Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Tuesday Quick Hits

I want to see Matt Read get a chance to take a bigger bite out of scoring line role.

He is a plug him in and forget him type of player who plays in all three zones, plays gritty, contributes offense, and prevents goals against.

Bill,

Would Matt Read be a good comparison for Taylor Leier? Seems that he can prodcue but is good skater and good in his own zone and they seem to be built the same. Probably won't put up the same numbers he did in juniors but could be a solid 3rd line guy like Read.

Bill,

Would Matt Read be a good comparison for Taylor Leier? Seems that he can prodcue but is good skater and good in his own zone and they seem to be built the same. Probably won't put up the same numbers he did in juniors but could be a solid 3rd line guy like Read.
- J35Bacher

Yes. I'm not sure Leier will be a 20-goal guy in the NHL like Read -- he may -- but otherwise they are good comparison players.

Yes. I'm not sure Leier will be a 20-goal guy in the NHL like Read -- he may -- but otherwise they are good comparison players.
- bmeltzer

If the Flyers want to get younger and faster would it be reasonable to see maybe Laughton/Leier with the Flyers next season as long as they have good camps. Just seems like both players could make it since there rolls are more as defensivly responble and role players then to be relied on scoring. Also the benefit of having them on ELC deals helps with cap crunch.

If the Flyers want to get younger and faster would it be reasonable to see maybe Laughton/Leier with the Flyers next season as long as they have good camps. Just seems like both players could make it since there rolls are more as defensivly responble and role players then to be relied on scoring. Also the benefit of having them on ELC deals helps with cap crunch.
- J35Bacher

Laughton yes, but I think Leier is going to need a season at the AHL level before he is ready.

For Bo:

For Bo:


- MBFlyerfan

Tremendous....

Yes. I'm not sure Leier will be a 20-goal guy in the NHL like Read -- he may -- but otherwise they are good comparison players.
- bmeltzer

As a 4th round pick, if he can develop into a solid 3rd liner, I would be very happy.

Laughton yes, but I think Leier is going to need a season at the AHL level before he is ready.
- BiggE

That's how I see it. And I agree, if he develops into a solid NHL player, it's a great pick.

For Bo:


- MBFlyerfan

A statue should be erected to commemorate this.

Laughton yes, but I think Leier is going to need a season at the AHL level before he is ready.
- BiggE

With Leier I could see him getting some time in AHL but most people had no clue who Matt Read was. I think since his roll isn't as a scorer and more of a role player with good skills and skating who is good defensivly then he might be ok if he has a good camp. Having a couple guys on ELC deals on the roster would help cap and allow to fix other holes. A lot will be determined if Vinny can be moved or what happens with Kimmo.

For Bo:


- MBFlyerfan

As well he should.

Although I do have rooting interest in both series (I care who wins), it is nothing like having the Flyers in a game 7. So it is rather enjoyable to be looking forward to a game 7 tonight and tomorrow.

With Leier I could see him getting some time in AHL but most people had no clue who Matt Read was. I think since his roll isn't as a scorer and more of a role player with good skills and skating who is good defensivly then he might be ok if he has a good camp. Having a couple guys on ELC deals on the roster would help cap and allow to fix other holes. A lot will be determined if Vinny can be moved or what happens with Kimmo.
- J35Bacher

Matt Read was 25 in his rookie season. Taylor Leier is 20. It's easy to put up numbers in Junior as a 20 year old, but I very much doubt, he is ready to go up against the level of competition he will face in the NHL. It is very rare for a 4th round pick to break into the NHL at the age of 20, almost all spend some time, often significant time, in the AHL.

Although I do have rooting interest in both series (I care who wins), it is nothing like having the Flyers in a game 7. So it is rather enjoyable to be looking forward to a game 7 tonight and tomorrow.
- bodiva88

Agreed.

Though choosing between the Rangers and Penguins is like choosing between Satan and Al Queda.

Matt Read was 25 in his rookie season. Taylor Leier is 20. It's easy to put up numbers in Junior as a 20 year old, but I very much doubt, he is ready to go up against the level of competition he will face in the NHL. It is very rare for a 4th round pick to break into the NHL at the age of 20, almost all spend some time, often significant time, in the AHL.
- BiggE

Also, Read had an 11-game cup of coffee in the AHL at the tail end of 10-11. He posted 13 points (7G, 6A) in those 11 games. Basically, he showed that he had the ability to succeed at the pro level. If Leier goes to the AHL and lights it up the same way, he'll most likely get a call-up at some point in the season next year.

I was having a discussion with a Canucks fan friend of mine. We both agreed we would trade Bieska straight up for Hartnell based on team need (assuming both players waive their NTCs). Thoughts?

Agreed.

Though choosing between the Rangers and Penguins is like choosing between Satan and Al Queda.
- BiggE

Basically, the Penguins are gonna fire err'body if they lose.

That might be fun.

The Rangers? If they lose, I think it would be viewed as that team having a decent run and if they add a piece here or there, they could be OK. Rick Nash might catch some grief.

Agreed.

Though choosing between the Rangers and Penguins is like choosing between Satan and Al Queda.
- BiggE

I still don't get the massive amount of Penguins hate. There is a hate of certain players on the Penguins, but I hate any player who is wearing a Rangers (or Devils) jersey. To me, it's not even close. I hate the Rangers today, and have always hated them. I hate the Devils today, and have since 1994. I dislike the some of the Penguins players today, but only have since 2005 or later.

I was having a discussion with a Canucks fan friend of mine. We both agreed we would trade Bieska straight up for Hartnell based on team need (assuming both players waive their NTCs). Thoughts?
- PhiFaninEdm

The majority of this board would be on board and ready to pack Hartnell's bags.

They would most likely be lamenting how bad Bieksa is defensively and calling it a horrible trade by mid-December.

Basically, the Penguins are gonna fire err'body if they lose.

That might be fun.

The Rangers? If they lose, I think it would be viewed as that team having a decent run and if they add a piece here or there, they could be OK. Rick Nash might catch some grief.
- johndewar

Would definitely make for an interesting offseason...

Wonder where Fleury would go.

As a 4th round pick, if he can develop into a solid 3rd liner, I would be very happy.
- BiggE

He looked good last night. Portland's PP looked like the Rangers though. An awful second period doomed them.

I still don't get the massive amount of Penguins hate. There is a hate of certain players on the Penguins, but I hate any player who is wearing a Rangers (or Devils) jersey. To me, it's not even close. I hate the Rangers today, and have always hated them. I hate the Devils today, and have since 1994. I dislike the some of the Penguins players today, but only have since 2005 or later.
- jmatchett383

I hate the Rangers, their stupid hat tradition, their terrible arena (MSG blows), the awful ice, and their inbred fans.

Would definitely make for an interesting offseason...

Wonder where Fleury would go.
- Streit2ThePoint

I don't know about MAF. Depends on how he plays if they lose.

Bylsma is almost certainly gone and St. Ray Shero will definitely be on the hot seat.