrong with that?

I just don't see how signing Thomas does anything to help Steve Mason, if the Flyers think Steve Mason is their goalie going forward.

Signing Thomas would be a hedge and I think if Thomas wasn't playing, he'd make a giant pain in the ass out of himself.
- johndewar

do they? they signed him to a back up goalie contract. He's had 3 horrific seasons in a row. I'd be concerned with the flyers FO if the flyers crown Mason the starter w/o competition. I'm all for Thomas on a 1-2 year deal. Politics aside he is a fantastic goalie. I still painfully laugh (mostly from the long history of philly goalie mishaps) that flyer fans thought Thomas was too old 2-3 years ago when philly had a chance to get him, they eventually passed, and he goes out that season and wins a stanley cup, vezina, and conn smythe. Thomas/Mason would be a formidable backstop that buys time to find a true starter, without giving up assets. Maybe Mason earns that starting gig.... but a 7-9 game sample is not nearly enough to erase 3 miserable years of goaltending. jmo.

Either signThomas for 1 year or go after Emery. Dont expend assets trading for a goalie.
- BiggE

Thomas plays anything close to what he did before your a lock for at least playoffs. Who u guys think youre going after for D

Either signThomas for 1 year or go after Emery. Dont expend assets trading for a goalie.
- BiggE

Great blog Bill. I agree here id prefer Emery or Halak.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

I agree with you, Bill. Thomas isn't my first choice, but I'm ok with him on a short term deal, to act as a time splitter/insurance policy for Mason.

My concerns are the same as the ones you outlined and I'd want assurances that there would be no public statements on topics outside of hockey unless Thomas was willing to handle the questions afterward, rather than leaving it to his teammates to answer.

Thomas' competitive nature, at least as displayed on the ice, has me feeling comfortable that he'd be in shape and ready to go from a physical point of view. The guy is a battler and hates to lose. I doubt he shows up in poor shape, he's going to want to return and do well.

Topics like this are why i could never be a GM. Signing Thomas would be like signing Lundqvist or Brodeur or something like that. The fan in me says no way in hell even though it may be the best option for the team. Reminds me of the Jagr situation. Some guys you want in O and B and some you don't for non hockey reasons.

I agree with you, Bill. Thomas isn't my first choice, but I'm ok with him on a short term deal, to act as a time splitter/insurance policy for Mason.

My concerns are the same as the ones you outlined and I'd want assurances that there would be no public statements on topics outside of hockey unless Thomas was willing to handle the questions afterward, rather than leaving it to his teammates to answer.

Thomas' competitive nature, at least as displayed on the ice, has me feeling comfortable that he'd be in shape and ready to go from a physical point of view. The guy is a battler and hates to lose. I doubt he shows up in poor shape, he's going to want to return and do well.
- Jsaquella

I'm still trying to figure out what questions were needed to be asked by reporters?

Is it worse than Bryzgalov talking about outter space, Russia, and questioning the existence of mankind?

Media in philly will attack goaltenders no matter what.

The media can choose not to make it a distraction. The media can choose not to ask those questions. The media can choose to focus on hockey and only hockey. The media in Philly is a disgrace and if i'm GM I spend no time worrying about what they're going to do or say.

With that said, I'd rather try Halak in net. Has time to grow with the team etc. If we think Mason could be our #1, then grab Thomas to "help" him out.

That's just my two cents.

Topics like this are why i could never be a GM. Signing Thomas would be like signing Lundqvist or Brodeur or something like that. The fan in me says no way in hell even though it may be the best option for the team. Reminds me of the Jagr situation. Some guys you want in O and B and some you don't for non hockey reasons.
- wtfd103074

I'd have a tough time signing Canadians.

I'd rather see Emery as I think he would be less of a distraction. The origination knows him and he knows the origination. From what I can tell while he was he there were no problems.

I'm still trying to figure out what questions were needed to be asked by reporters?

Is it worse than Bryzgalov talking about outter space, Russia, and questioning the existence of mankind?

Media in philly will attack goaltenders no matter what.

The media can choose not to make it a distraction. The media can choose not to ask those questions. The media can choose to focus on hockey and only hockey. The media in Philly is a disgrace and if i'm GM I spend no time worrying about what they're going to do or say.

With that said, I'd rather try Halak in net. Has time to grow with the team etc. If we think Mason could be our #1, then grab Thomas to "help" him out.

That's just my two cents.
- Flyersgod

The media will focus on what it wants to, mainly whatever will sell papers. It's foolish to expect otherwise. It's not their job or responsibility to help the team, but to report and ask questions about what goes on around the team.

Thomas made statements on his facebook page that were controversial and made controversial decisions that involved team related events. He decided to shun all questions about those statements and decisions, which left his teammates to answer the questions from the media.

The only concern I have in this regard is that Thomas has already show he's capable of creating a controversy that can cause a distraction in the locker room. I don't care what his views are, so long as he stops the puck and professes those views in a manner that doesn't leave teammates having to answer for him.

My personal preference is to go after Halak, as well. But I definitely see the Flyers having interest in Thomas.

I'd rather see Emery as I think he would be less of a distraction.
- LJF

Less of a distraction? How about our media stops sandbagging our goaltenders and making issues out of nothing.

It's a sad day when we're worried about getting players because of the media distraction involved.

Vick bred, starved, beat, and killed dogs and he barely got any media abuse for it.

Thomas talks about politics and its a distraction.

We need to ask, why is our local reporters purposely hurting our teams?

I'd rather see Emery as I think he would be less of a distraction.
- LJF

He'd be zero distraction. I'd have Emery on my list before Thomas, even with concerns over how effective he would be.

Topics like this are why i could never be a GM. Signing Thomas would be like signing Lundqvist or Brodeur or something like that. The fan in me says no way in hell even though it may be the best option for the team. Reminds me of the Jagr situation. Some guys you want in O and B and some you don't for non hockey reasons.
- wtfd103074

Speaking of Brodeur, he had a horrific season last year and he has a terrific young #1 goalie behind him who is going to ride the bench no matter how marty struggles this year. Brodeur's past acheivements are keeping NJ from seeing that Schneider should be starting next year.

It's tough to bench decorated vets, especially if it's Thomas because you know he would call a press conference over it.

Less of a distraction? How about our media stops sandbagging our goaltenders and making issues out of nothing.

It's a sad day when we're worried about getting players because of the media distraction involved.

Vick bred, starved, beat, and killed dogs and he barely got any media abuse for it.

Thomas talks about politics and its a distraction.

We need to ask, why is our local reporters purposely hurting our teams?
- Flyersgod

More concerned with locker room issues. It seems like Emery's issues are in the past and he is a good team player. I don't want to see Thomas be an issue if he isn't starting.

The media will focus on what it wants to, mainly whatever will sell papers. It's foolish to expect otherwise. It's not their job or responsibility to help the team, but to report and ask questions about what goes on around the team.

Thomas made statements on his facebook page that were controversial and made controversial decisions that involved team related events. He decided to shun all questions about those statements and decisions, which left his teammates to answer the questions from the media.

The only concern I have in this regard is that Thomas has already show he's capable of creating a controversy that can cause a distraction in the locker room. I don't care what his views are, so long as he stops the puck and professes those views in a manner that doesn't leave teammates having to answer for him.

My personal preference is to go after Halak, as well. But I definitely see the Flyers having interest in Thomas.
- Jsaquella

Meh... wouldn't even call reporters up there Journalists.

But I agree, Halak would be the better option.

He'd be zero distraction. I'd have Emery on my list before Thomas, even with concerns over how effective he would be.
- Jsaquella

What about the health of his hip? Won't we always be questioning the condition of his disease?

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

Thomas

Speaking of Brodeur, he had a horrific season last year and he has a terrific young #1 goalie behind him who is going to ride the bench no matter how marty struggles this year. Brodeur's past acheivements are keeping NJ from seeing that Schneider should be starting next year.

It's tough to bench decorated vets, especially if it's Thomas because you know he would call a press conference over it.
- Flyers_01

I doubt Thomas would call a press conference over being benched etc. I didn't even think players were allowed to do such things.

Thomas
- Tomahawk

I hope they sign him, and he has Tea Party stuff painted on his mask.

Just for you.

Speaking of Brodeur, he had a horrific season last year and he has a terrific young #1 goalie behind him who is going to ride the bench no matter how marty struggles this year. Brodeur's past acheivements are keeping NJ from seeing that Schneider should be starting next year.

It's tough to bench decorated vets, especially if it's Thomas because you know he would call a press conference over it.
- Flyers_01

Brodeur wasn't horrific, he just wasn't up to his usual level of play...Johan Hedberg, he was horrific when Brodeur was hurt.

I think that the Devils and Brodeur know that Schneider will be starting more games this year, and that he's their future.