Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Team Canada Prep, Gostisbehere, Tomek and More

I suspect a bridge contract is the more likely short-term course of action this offseason, with Gostisbehere having the opportunity to earn a bigger extension down the line.
- Bill Meltzer

That's how I'd try to get it done.

I'm not a huge fan of seven year deals, a la Zaitsev. They're not necessarily uniformly disastrous, but still... the team that hands one out is assuming more risk than I'd feel comfortable with.

I personally am excited for the "I personally wouldn't sign him for that much" discussion about Ghost in 2 years (Brayden Schenn anyone?)

Does the team retain Tomek's rights while he goes to the USHL and/or back to college again later, or do they need to make a decision on signing him to his entry level deal sooner?

Happy birthday to hexy, mine is tomorrow, and then Cinco de mayo! What a week.

Happy birthday to hexy, mine is tomorrow, and then Cinco de mayo! What a week.
- twotoekenn

Happy Birthday tomorrow (if I forget or you are too drunk to show up here)

And if it is the latter, I suggest messaging BiggE and finding out how he does it

That's how I'd try to get it done.
- Scoob

Hexy mentioned that the top 2 in the draft aren't as clear cut as some might think (paraphrasing), that makes me cringe a little. Praying the only options are Nolan or Nico.

Does the team retain Tomek's rights while he goes to the USHL and/or back to college again later, or do they need to make a decision on signing him to his entry level deal sooner?
- FlyerAdam30

They retain his rights for 4 years (as if he never left).

Does the team retain Tomek's rights while he goes to the USHL and/or back to college again later, or do they need to make a decision on signing him to his entry level deal sooner?
- FlyerAdam30

Flyers still hold his rights. Actually, if he goes back to college hockey next year and plays two seasons, the Flyers could hold his rights until Aug 15, 2020.

Happy birthday Hexy, I think you got your present a few days ago!

Hexy mentioned that the top 2 in the draft aren't as clear cut as some might think (paraphrasing), that makes me cringe a little. Praying the only options are Nolan or Nico.
- ClaudeFather

I think he is just being coy

I think he is just being coy
- YuenglingJagr

Hexy is such a minx.

Hexy is such a minx.
- Feanor

agreed

I think he is just being coy
- YuenglingJagr

Agree.

He won't tip his hand. He probably will also listen to offers incase someone offers something so ridiculous he can't refuse.

But if I was a betting man I would still bet on the pick being either Patrick or Hischier.

Hey Bill,

Just a heads up on something you may find interesting, tomorrow is the WHL Bantam draft and Don Saleski's nephew Cohner Saleski is expected to go pretty high. He's (arguably) the best Sask prospect in the draft. I've seen him play a few times and he is fast, skilled and has a heavy shot. He put up big points on a pretty weak team this year.

Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Team Canada Prep, Gostisbehere, Tomek and More
- bmeltzer

When I think about some of our young defensemen, what springs to mind, who would I trade first once all the kids are up. First name to is Shayne Gostisbehere. I don't want to trade him but I think he's the weakest of the bunch. Not very big, not very strong and very weak in his own end overall. However, do any of you think he could transition from defense to wing. His speed used for forechecking and offensive skill, I wonder if Ghost could make the leap or we simply trade for him down the road for a national forward.

I personally am excited for the "I personally wouldn't sign him for that much" discussion about Ghost in 2 years (Brayden Schenn anyone?)
- YuenglingJagr

I like what Schenn brings to the table a lot more than Ghost. I'm not even considering moving Schenn right now, while I would consider moving Ghost the second the kids on the back end are all regulars. Schenn played three less games than Giroux, with three less points.

When I think about some of our young defensemen, what springs to mind, who would I trade first once all the kids are up. First name to is Shayne Gostisbehere. I don't want to trade him but I think he's the weakest of the bunch. Not very big, not very strong and very weak in his own end overall. However, do any of you think he could transition from defense to wing. His speed used for forechecking and offensive skill, I wonder if Ghost could make the leap or we simply trade for him down the road for a national forward.
- SuperSchennBros

I see this thing about speed but I don't think of him as being a speedster. He has a quick twitch but he doesn't have a top end speed like I think people seem to talk about.

Hexy mentioned that the top 2 in the draft aren't as clear cut as some might think (paraphrasing), that makes me cringe a little. Praying the only options are Nolan or Nico.
- ClaudeFather

He also mentioned that the Flyers had a lot of bad luck this past season.

I also hope he is just being coy. Hopefully just playing dumb as well.

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Happy birthday to hexy, mine is tomorrow, and then Cinco de mayo! What a week.
- twotoekenn

Hopefully, your Birthday wish of having all 10 toes comes true

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I see this thing about speed but I don't think of him as being a speedster. He has a quick twitch but he doesn't have a top end speed like I think people seem to talk about.
- J35Bacher

And on top of that, I don't see him as a particularly good forechecker either. Nor do I see him winning his share of battles in the corners after he does get in on the puck.

Ghosts game is about space and time. When he has it he is deadly, when he doesn't, not so much.