Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laughton, Rookie Camp, Quick Hits

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laughton, Rookie Camp, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

If they'd like to see Couturier boost his offensive numbers it'd make sense to keep Laughton.

I believe he'll make the choice difficult for the team.

Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Laughton, Rookie Camp, Quick Hits
- bmeltzer

I think if Laughton can make a case for being used on the PK, the starts the season with the Flyers. Either way, no matter where he starts, I think he's on the big club no later than mid season.

I think if Laughton can make a case for being used on the PK, the starts the season with the Flyers. Either way, no matter where he starts, I think he's on the big club no later than mid season.
- BiggE

I don't see a problem with Laughton starting out on the 4th line. Ideally, I would like to see him in a role that not only gets him some NHL minutes, but also lessens some of the burden on Couturier defensively. If he could have the same type of career path that Couturier has taken so far that would be great. Be a regular on the PK, get some even strength minutes against players that normally Couturier would defend, and so forth.

Bill,

Nice analysis of the dilemma on Laughton. One aspect that Hextall should also consider is the ripple effect on the Phantoms if Laughton suits up there.

- With Laughton as his center, would Straka enjoy some early success and perhaps gain confidence?

- If Laughton is paired with Leier, does Leier have the similar drop off from Juniors to the A that Straka and Cousins had in their first year.

- Does this take some pressure off of Cousins and let him grow his offensive game.

- Does having a more talented "finisher" help any of the defense - particularly Ghost - develop their offensive games.

Best case I think is that Vinnie starts off strong as the 2nd line center, and Laughton does well as 1st line center on the Phantoms. Then you have options going into the TDL.

I don't see a problem with Laughton starting out on the 4th line. Ideally, I would like to see him in a role that not only gets him some NHL minutes, but also lessens some of the burden on Couturier defensively. If he could have the same type of career path that Couturier has taken so far that would be great. Be a regular on the PK, get some even strength minutes against players that normally Couturier would defend, and so forth.
- MBFlyerfan

I think footspeed and positioning/anticipation/reading the play are key for Laughton to make the team even in the defensive role.

With the new rules regarding trips even if the defender gets the puck first the game is going to change a little. People may just take the penalty and trip the opposition.
Diving in those instances will be a serious concern and it is a revolting rule change

One huge advantage in keeping Laughton is, if he can be a good defensive center, he can lessen the burden carried by Couturier in that regard and free him up for a larger offensive role. That would likely ensure enough minutes and a big enough role where Laughton wouldn't stagnate as a little used 4th liner.

With the Flyers potential depth up front, the Flyer can also possibly ice a good line with Laughton centering two out of Umberger, Raffl or Bellemare, rather than being stuck with lesser skilled plugs like Rinaldo or Rosehill. In development, the linemates can be as important as role. The Flyers should be able to give Laughton quality in both areas.

Great perspective on Laughton, Bill. But Pannoch has already spoken and declared it now or never for the kid

"Tim, youre an bumhole"
Bob Clarke
- KINGKENZO

Haaaaa now or never. Timmy p is a treasure


Glad to see they plan on putting Simmonds with coots. Am I the only one that has noticed chemistry between the 2 the short times they've been together? With them wanting coots to produce more offense this makes lots of sense

Bill,

Nice analysis of the dilemma on Laughton. One aspect that Hextall should also consider is the ripple effect on the Phantoms if Laughton suits up there.

- With Laughton as his center, would Straka enjoy some early success and perhaps gain confidence?

- If Laughton is paired with Leier, does Leier have the similar drop off from Juniors to the A that Straka and Cousins had in their first year.

- Does this take some pressure off of Cousins and let him grow his offensive game.

- Does having a more talented "finisher" help any of the defense - particularly Ghost - develop their offensive games.

Best case I think is that Vinnie starts off strong as the 2nd line center, and Laughton does well as 1st line center on the Phantoms. Then you have options going into the TDL.
- TheGreat28

Don't forget, the Flyers added several good AHL veterans who have been proven scorers at the level this season. Andrew Gordon, Blair Jones and Darrol Powe should be capable of providing offense

One huge advantage in keeping Laughton is, if he can be a good defensive center, he can lessen the burden carried by Couturier in that regard and free him up for a larger offensive role. That would likely ensure enough minutes and a big enough role where Laughton wouldn't stagnate as a little used 4th liner.

With the Flyers potential depth up front, the Flyer can also possibly ice a good line with Laughton centering two out of Umberger, Raffl or Bellemare, rather than being stuck with lesser skilled plugs like Rinaldo or Rosehill. In development, the linemates can be as important as role. The Flyers should be able to give Laughton quality in both areas.
- Jsaquella

I have no prob with Laughton starting the season as the "4th line" center. To me, the designations of the lines are meaningless, the only thing that matters is ice time. Couturier and Giroux will get the lion share of ice time at center no matter what. My guess is that when the Flyers are playing from behind, VLC will get the 3rd most time. Conversely, when playing with a lead, Laughton will get the 3rd most time.

Either way, I can see Laughton, depending on how the game goes, getting anywhere from 7-12 minutes at ES and another 1-2 on the PK. This would bring him to somewhere from 8-14 minutes per game which is fine with me.

Haaaaa now or never. Timmy p is a treasure


Glad to see they plan on putting Simmonds with coots. Am I the only one that has noticed chemistry between the 2 the short times they've been together? With them wanting coots to produce more offense this makes lots of sense
- Just5

With you on Simmonds/Coots. Been wanting to see a line of Read-Couturier-Simmonds for a while now.

I have no prob with Laughton starting the season as the "4th line" center. To me, the designations of the lines are meaningless, the only thing that matters is ice time. Couturier and Giroux will get the lion share of ice time at center no matter what. My guess is that when the Flyers are playing from behind, VLC will get the 3rd most time. Conversely, when playing with a lead, Laughton will get the 3rd most time.

Either way, I can see Laughton, depending on how the game goes, getting anywhere from 7-12 minutes at ES and another 1-2 on the PK. This would bring him to somewhere from 8-14 minutes per game which is fine with me.
- BiggE

Agreed. I don't like the line designations. Outside of Giroux last season, the Couturier line was actually the second line in terms of role and ice time.

I further agree that the key for Laughton is to average 10-12 minutes of ice time in the NHL. I'd like him to play with solid capable linemates, too. Guys like Raffl, Umberger or hopefully Bellemare, who can play two way hockey and do more than hit.

With you on Simmonds/Coots. Been wanting to see a line of Read-Couturier-Simmonds for a while now.
- BiggE

Just as long they use camp and the preseason games to figure out who works best with whom, they can hit the ground running once the regular season starts. A good start in October can go a long way.

Bill,

Nice analysis of the dilemma on Laughton. One aspect that Hextall should also consider is the ripple effect on the Phantoms if Laughton suits up there.

- With Laughton as his center, would Straka enjoy some early success and perhaps gain confidence?

- If Laughton is paired with Leier, does Leier have the similar drop off from Juniors to the A that Straka and Cousins had in their first year.

- Does this take some pressure off of Cousins and let him grow his offensive game.

- Does having a more talented "finisher" help any of the defense - particularly Ghost - develop their offensive games.

Best case I think is that Vinnie starts off strong as the 2nd line center, and Laughton does well as 1st line center on the Phantoms. Then you have options going into the TDL.
- TheGreat28

While I like the thinking it also has to be about the top team first. What is best for the Flyers is what needs to be the priority. As for the best case? Yes Vinny playing well would really help, waiting until the TDL to move him? Not sure but I get what you are saying. Since the gaping hole is the D, I think best case is he plays out of his mind and we trade him and prospect/pick(s) for D help (preferably young with huge upside). Note not trading a young forward. Of course this is unicorn lollipop land stuff.

Agreed. I don't like the line designations. Outside of Giroux last season, the Couturier line was actually the second line in terms of role and ice time.

I further agree that the key for Laughton is to average 10-12 minutes of ice time in the NHL. I'd like him to play with solid capable linemates, too. Guys like Raffl, Umberger or hopefully Bellemare, who can play two way hockey and do more than hit.
- Jsaquella

If they stick with Schenn-G-Jake and Read-Coots-Simmonds as the two top lines, my guess is that the rest shakes out like this:

To start games and when trailing
3rd line: Umberger-VLC-Akeson
4th line: Bellemare or Rinaldo-Laughton-Raffl

Late in a period when tied or when leading:
3rd line: Umberger-Laughton-Raffl
4th line: Bellemare or Rinaldo-VLC-Akeson

Just because they extended Rinaldo, IMO, does not guarantee him a spot in the top 12. I don't think any 4th liner, who is making less than 900k, is ever really guaranteed a spot.

Just as long they use camp and the preseason games to figure out who works best with whom, they can hit the ground running once the regular season starts. A good start in October can go a long way.
- tangent_man

Agreed. I don't like the line designations. Outside of Giroux last season, the Couturier line was actually the second line in terms of role and ice time.

I further agree that the key for Laughton is to average 10-12 minutes of ice time in the NHL. I'd like him to play with solid capable linemates, too. Guys like Raffl, Umberger or hopefully Bellemare, who can play two way hockey and do more than hit.
- Jsaquella

I love the idea of a fourth line with Laughton that plays about 10 minutes (plus he spits on the PK). Reducing the third line minutes (RJ-Vinny-Akeson) would be my ideal way to fit in more for a fourth line of Belle/White-Laughton-Raffle. Like 3a and 3b lines and no fourth line. Get rid of this "fourth line" stuff. It seems to be on its way out of the NHL anyways.

I love the idea of a fourth line with Laughton that plays about 10 minutes (plus he spits on the PK). Reducing the third line minutes (RJ-Vinny-Akeson) would be my ideal way to fit in more for a fourth line of Belle/White-Laughton-Raffle. Like 3a and 3b lines and no fourth line. Get rid of this "fourth line" stuff. It seems to be on its way out of the NHL anyways.
- coffee junkie

Yeah, I'm not so big on the traditional line designations.
Ideally you'd want one line that can be the top dogs: Giroux's line
One that can play against anyone and still score: Couturier's line
One that can generate offense w/o being a total D liability: VLC's line
and one that is defensively responsible, but can chip in some offense: Laughton's line.

Don't forget, the Flyers added several good AHL veterans who have been proven scorers at the level this season. Andrew Gordon, Blair Jones and Darrol Powe should be capable of providing offense
- Jsaquella

I hear you, and do like those additions as well. But having having a line of top young prospects that might develop some chemistry is certainly appealing. And I think the young guys will benefit from having a leader - and by all accounts Laughton is a great leader - that is their own age.

While I like the thinking it also has to be about the top team first. What is best for the Flyers is what needs to be the priority. As for the best case? Yes Vinny playing well would really help, waiting until the TDL to move him? Not sure but I get what you are saying. Since the gaping hole is the D, I think best case is he plays out of his mind and we trade him and prospect/pick(s) for D help (preferably young with huge upside). Note not trading a young forward. Of course this is unicorn lollipop land stuff.
- coffee junkie

I just don't think Laughton playing on the big club materially changes it's place in the standings this year. Yes, he would be a nice addition on the 4th line. Yes, he would take some defensive responsibilities off of Couturier, which perhaps let's him focus on the offensive side of his game.

But is this going to win you 10 extra games? Give the Pens a run for top of the division?

The reality is they could start Laughton in the A, bring him up during the annual January-February swoon and probably be in the same spot in the standings come playoff time.

Do we see Chris's Corner this year? How many hot dogs can he eat? Big appetite to fill between the benches.

I don't know...I keep Laughton at the NHL level.
Putting Simmonds on a line that will get more 5-5 ice time than he was seeing on the line with Vinny/Schenn should be a good thing. My bigger questions are where to play Schenn and Vinny. But of course...time will tell.

I don't know...I keep Laughton at the NHL level.
Putting Simmonds on a line that will get more 5-5 ice time than he was seeing on the line with Vinny/Schenn should be a good thing. My bigger questions are where to play Schenn and Vinny. But of course...time will tell.
- wbon22

Schenns a bust and Vinny is being held together by scotch tape

If PEB really is a bonafide, two-way NHL player, I could see a line of Raffl-Laughton-PEB being a very strong 4th line.

I really feel Raffl will be moved up to play with Giroux though. Other than Read, he's the only other player on this team capable of playing LW in the top 6.