Bill Meltzer: Trade Deadline Day Musings

This is upsetting, because I thought you were in Ron Hextall's head this whole time. I actually had a theory that you were Ron Hextall

I think streit stays and mdz and neuvirth go. Hope not tho

I think streit stays and mdz and neuvirth go. Hope not tho
- Just5

I think there will be too much interest in Streit. They'll get a solid deal for him.

Neuvirth and Mason I think are a coin flip.

This is upsetting, because I thought you were in Ron Hextall's head this whole time. I actually had a theory that you were Ron Hextall
- YuenglingJagr

If so, the decimal point on my checks was accidentally moved a few places to the left.

I do appreciate the blog and I do agree with its tone. I think there are two things that are missed or downplayed though.

I don't think there is as much parity as the standings suggest or you hinted at. I do think there is a good chance a team can be in and out of the playoffs year after year, but I think there are teams that are clearly better and then a whole mess of teams that may or may not get in the playoffs. There are kind of two definitions of parity there.

Also, I can't look at what the impending UFAs have done this season and tell myself that they are necessary to any sort of turnaround in the Flyers season and streak that they go on. In some ways I think getting rid of them would help. That is where I think Hextall may be making a mistake. Trading away some of their expiring contracts isn't throwing in the towel if they have capable replacements. It won't be too detrimental if they do stand pat given their prospect pool and their plethora of picks, but I think trading them away is a smarter move

Stand pat and go for the playoffs.

Flyers gunna Flyer.

Well said, Bill.

I think they have to move a dman just because they need a spot on the roster for when Konecny is healthy, and it seems like Weal is going to stay up apart from a paper demotion that lets him play in the AHL playoffs.

Great article Bill. You're no Marcus Hayes, but I still enjoy reading you.

Stand pat and go for the playoffs.

Flyers gunna Flyer.
- flyer_nutter

Playoff ticket sales way more valuable than the future of this team.

Stand pat and go for the playoffs.

Flyers gunna Flyer.
- flyer_nutter

They have the horses to pull it off. They have cornered the market on 4th line plugs, and third pairing dmen.

while I agree somewhat of what you say, I will play devils advocate. Its not the fact that they are only 4 points out, Its simply that the other teams around them are trending upwards and quite frankly playing better. I heard on a game the other night that since that 10 game winning streak only Colorado has a worse record. If Hextall is so bloody competitive then there is no reason why he couldn't add a small piece to try and help. I'm sick of his half measures.
The core is the issue....they simply aren't good enough, thus the 5 on 5 numbers are deplorable. Patience is great...burying your head in the sand is another. To me if he actually signs a guy Streit to an extension signals to me that perhaps these prospects aren't as good as we are hoping. How is it other teams are playing these kids and having success, but ours can't seem to get out of the A? I am thrilled with Konecny and Provorov because they have come in made this team better.

Stand pat and go for the playoffs.

Flyers gunna Flyer.

Who was that team who traded two veteran dmen for a 1st, a 3rd, Radko Gudas and two 2nds back in 2015?

This season is by far worse than 2006-07. At least that season there was some interest. There was drama with the team. This team is so dull it can bring tears to your eyes.

Also, by this point of the 2006-07 season we could see a plan formulating. There was a sense of excitement as the year wound down and expectations of them making major moves in the offseason.

This year?

Nothing.

Hextall is going to stand pat. And the opening day roster is going to be the same exact mediocre and uninspiring roster as this morning minus Del Zotto.

Fantastic! If just this and this and this happens, the team is ONCE AGAIN in the race for the second wild card!

I'm gonna go set my DVR right now. Don't want to miss this.

I do appreciate the blog and I do agree with its tone. I think there are two things that are missed or downplayed though.

I don't think there is as much parity as the standings suggest or you hinted at. I do think there is a good chance a team can be in and out of the playoffs year after year, but I think there are teams that are clearly better and then a whole mess of teams that may or may not get in the playoffs. There are kind of two definitions of parity there.

Also, I can't look at what the impending UFAs have done this season and tell myself that they are necessary to any sort of turnaround in the Flyers season and streak that they go on. In some ways I think getting rid of them would help. That is where I think Hextall may be making a mistake. Trading away some of their expiring contracts isn't throwing in the towel if they have capable replacements. It won't be too detrimental if they do stand pat given their prospect pool and their plethora of picks, but I think trading them away is a smarter move
- YuenglingJagr

I don't think trading Delzotto or one of the goalies is throwing in the towel.....trading Giroux or Simmonds for prospects throws in the towel.

I think something that isn't getting mentioned is who the replacement will be if the Flyers deal an UFA defenseman. I think most calling for a trade would like to see one of the prospects brought up, but I'd hate to see an entry level year on their contract burned. So I'm guessing the replacement would be somebody bleh.

This season is by far worse that 2006-07. At least that season there was some interest. There was drama with the team. This team is so dull it can bring tears to your eyes.

Also, by this point of the 2006-07 season we could see a plan formulating. There was a sense of excitement as the year wound down and expectations of them making major moves in the offseason.

This year?

Nothing.

Hextall is going to stand pat. And the opening day roster is going to be the same exact mediocre and uninspiring roster as this morning minus Del Zotto.
- LindsayCarson

That's the issue.....is that really his answer....same boring crap next year.

This season is by far worse that 2006-07. At least that season there was some interest. There was drama with the team. This team is so dull it can bring tears to your eyes.

Also, by this point of the 2006-07 season we could see a plan formulating. There was a sense of excitement as the year wound down and expectations of them making major moves in the offseason.

This year?

Nothing.

Hextall is going to stand pat. And the opening day roster is going to be the same exact mediocre and uninspiring roster as this morning minus Del Zotto.
- LindsayCarson

So in your crystal ball Schultz and Streit are coming back, there's no room for Lindblom for any of the AHL kids, and Hextall will leave about $10m in cap space unused?

Yes we are a bubble team. The real question is how do we become one of the elite teams competing for a cup drafting 8 to 12 for the next few years? Looking at the last decade or two of Cup contenders and winners most of those teams tanked pretty good and drafted hall of fame type stars. We really don't have anyone in that category presently and would have to be very fortunate for Provorov to develop into that.

I think something that isn't getting mentioned is who the replacement will be if the Flyers deal an UFA defenseman. I think most calling for a trade would like to see one of the prospects brought up, but I'd hate to see an entry level year on their contract burned. So I'm guessing the replacement would be somebody bleh.
- wolphnuts12

It doesn't work like that for prospects already in the AHL.

I think something that isn't getting mentioned is who the replacement will be if the Flyers deal an UFA defenseman. I think most calling for a trade would like to see one of the prospects brought up, but I'd hate to see an entry level year on their contract burned. So I'm guessing the replacement would be somebody bleh.
- wolphnuts12

I think AHL time already is burning ELC years.

I think something that isn't getting mentioned is who the replacement will be if the Flyers deal an UFA defenseman. I think most calling for a trade would like to see one of the prospects brought up, but I'd hate to see an entry level year on their contract burned. So I'm guessing the replacement would be somebody bleh.
- wolphnuts12

They are deep enough on the back end in Lehigh Valley that I think a guy like Hagg or Morin could be brought up and they wouldn't miss a beat.

So in your crystal ball Schultz and Streit are coming back, there's no room for Lindblom for any of the AHL kids, and Hextall will leave about $10m in cap space unused?
- Feanor

Wouldn't shock me.

I apologize. it's going to be the same line up (the AHL cavalry is not coming) and the 2017 equivalent of Dale Weise and Boyd Gordon will be added.

Woo-hoo. Break out the party hats.

I think AHL time already is burning ELC years.
- dragonoffrost

Yup. Morin and Hagg are burning the 2nd year of their ELCs, and Sanheim is burning his first. It doesn't matter if they play 82 NHL games or zero once they turn 20.