Either way, in the next 5 years Coots cannot play the 3rd line. It just makes no sense at all. 25 year old Laughton seems like he'd fit much better on a 3rd line than 26 year old Couturier. And I must've missed that Bmetz blog, but fine. Laughton doesn't need to have the offensive potential of a projected top 3 pick to still effectively play defense and still produce good offense. He won't totally make up for what Coots leaves behind, of course. But what Coots will bring in return imo makes it worth it enough.
- JAKEw1234

Why can't Couturier play third line center? It makes for three solid centers. If the coach can roll three lines and use the 3rd as the defensive matchup who can also pot goals, it's a good thing. Laughton will be a good 4th center in that scenario, provided Lehovaround isn't traded back to Tampa to finish out his years there by then. I mean if we're going to base this all off a supposed 5-year plan that this team never indicates to have, why not?

I'm just lurking and I am getting unsettled -
- wilsonecho91

Like a wigwam and a tepee: two tents.

I'm out. Night all...

Why can't Couturier play third line center? It makes for three solid centers. If the coach can roll three lines and use the 3rd as the defensive matchup who can also pot goals, it's a good thing. Laughton will be a good 4th center in that scenario, provided Lehovaround isn't traded back to Tampa to finish out his years there by then. I mean if we're going to base this all off a supposed 5-year plan that this team never indicates to have, why not?
- Flyskippy

Would you play Bergeron/Kopitar on your 3rd line? Cause that's easily what Coots could be close to at age 26. I think it will also stunt his offensive growth to some extent to only be placed on a defensive line and on mainly defensive duties. There's also the problem of his pay.

Would you play Bergeron/Kopitar on your 3rd line? Cause that's easily what Coots could be close to at age 26. I think it will also stunt his offensive growth to some extent to only be placed on a defensive line and on mainly defensive duties. There's also the problem of his pay.
- JAKEw1234

Maybe don't think of it as a purely defensive line, but an energy line, one that can take some defensive zone draws and get the puck up the ice.

As Couts gets better, we can maybe flip him up to second line and bump Vinny down to third.

Maybe don't think of it as a purely defensive line, but an energy line, one that can take some defensive zone draws and get the puck up the ice.

As Couts gets better, we can maybe flip him up to second line and bump Vinny down to third.
- BulliesPhan87

But why do that if when at that point we have a gaping need on defense? Gotta look at other areas of the ice besides for center. By then Hamilton could be a 1st pairing defensive stud for us. Would you rather have 3 great centers, or 2 great centers and a stud defenseman?

But why do that if when at that point we have a gaping need on defense? Gotta look at other areas of the ice besides for center. By then Hamilton could be a 1st pairing defensive stud for us. Would you rather have 3 great centers, or 2 great centers and a stud defenseman?
- JAKEw1234

Hamilton will not be a Flyer...anytime soon

why are there so many naysayers about the giroux contract

Hamilton will not be a Flyer...anytime soon
- wilsonecho91

I was suggesting that now that they've lost Seguin do to internal reasons, and with the great recent showings of Krug and Bartkowski, as well as the acquisition of Joe Morrow, another high-end defensive prospect, that Hamilton might not be as totally untouchable as you might think he would be. Potential-wise, Couturier and Hamilton are on very similar levels. Believe it or not this isn't just my black and orange glasses speaking, I've had a few fans from different teams also tell me this. The only reason Hamilton holds more value is because of the value of a top-tier two-way dman in today's market. I would personally be very happy with Coots and Read for Hamilton and picks. Seeing as Boston is pretty close to the cap, and with them having recently lost both Seguin and Peverley, Coots would be an awesome, cheaper replacement for Seguin, and Read would actually be an upgrade for them over Peverley as a role player that can also play 1st or 2nd line. Trade makes a decent amount of sense, as Matt Read would be probably be playing our 3rd line if he played with us next season.

if a couts trade is relevant to laughton's minutes i am not a happy camper
- Don'tForgetTocchet

If trading one of Couturier/Laughton/Schenn is relevant to a veteran 4 line center sign to a 1-year/$600K contract I am not a happy camper.

If trading one of Couturier/Laughton/Schenn is relevant to a veteran 4 line center sign to a 1-year/$600K contract I am not a happy camper.
- jmatchett383

Guess it would depend on if it were a one or two way deal.

The flyers pick up quality forwards the way sailors pick up hookers. I wouldn't lose an ounce of sleep. Is he good yes but he's not 8 mil a year good IMO
- JoeRussomanno

Player like Giroux aren't out there to be picked up. We're talking about a franchise forward here. Not just a quality forward. And if he keeps playing the way he is now. 8M 3 years from now for a player of his caliber, is a steal. As salaries will escalate.

I think Hall's signing all but seals the deal for Couterier.
Laughton is a center. Talbot can play wing but I think is better sited for 3rd line center. Schenn is better suited to play center. Couteriere is better suited as a center. Hall the same. Not enough natural wingers.
- Deasr1

Talbot, Schenn, and Laughton can all play on the Wing.

Guess it would depend on if it were a one or two way deal.
- section32

It's going to be a one way deal for Hall.

Sorry you think Couturier couldn't return good value? If so that's actually laughable.
- JAKEw1234

that's the opposite of what i meant but ok

that's the opposite of what i meant but ok
- Don'tForgetTocchet

If trading one of Couturier/Laughton/Schenn is relevant to a veteran 4 line center sign to a 1-year/$600K contract I am not a happy camper.
- jmatchett383

After hearing homer at the press conference yesterday I think there is better then a 50/50 chance coots will be here