Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Rinaldo's Role

Get him outta here.

Bill,

What is your feeling on some of the prospects that aren't signed yet? I saw Hyka wasn't signed yet and curious of your take. The Flyers liked him and then LA drafted him. Curious what Hextalls take on him would be and if he would be interested in him because of his skill and speed.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Rinaldo's Role
- bmeltzer

For me, I've never been much of a fan because Rinaldo is so one-dimensional. And sometimes, even that one dimension is detrimental.

You can find quality forecheckers and bodycheckers who are also good at playing hockey.

Or you can use your 4th line in other ways. If you can afford it or draft for it, you can build a quality 4th line that you can roll more often than other teams (ie. Chicago).

Or (albeit similar to the above) you can use it as a bridge for young players in your organization. Draft and develop players and bring them along slowly at the NHL level via 4th line duty.

One can argue that is/was the case with Rinaldo, but as you've pointed out already, he's not really developing at this point.

Get him outta here.
- The_Universe

If you look at all the legit contenders around the NHL, none of them have a player like Rinaldo as a regular. If the Flyers are hell bent on having "tough guys" start getting some that actually possess hockey skills. Skating around like a maniac throwing body checks while the opposition has the puck for his entire shift, is an effort in futility.

I like Rinaldo, but wouldn't be broken hearted if he left.

If you look at all the legit contenders around the NHL, none of them have a player like Rinaldo as a regular. If the Flyers are hell bent on having "tough guys" start getting some that actually possess hockey skills. Skating around like a maniac throwing body checks while the opposition has the puck for his entire shift, is an effort in futility.
- PLindbergh31

If you consider NYR a contender (likely going to the Finals), would you consider Carcillo and Dorsett players like him? How about Thornton on Boston?

I really don't think that there is a need for Rinaldo on this team. I would much rather have a guy like Adam Hall on our team.

But I will seriously miss some of the hits that Rinaldo can throw. Sometimes the Flyers can be losing 3 to 0 and I can leave the night happy because Rinaldo absolutely crushes someone. But I can live with him going because winning a hockey game is so much more satisfying.

For me, I've never been much of a fan because Rinaldo is so one-dimensional. And sometimes, even that one dimension is detrimental.

You can find quality forecheckers and bodycheckers who are also good at playing hockey.

Or you can use your 4th line in other ways. If you can afford it or draft for it, you can build a quality 4th line that you can roll more often than other teams (ie. Chicago).

Or (albeit similar to the above) you can use it as a bridge for young players in your organization. Draft and develop players and bring them along slowly at the NHL level via 4th line duty.

One can argue that is/was the case with Rinaldo, but as you've pointed out already, he's not really developing at this point.
- bradleyc4

I don't hate Rinaldo, but I just don't realistically see him being able to grow much more as a player... guys like Dorsett, Roussel, etc have enough game to contribute in multiple ways... Rinaldo has a modicum of puck skill, but it doesn't look like he's going to be able to parlay that into possession contribution or defensive contribution, much less point production.

Really, A Rinaldo value post? Why not a Rosehill one next. Rinaldo has value, for anyone with eyeballs. It's up too the coaching to bring out that ability that he does well. He doesn't have as many points, and why is that? He's put on the ice to hit people and be a pest!!!!! The 4th line this past year was one of the best on the ice for stretches. Zac is the ONLY physical presence on this team other then a L Schenn appearance, and that's needed! Love all these dopes crying, Oh I never wanted him or He has to go, but these are the same dopes crying about giving up on young guy's. HE'S 23 YEARS OLD!

Im up and down on my perception of Rinaldo....to me the jury is still out....he is still a young guy that needs to carve his niche....honestly he needs to develop his over all play to be useful....like a lot of young guys.
one thing is for sure....this year is huge for him.

Really, A Rinaldo value post? Why not a Rosehill one next. Rinaldo has value, for anyone with eyeballs. It's up too the coaching to bring out that ability that he does well. He doesn't have as many points, and why is that? He's put on the ice to hit people and be a pest!!!!! The 4th line this past year was one of the best on the ice for stretches. Zac is the ONLY physical presence on this team other then a L Schenn appearance, and that's needed! Love all these dopes crying, Oh I never wanted him or He has to go, but these are the same dopes crying about giving up on young guy's. HE'S 23 YEARS OLD!
- twpguy

?????????

Im up and down on my perception of Rinaldo....to me the jury is still out....he is still a young guy that needs to carve his niche....honestly he needs to develop his over all play to be useful....like a lot of young guys.
one thing is for sure....this year is huge for him.
- landros 2

I think he's found his niche, he just needs to widen it.

If you consider NYR a contender (likely going to the Finals), would you consider Carcillo and Dorsett players like him? How about Thornton on Boston?
- jmatchett383

Carcillo and Dorsett were pretty good scorers in junior... Rinaldo's not in their league in terms of relative puck skill.

Thornton's more of a hybrid heavy, but even he's more skilled that Zac.

I think he's found his niche, he just needs to widen it.
- jmatchett383

Hopefully he can add to some PK responsibilities, I guess....

Carcillo and Dorsett were pretty good scorers in junior... Rinaldo's not in their league in terms of relative puck skill.

Thornton's more of a hybrid heavy, but even he's more skilled that Zac.
- Tomahawk

Yeah, I know they have more skill than him, but Rinaldo has SOME skill. Not a ton, but he's a good skater and can stickhandle a bit.

I just feel that he's not getting a real chance. He'll never be a 15-goal scorer, but when you play fewer minutes than Jon Scott, you don't get much of a chance to produce.

Carcillo and Dorsett were pretty good scorers in junior... Rinaldo's not in their league in terms of relative puck skill.

Thornton's more of a hybrid heavy, but even he's more skilled that Zac.
- Tomahawk

I would really prefer a 4th line much like Anaheim had and dallas. Thats why I started the Leo Komarov fan club. I would rather have a 4th line that could skate and create offense while still being gritty. I would like laughton, kamorov and someone else then Rinaldo, hall type line.

I think what you see is what you get with Rinaldo. He may see some spot duty on the PK, especially if injuries require it, but I don't ever see him being a go to option.

He's not the worst fourth line option when he's playing with his head screwed on right. But he needs to be reined in by the coach (and scratched, if necessary) to stay focused, and Berube seems disinclined to do so. Personally, I'd prefer they plug in a better player in his spot, if possible.

I think what you see is what you get with Rinaldo. He may see some spot duty on the PK, especially if injuries require it, but I don't ever see him being a go to option.

He's not the worst fourth line option when he's playing with his head screwed on right. But he needs to be reined in by the coach (and scratched, if necessary) to stay focused, and Berube seems disinclined to do so. Personally, I'd prefer they plug in a better player in his spot, if possible.
- BulliesPhan87

Maybe they can remedy it this offseason, but for the playoffs, he (sadly) was the best option.

And why don't you get out of here, troll.

Really, A Rinaldo value post
- twpguy

Not much else to write about in Flyersdom right now.

Maybe they can remedy it this offseason, but for the playoffs, he (sadly) was the best option.

And why don't you get out of here, troll.
- jmatchett383

I can't believe that guy insulted my username. I put a lot of thought and care into registering this one.

?????????
- jmatchett383

I wasn't even going to get involved

?????????
- jmatchett383

agreed

Apparently hockey wasn't invented in Canada after all:
http://www.thehockeynews....ed-in-canada-think-again/

Maybe they can remedy it this offseason, but for the playoffs, he (sadly) was the best option.

And why don't you get out of here, troll.
- jmatchett383

If the Flyers sign a UFA LW in the off season that leaves little room for Rinaldo on the team. Is Rinaldo a better fourth line option than Akeson?