In light of the other deals that got signed this summer, I think the Streit and Vinny cap-hits actually came away as being reasonable... they definitely didn't turn out to be the same aggressive, preempt-the-market, overpayment that we saw with Bryz.

With that said, I personally would have liked them to largely ignore UFA altogether and give the young core another year to grow together without meddling with the mix too much... while saving long-term cap-space to really make a run at potential UFA's in 2014 or to take advantage of cap-strapped teams in the future to get extra value out of a trade.
- Tomahawk

I was thinking the same thing. Next year could be a pretty good FA year. Hossa and Franzen are likely to be bought out.

I read post here not too long ago here that said it best... no moves are better than the wrong moves. Just because the neighbors are picking through the trash don't mean you have to.
- JoeRussomanno

Then it becomes how is a move determined to be a wrong move.

I read post here not too long ago here that said it best... no moves are better than the wrong moves. Just because the neighbors are picking through the trash don't mean you have to.
- JoeRussomanno

I agree. I personally would of liked to see them get better without overpaying but Homer doesn't want to trade any young guys.

They over paid for everyone but emery who isn't more than a stop gap.
- JoeRussomanno

Couldn't disagree more. I think they have done a very solid job. Lecavalier at $4.5mm is a very good deal. Streit was signed to a market value deal. Only issue I have with either of those is that they're one year longer than I would have preferred.

And so what if Emery's a stop gap? What long term solutions were available that wouldn't have cost part of the young core players? You seem to be arguing two sides of the same issue-you're pissed they added free agents, but at the same time want them to be patient with the good young players.

If they didn't add the free agents, they would have had to trade the young core players to address the various needs. There's a significant difference between now and the past, too. They're adding free agents to augment the core, not to become the core.

They are taking a pragmatic approach to keep the young core together and remain competitive.

Re-signing Read to an extension wouldn't affect this years cap. So that wouldn't affect having cap space for Gagne this upcoming Season.
- MJL

I know. I think the Flyers would be wise to work out an extension now or trade him before the season starts. If they trade Read, Gagne could provide similar things. PK, PP, speed on the wing. Not saying Gagne is as good as Read, but he would help add a little speed to an otherwise slow lineup.

Give some comparables that shows how they overpaid for everyone.
- MJL

There's no comparable needed you don't lock up aging veterans in the downswing of their career with nmc's to boot long term. I've already elaborated on the Giroux folly, this team has a tendency to get hammered on these types of decisions.

I read post here not too long ago here that said it best... no moves are better than the wrong moves. Just because the neighbors are picking through the trash don't mean you have to.
- JoeRussomanno

The one thing I am kind of with you on is Giroux.

I wouldnt have waited to give him a big contract. Or give him that bridge deal and let him prove himself more.

I think sometimes hot streaks get overvalued, and even though he is a damn good player, his defensive game needs a lot of work, as do his decisions with the puck at times.

You would think they learned after the Richards situation to not rush and give a player the captaincy, and a franchise type of contract. It is what it is though, and like another poster here said, sometimes you just have to take it for what it is.

As long as Snider is running them, its how things will be. I will enjoy it as much as I can.

Edit: I believe in Giroux, but at times wonder if they have thrown too much on the kid, at such a young age. This mega deal doesnt really help.

I am liking the Vinny deal more and more as I see what kind of contracts these maniacs are handing out across the league.

At worst they have made a lateral move goaltending wise, saving 2 million in cap space in the process. At best they got two guys who are probably better than their cap hits.

They upgraded the center position, getting younger and cheaper in the process. And they added a puck moving dman who will be a better fit for Lavi's system.

I am actually encouraged.
- MBFlyerfan

I think your defense has much better depth now. Depres will be better and Scuderi will be solid.

You're whole season depends on Fleury and Crosby and Malkin committing to playing good two-way hockey once the playoffs roll around.
- PhillySportsGuy

Definitely. I love how our D is right now. We probably will trade Niskanen for a 3rd line help. Bennett and Despres will play big roles. They'll be good for us.

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Bennett-Malkin-Neal
??????-Sutter-Jokinen
Glass-Vitale-Adams

Scuderi-Letang
Martin-Orpik
?????-Despres

Vokoun/Fleury

(Jeffrey, Zolnierczyk,Engelland,Bortuzzo...probably Dumoulin)

Niskanen traded for a better option on the 3rd line.

Trade him for a defenseman or goalie and continue drafting quality forwards. Cap money spent on necessity not overvalued luxury.
- JoeRussomanno

And hope that one of those forwards turns out to be close to as good as Giroux?

There's no comparable needed you don't lock up aging veterans in the downswing of their career with nmc's to boot long term. I've already elaborated on the Giroux folly, this team has a tendency to get hammered on these types of decisions.
- JoeRussomanno

Lets pretend they didn't add anyone. What should they do?

people are non stop complaining about the flyers off season

that must be a good thing

Scuderi is 34 and has a salary of 3.3/season.

Coburn is 28 = 4.5/season
Streit is 35 = 5.25/season
Meszaros is 27 = 4/season
Grossman is 28 = 3.5/season
Luke Schenn is 23 = 3.6/season

The pens picked up a damn good d-man, who even though may be a little bit older, signed for a great dollar amount. Always loved Scuderi.
- flyer_nutter

Yes. He'll be paired with Letang, on the left side, just like when he was with Doughty. He's very sound defensively. We know what we are getting from him.

I think his cap is something like $3.375M...that's a good hit. He could have made $4-4.5M somewhere else.

Definitely. I love how our D is right now. We probably will trade Niskanen for a 3rd line help. Bennett and Despres will play big roles. They'll be good for us.

Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis
Bennett-Malkin-Neal
??????-Sutter-Jokinen
Glass-Vitale-Adams

Scuderi-Letang
Martin-Orpik
?????-Despres

Vokoun/Fleury

(Jeffrey, Zolnierczyk,Engelland,Bortuzzo...probably Dumoulin)

Niskanen traded for a better option on the 3rd line.
- Orpik44

Not sure I would trade Niskannen. a 3rd line checker would probably do. Not sure you need offense after seeing those first two lines.

Lets pretend they didn't add anyone. What should they do?
- stveshdy

You know, I really do despise the idea of tanking, but I will say this.

The hope now is that the current youth core of the team will lead them to a cup.

Its a strange idea, but I at times do think that doing what Colorado has, may not be the worst idea. Interesting topic.

I was thinking the same thing. Next year could be a pretty good FA year. Hossa and Franzen are likely to be bought out.
- PhillySportsGuy

Hossa and Franzen aren't the type of players the Flyers will likely need.

Yes. He'll be paired with Letang, on the left side, just like when he was with Doughty. He's very sound defensively. We know what we are getting from him.

I think his cap is something like $3.375M...that's a good hit. He could have made $4-4.5M somewhere else.
- Orpik44

He will be a great match for Letang because Letang loves to jump into the play. A good stay at home guy is essential for players like Karlsson, Letang and Mike Green.

Couldn't disagree more. I think they have done a very solid job. Lecavalier at $4.5mm is a very good deal. Streit was signed to a market value deal. Only issue I have with either of those is that they're one year longer than I would have preferred.

And so what if Emery's a stop gap? What long term solutions were available that wouldn't have cost part of the young core players? You seem to be arguing two sides of the same issue-you're pissed they added free agents, but at the same time want them to be patient with the good young players.

If they didn't add the free agents, they would have had to trade the young core players to address the various needs. There's a significant difference between now and the past, too. They're adding free agents to augment the core, not to become the core.


They are taking a pragmatic approach to keep the young core together and remain competitive.
- Jsaquella

I don't mind if they break up the young core to fix the goaltending or defense which is the only option they have at this point, however their going to give up the more frugal deals and get married to these albatross deals. Vinny isn't a steal with that contract. You guys are saying based on the market... (frank) the market it is utter garbage right now let someone else eat up their cap. This is like playing poker sometimes you fold sometimes you hold the flyers got dealt a 3 of clubs and 9 of hearts, went all in, stupid.

Yes. He'll be paired with Letang, on the left side, just like when he was with Doughty. He's very sound defensively. We know what we are getting from him.

I think his cap is something like $3.375M...that's a good hit. He could have made $4-4.5M somewhere else.
- Orpik44

Its a similar situation as the Flyers have somewhat.

Big question marks in goal, and the forwards have to be much better in their own end.

I was thinking the same thing. Next year could be a pretty good FA year. Hossa and Franzen are likely to be bought out.
- PhillySportsGuy

Hossa won't be bought out. Chicago used both of their CBO's this summer.

I know. I think the Flyers would be wise to work out an extension now or trade him before the season starts. If they trade Read, Gagne could provide similar things. PK, PP, speed on the wing. Not saying Gagne is as good as Read, but he would help add a little speed to an otherwise slow lineup.
- PhillySportsGuy

Easier said then done on my part but I want as little complications as possible. I would rather keep both Read and Gagne. Just get Meszaros out of here!!

What are the pros to Andrej Meszaros right now? Why should a team take a chance on him? What I do know is the Leafs have taken a chance on Matthew Lombardi after missing an entire season to a concussion prior. They also took a chance on Lupul who has serious back issues. I'm sure he's still taking medication for that near career threatening injury.

Hossa and Franzen aren't the type of players the Flyers will likely need.
- MJL

Would you rather have Hossa or Lecavalier? I know money will be different but still

We don't need to. Someone would take Mez for 4M. He only has one year left on his deal. We won't get much more than a 4th or 5th back for him.

He's going to be ready for opening night.

I would like to keep Read if at all possible.
- PhillySportsGuy

I'm tellin you dude, keeping Read doesn't make sense. he fits into our lineup on the 3rd line. If he plays on the 3rd line next year, he's going to test the UFA market next offseason and we'll lose him with no return.

Hossa won't be bought out. Chicago used both of their CBO's this summer.
- Jsaquella

Nevermind then

There's no comparable needed you don't lock up aging veterans in the downswing of their career with nmc's to boot long term. I've already elaborated on the Giroux folly, this team has a tendency to get hammered on these types of decisions.
- JoeRussomanno

There is not reason why Lecavalier and Streit can't continue to play at a high level until the end of their deals. And you haven't elaborated on the Giroux situation. With all due respect Joe, you haven't given one valid argument against the deal. I'm trying to be open minded here. I can show you in multiple ways how the Giroux deal is a great deal for the Flyers.