So what? Comcast is a competitor for verison is it not? DO you still see verison comercials on comcast channels? yup.
- youarewrong

There is a huge difference between commercials on tv channels and actively supporting and endorsing your competitor.

Really wish the NHL network would show KHL games.
- youarewrong

The NHL Network is probably not the most appropriate outlet for these games, considering the two leagues compete for players on some level.

This is actually not a bad way for Fox Sports 1 to show their (very much alleged) commitment to hockey.

Warms my heart to see what Lappy has done. He is one of my favorite Flyers ever. Looking back, the impact he had on this team and city in such a short time is remarkable, to say the least.

As for me, now 20, I can say that no player has ever inspired me as much as Lappy.

Boy do I miss him.

Warms my heart to see what Lappy has done. He is one of my favorite Flyers ever. Looking back, the impact he had on this team and city in such a short time is remarkable, to say the least.

As for me, now 20, I can say that no player has ever inspired me as much as Lappy.

Boy do I miss him.
- Giroux_Is_God

Lappy is one of those guys that I wish the Flyers had gotten earlier in his career, somehow.

The NHL Network is probably not the most appropriate outlet for these games, considering the two leagues compete for players on some level.

This is actually not a bad way for Fox Sports 1 to show their (very much alleged) commitment to hockey.
- johndewar

NHL and KHL might be competitors as far as Russian players, and boarderline 3rd and 4th line players, but showing KHL games on the NHL network is NOT going to hurt the NHL.

But Fox sports 1 for NBC Sports is fine with me.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?

The NHL Network is probably not the most appropriate outlet for these games, considering the two leagues compete for players on some level.

This is actually not a bad way for Fox Sports 1 to show their (very much alleged) commitment to hockey.
- johndewar

NHL and KHL might be competitors as far as Russian players, and boarderline 3rd and 4th line players, but showing KHL games on the NHL network is NOT going to hurt the NHL.

But Fox sports 1 for NBC Sports is fine with me.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?
- youarewrong

One could only hope.

I despise ESPN.

NHL and KHL might be competitors as far as Russian players, and boarderline 3rd and 4th line players, but showing KHL games on the NHL network is NOT going to hurt the NHL.

But Fox sports 1 for NBC Sports is fine with me.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?
- youarewrong

No, because the general public loves ESPN far too much.

DUNK! DUNK! DUNK! POSTERIZED DUNK! DUNK! HIGHLIGHT REEL TACKLE! DUNK! HOMERUN! DUNK! TOM BRADY! DUNK! DUNK! SENTIMENTAL STORY! DUNK! DUNK! DUNK!

NHL and KHL might be competitors as far as Russian players, and boarderline 3rd and 4th line players, but showing KHL games on the NHL network is NOT going to hurt the NHL.

But Fox sports 1 for NBC Sports is fine with me.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?
- youarewrong

ESPN still exists? I thought it was the basketball channel.

No, because the general public loves ESPN far too much.

DUNK! DUNK! DUNK! POSTERIZED DUNK! DUNK! HIGHLIGHT REEL TACKLE! DUNK! HOMERUN! DUNK! TOM BRADY! DUNK! DUNK! SENTIMENTAL STORY! DUNK! DUNK! DUNK!
- jmatchett383

I love when they attack "uncle toms' and "racists". Always love hearing sports players talk politics.

No, because the general public loves ESPN far too much.

DUNK! DUNK! DUNK! POSTERIZED DUNK! DUNK! HIGHLIGHT REEL TACKLE! DUNK! HOMERUN! DUNK! TOM BRADY! DUNK! DUNK! SENTIMENTAL STORY! DUNK! DUNK! DUNK!
- jmatchett383

Ugh. The "posterized" dunk.

Only in the NBA could you attempt to defend on a dunk and get belittled for it.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?
- youarewrong

Maybe, but if ESPN dies it's going to be a slow, painful death. Eventually, grinding out the same one or two names (see: Tebow, Lebron) as much as they do will wear people out.

Oh, and people will eventually get sick of the drama and meanness of sports talk radio.


...right? Right?!

The NHL Network is probably not the most appropriate outlet for these games, considering the two leagues compete for players on some level.

This is actually not a bad way for Fox Sports 1 to show their (very much alleged) commitment to hockey.
- johndewar

Interesting. FS1 has a print ad in the current issue of SI and there is not one single reference to hockey. Women's basketball and a host of fringe and non big 4 images are in it.

Maybe, but if ESPN dies it's going to be a slow, painful death. Eventually, grinding out the same one or two names (see: Tebow, Lebron) as much as they do will wear people out.

Oh, and people will eventually get sick of the drama and meanness of sports talk radio.


...right? Right?!
- BulliesPhan87

There's always going to be an audience for sports talk radio as long as people have to endure being in cars.

It may be via podcast or whatever, but it's the same idea.

Interesting. FS1 has a print ad in the current issue of SI and there is not one single reference to hockey. Women's basketball and a host of fringe and non big 4 images are in it.
- hammarby31

I mean, even ESPN started out with Austrailian Rules Football.

FS1 could do a whole, helluva lot worse than KHL hockey.

Maybe, but if ESPN dies it's going to be a slow, painful death. Eventually, grinding out the same one or two names (see: Tebow, Lebron) as much as they do will wear people out.

Oh, and people will eventually get sick of the drama and meanness of sports talk radio.


...right? Right?!
- BulliesPhan87

Why people love Angelo Cataldi is beyond my understanding. I actually think Stan Hochman can be funny at times when he calls in, and Al sometimes brings a semblance of sense to the air. But in general, it's more about belittling every team in the city. I don't think I've listened in about a year for more than 3-4 minutes...last time I did was the day the signed Weber to the OS.

Why people love Angelo Cataldi is beyond my understanding. I actually think Stan Hochman can be funny at times when he calls in, and Al sometimes brings a semblance of sense to the air. But in general, it's more about belittling every team in the city. I don't think I've listened in about a year for more than 3-4 minutes...last time I did was the day the signed Weber to the OS.
- jmatchett383

I stopped listening when I realized how negative it all really was.

It stopped being fun and funny and just turned into a giant female dogfest.

Honestly, life is negative enough without listening to someone who gets paid vast sums of money to talk about sports needlessly and endlessly complain.

NHL and KHL might be competitors as far as Russian players, and boarderline 3rd and 4th line players, but showing KHL games on the NHL network is NOT going to hurt the NHL.

But Fox sports 1 for NBC Sports is fine with me.

BTW do you guys think with NBC and Fox officially getting thier own sports channels, could this start the end for ESPN?
- youarewrong

It would provide a step into the North American audience's stream of consciousness and make more people here aware of the KHL.

The difference between seeing Verizon ads on Comcast's cable feed is that Verizon's not buying the ad time from Comcast, they buy it from the network that the commercial airs on. When Comcast or any other TV provider airs a network, like ESPN or Comedy Central, it's usually a requirement to air whatever ads that network shows.

But the KHL is a rival league and there's no way the NHL will allow it's network to carry the games and provide the KHL with money and exposure.

If they feel the player has upside but has slipped in the draft, due to the transfer issue. It's worth taking a gamble with a 7th round pick. It's smart drafting.
- MJL

It's a calculated risk. Do you take a high risk high reward pick in the 7th round or do you aim lower with a safer pick?

The same debate has played out on Meltzer blogs about draft strategy in the 3rd round (Gostisbehere type or Golbourne type?).

You saying this is an example of smart drafting is your opinion and I welcome you to back it up with some facts or arguments. Personally, I would rather use the 7th on somebody who can at LEAST help our AHL team while we figure out if he's gonna make the NHL rather than have him play overseas.

It's a calculated risk. Do you take a high risk high reward pick in the 7th round or do you aim lower with a safer pick?

The same debate has played out on Meltzer blogs about draft strategy in the 3rd round (Gostisbehere type or Golbourne type?).

You saying this is an example of smart drafting is your opinion and I welcome you to back it up with some facts or arguments. Personally, I would rather use the 7th on somebody who can at LEAST help our AHL team while we figure out if he's gonna make the NHL rather than have him play overseas.
- Coburns_Nose

Picking in 7th round doesnt guarantee you an NHL player.. but there certainly is talent still available. You need to dig around to find your "diamond in the rough"

Since 03: Notable 7th round + picks
2003- Joe Pavelski, Kyle Brodziak, Jay Rosehill, Tobias Enstrom, Dustin Byfuglien, Shane O'Brien, Matt Moulson, Tanner Glass, Jaroslav Halak, David Jones, Brian Elliott

2004- Troy Brower, Anton Khudobin, Matt Hunwick, Chris Campoli, Brandon Yipp, Pekka Rinne, Mark Streit, Daniel Winnik, Grant Clitsome, Jannik Hansen

2005-Joe Vitale, Sergei Kostitsyn, Colin Greening, Anton Stralman, Kyle Cumiskey, Patric Hornqvist

2006- Derek Dorsett, Benn Ferriero, Erik Condra

2007- Carl Gunnarsson, Justin Braun, Frazer McLaren, Paul Postma

2008- Jason Demers, Anders Lindback

2009- Jordan Nolan, Oliver Lauridsen


In the seventh round, you almost always go after the low risk/ high reward.

It's a calculated risk. Do you take a high risk high reward pick in the 7th round or do you aim lower with a safer pick?

The same debate has played out on Meltzer blogs about draft strategy in the 3rd round (Gostisbehere type or Golbourne type?).

You saying this is an example of smart drafting is your opinion and I welcome you to back it up with some facts or arguments. Personally, I would rather use the 7th on somebody who can at LEAST help our AHL team while we figure out if he's gonna make the NHL rather than have him play overseas.
- Coburns_Nose

It's not a risk at all. What are the odds of a 7th round pick making to the NHL? Very slim. And an NHL team doesn't draft players to help the AHL team. They draft to try and help the NHL team. And they can figure out if a player is going to have a chance to help the NHL team, while he's playing overseas, just as well as they can if he plays in the AHL.

So I'll repeat my point in case there is some confusion. Taking a player with an upside that slipped in the draft because of possible transfer issues is smart drafting. Because chances are that player is more talented then a normal player taken in the 7th round. The possible reward far outweighs any potential risk. There is very little risk if any.

It would provide a step into the North American audience's stream of consciousness and make more people here aware of the KHL.

The difference between seeing Verizon ads on Comcast's cable feed is that Verizon's not buying the ad time from Comcast, they buy it from the network that the commercial airs on. When Comcast or any other TV provider airs a network, like ESPN or Comedy Central, it's usually a requirement to air whatever ads that network shows.

But the KHL is a rival league and there's no way the NHL will allow it's network to carry the games and provide the KHL with money and exposure.
- Jsaquella

KHL games and NHL games aren't even aired at the same time. They are not going to steal any NHL viewers. Even if it does start to expose Americans to international hockey, its not like if your a fan of Moskow you have to stop being a Flyers fan.. and they aren't going to draw you to fly to moskow over driving to the Flyers game...

Its like saying the NFL wont air the arena football league because they are rivals. For Americans and Canadians its not even close. It would be akin to the NHL Network showing OHL or WHL games.

KHL games and NHL games aren't even aired at the same time. They are not going to steal any NHL viewers. Even if it does start to expose Americans to international hockey, its not like if your a fan of Moskow you have to stop being a Flyers fan.. and they aren't going to draw you to fly to moskow over driving to the Flyers game...

Its like saying the NFL wont air the arena football league because they are rivals. For Americans and Canadians its not even close. It would be akin to the NHL Network showing OHL or WHL games.
- youarewrong

It wouldn't be akin to it. OHL and WHL is Junior Hockey. The KHL and NHL is professional Hockey. Does the NFL network air Arena football games?

It's a calculated risk. Do you take a high risk high reward pick in the 7th round or do you aim lower with a safer pick?

The same debate has played out on Meltzer blogs about draft strategy in the 3rd round (Gostisbehere type or Golbourne type?).

You saying this is an example of smart drafting is your opinion and I welcome you to back it up with some facts or arguments. Personally, I would rather use the 7th on somebody who can at LEAST help our AHL team while we figure out if he's gonna make the NHL rather than have him play overseas.
- Coburns_Nose

Most 7th-round picks are players who never even play at the AHL level. Going back from 2000 to 2010, here are the Flyers' 7th round picks:

John Eichelberger
Guillaume Lefebvre
Thierry Douville
David Printz
Mathieu Brunelle
Matt Clackson
Andrei Popov
Brad Phillips
Joacim Eriksson
Oliver Lauridsen
Ricard Blidstrand
Brendan Ranford

Of those, only 2 (Printz, Lauridsen) have played in the NHL, and those were times where the blueline was severely depleted by injuries. Eriksson SHOULD have been held onto, and I don't know why they went with the Czech (his name escapes me) instead. Ranford didn't earn a contract. Clackson's a career AHL enforcer. Blidstrand's probably never playing above the ECHL level. Popov puts up okay numbers in the KHL, but seems fine staying put over there.

Basically, a 7th round pick is a crap shoot. You can either pick a guy who's projected as a career AHLer (Clackson/Printz) , or take a big chance on a guy who has huge upside (Eriksson/Lauridsen). I'd always go with the latter.

It's not a risk at all. What are the odds of a 7th round pick making to the NHL? Very slim. And an NHL team doesn't draft players to help the AHL team. They draft to try and help the NHL team. And they can figure out if a player is going to have a chance to help the NHL team, while he's playing overseas, just as well as they can if he plays in the AHL.

So I'll repeat my point in case there is some confusion. Taking a player with an upside that slipped in the draft because of possible transfer issues is smart drafting. Because chances are that player is more talented then a normal player takein in the 7th round. The possible reward far outweighs any potential risk.
- MJL

Bingo...

Just for a reference.. In mid-February 2012 (4 months before the draft) Vasilev was ranked in the top 50 overall prospects.. #48 to be exact.

http://www.tsn.ca/draftcentre/feature/?id=57124