Bill Meltzer: Quick Hits: Clean Out Day, Messier Leadership Award, CHL Playoffs & More

Congrats to Simmonds.

I don't think enough is said about players & what they do outside the game - players in all sports.

Obviously goaltending is everyone's major concern but my concern is how to get both konecny and jake scoring consistently at same time. Not sure why konecny was taken off 1st line in playoffs but he definitely struggled off that line. Jake did ok on 2nd line but Obviously not as well as on 1st line. Is it g or coots or both that drive that line. I think they need to experiment with line combos next year and I put coach on hot seat to get 2 lines going.

Obviously goaltending is everyone's major concern but my concern is how to get both konecny and jake scoring consistently at same time. Not sure why konecny was taken off 1st line in playoffs but he definitely struggled off that line. Jake did ok on 2nd line but Obviously not as well as on 1st line. Is it g or coots or both that drive that line. I think they need to experiment with line combos next year and I put coach on hot seat to get 2 lines going.
- tocchettough

The Lindblom-Patrick-Voracek line was pretty good together down the stretch but struggled in the playoffs before being separated.

Hak taking konecny off that top line and never going back to him is one of the bigger head scratchers to me. I didn’t like it

The Lindblom-Patrick-Voracek line was pretty good together down the stretch but struggled in the playoffs before being separated.
- bmeltzer

Lindblom was caught in the headlights

So as always Bill you make me rethink my opinion of Simmonds. If the Flyers do wait for a contract and trade like you mentioned yesterday, hopefully he comes back to be the old Simmonds... er um the young Simmonds... you know what I mean... And then we can evaluate where we are near the deadline and move him for a better return then we would get this offseason, or resign him if we are a real threat for the playoffs.

Hak taking konecny off that top line and never going back to him is one of the bigger head scratchers to me. I didn’t like it
- Just5

It was about the match-ups that Giroux and Couturier were asked to handle and Konecny's propensity to make risky plays and take stupid penalties. You can't have someone matched against Crosby or Malkin trying to take those kinds of risks.

Lindblom was caught in the headlights
- Just5

Yes. He had actually been a bright spot in Game 1 -- one of the few -- until he got run into the stancheon and then took a high stick to the face. Ineffective in the other games he played.

Hak taking konecny off that top line and never going back to him is one of the bigger head scratchers to me. I didn’t like it
- Just5

I didn't mind Hak putting Voracek back up top but, unfortunately , Couturier's injury meant Fulppula went up top.

Unfortunately I agree with what you said yesterday. I think both Hextall and Hakstol will give the standard generic, safe and company line answers. If I take some positives away from the year it's that the Flyers were able to get some youngsters involved and play some key roles which was a relief if not just to avoid having to watch VDV or Nick Schultz.
I do kind of find it funny that we keep hearing what a great job coach Hakstol does with the youth and their development....like the Flyers are the only team in the NHL that have young guys producing at the NHL level. The "prospect whisperer" in my opinion deserves another shot to see if he indeed is the guy to lead the flyers into the future. I will continue to say that it's up to the GM to try get him a more talented supporting cast and a (frank)ing goalie they can rely on in 2018-19.

W GAA SV% SH
35 2.52 .918 5
23 2.66 .909 1
34 2.99 .907 0


Just wanted to look at some goalies a bit.

I'll pass on the bottom guy who happens to be the only guy listed still in the playoffs.

And just another line for you all to see...

W GAA SV% SH
5 3.24 .906 1

I still say get Tavares. If you can get something at 7 years 8.5-9 million he can provide for this team now and in the future and provides a succession plan to Voracek or Giroux if needed.

Also I don't think it changes your plan of drafting and developing either. His age fits and he is a games changer.

Yes there will be a time that you need to move someone like Voracek or maybe Giroux to pay some of your own but i think Tavares would be worth it. I would rather pay the money on Tavares then overpaying on guys like Kane or depth guys that could be Maroon or Grabner types.

I think Tavares will sign for 10+ AAV

I still say get Tavares. If you can get something at 7 years 8.5-9 million he can provide for this team now and in the future and provides a succession plan to Voracek or Giroux if needed.

Also I don't think it changes your plan of drafting and developing either. His age fits and he is a games changer.

Yes there will be a time that you need to move someone like Voracek or maybe Giroux to pay some of your own but i think Tavares would be worth it. I would rather pay the money on Tavares then overpaying on guys like Kane or depth guys that could be Maroon or Grabner types.
- J35Bacher

If they move Simmonds, i may look at Kane as a " replacement", as I believe he is 3 years younger, can score, and play physical. Just don't know how much $$ he would be asking, and if his head is in the right place.

I think Tavares will sign for 10+ AAV
- YuenglingJagr

If he wants that you move on.

But same phrase was said about Stamkos. I don't think he signs for as much as you think. It will be big but I don't think 10 unless it;s someone really just trying to outspend everyone

If they move Simmonds, i may look at Kane as a " replacement", as I believe he is 3 years younger, can score, and play physical. Just don't know how much $$ he would be asking, and if his head is in the right place.
- 3flyerkids

Coming off a deal at 5.25 i am guessing around 7 maybe

If he wants that you move on.

But same phrase was said about Stamkos. I don't think he signs for as much as you think. It will be big but I don't think 10 unless it;s someone really just trying to outspend everyone
- J35Bacher

I have

If they move Simmonds, i may look at Kane as a " replacement", as I believe he is 3 years younger, can score, and play physical. Just don't know how much $$ he would be asking, and if his head is in the right place.
- 3flyerkids

Kane is a headache off the ice who plays hard on the ice when he feels like it. He has played well after the trade to San Jose, but had motivation to do so. With Simmonds, you never have to worry about any of that. Although Kane is 4 years younger, faster and a more naturally gifted scorer, Simmonds has had the better career and is off the charts in the intangibles. Simmonds is a leader, Kane is an individualist.

If he wants that you move on.

But same phrase was said about Stamkos. I don't think he signs for as much as you think. It will be big but I don't think 10 unless it;s someone really just trying to outspend everyone
- J35Bacher

The Flyers won't even get in the bidding in my opinion. Doesn't make sense for them.

I think Tavares will sign for 10+ AAV
- YuenglingJagr

hes a ranger or a leaf

The Flyers won't even get in the bidding in my opinion. Doesn't make sense for them.
- MJL

You keep saying that but why doesn't?

How does signing him deviate from the initial plan?

You keep saying that but why doesn't?

How does signing him deviate from the initial plan?
- J35Bacher

The Flyers have Couturier, Patrick, with Frost and a number of other center prospects in the pipeline. They'll also need to in the very near future, re-sign Provorov, Konency, Patrick, Sanheim, and possibly re-signing Simmonds. If they decide to move on from Simmonds, they'll have a bigger need at wing if prospects don't step up. It does not make sense for the Flyers to get into a potential 10M AAV for Taveras. Adding a much cheaper 3rd line center makes far more sense for this team to bridge the gap.

There is ZERO chance Tavares signs with us......NONE! You heard it here first he stays with the islanders case closed

You keep saying that but why doesn't?

How does signing him deviate from the initial plan?
- J35Bacher

It's not often a free agent like Tavares hits the market. Hextall should be looking at the situation.