I agree. Just can't turn that down. As good as Couturier is now, and as good as I think he's going to be in the future. Getting that young defensive stud is a deal you have to make.
- MJL

Exactly

I disagree with your last statement. A healthy Chris Pronger playing 25 mins per night would make a huge difference while a younger Shea Weber playing close to 30 mins would be even better. The 06 Oilers and '10 Flyers don't even make the playoffs, let alone get to the finals without Pronger.
- BiggE

Absolutely, I agree with that also. Pronger is a game changer and a difference maker. All over the ice. This defense would be very good with Pronger.

I watched a lot of the Sharks game last night. Boyle looked very good and fully fit after his concussion. If he stays that way I would give him two years at 6m to replace Kimmo and let Ghost, Morin and Hagg take as long as they need. But I would give Alt a shot at rhe top 6 which would make Grossmann expendable.

Dmen are much harder to project than forwards. If none of Alt, Ghost, Morin or Hagg develop into top 4 guys then what?
- BiggE

Then you keep drafting developing, and trying to use any and all means. And there's a flip side to that. What if they all develop into top 4 guys?

You need to have some luck. Look around the NHL and some of the top quality defenseman. They're not all blue chip first rounders. Some are drafted later, and the team that drafted them just got lucky.

I watched a lot of the Sharks game last night. Boyle looked very good and fully fit after his concussion. If he stays that way I would give two years at 6m to replace Kimmo and let Ghost, Morin and Hagg take as long as they need. But I would give Alt a shot at making Grossmann expendable.
- Feanor

I wouldn't mind Boyle for 2 years, but you know some GM, hopefully not ours!, will give him 4 years and 25 million.

Its the same reason Callahan is gonna play hardball with the Rags; with the cap going up his agent knows that some team is gonna up 6 years and 35+million so whats he got to lose.

I watched a lot of the Sharks game last night. Boyle looked very good and fully fit after his concussion. If he stays that way I would give him twoo years at 6m to replace Kimmo and let Ghost, Morin and Hagg take as long as they need. But I would give Alt a shot at rhe top 6 which would make Grossmann expendable.
- Feanor

I would not be in favor of that. I don't want the Flyers to add another offensive defenseman or that type of player. Boyle can't replace the minutes and situations that Timonen plays in with the exception of the PP. The Flyers already have Streit. I need them to acquire a more well rounded all around defenseman that can play top minutes and play in key defensive situations. Don't know a ton about Alt, but I have a hard time believing that he can make Grossmann expendable. Just different type of players.

I watched a lot of the Sharks game last night. Boyle looked very good and fully fit after his concussion. If he stays that way I would give him two years at 6m to replace Kimmo and let Ghost, Morin and Hagg take as long as they need. But I would give Alt a shot at rhe top 6 which would make Grossmann expendable.
- Feanor

numbers can be deceiving, but alt's suck right now. Anyone know what kind of season he's having and if hes a legitimate option next year? Lauridsen i've heard is playing well

Then you keep drafting developing, and trying to use any and all means. And there's a flip side to that. What if they all do develop into top 4 guys?

You need to have some luck. Look around the NHL and some of the top quality defenseman. They're not all blue chip first rounders. Some are drafted later, and the team that drafted them just got lucky.
- MJL

True and I would prefer to build from within, but you have to be willing to deal as well. Bob Dailey, McCrimmon, Mark Howe, Marsh, Desjardins, Timonen and Pronger all came via trade.

I would not be in favor of that. I don't want the Flyers to add another offensive defenseman or that type of player. Boyle can't replace the minutes and situations that Timonen plays in with the exception of the PP. The Flyers already have Streit. I need them to acquire a more well rounded all around defenseman that can play top minutes and play in key defensive situations. Don't know a ton about Alt, but I have a hard time believing that he can make Grossmann expendable. Just different type of players.
- MJL

I would think Lauridsen would be a better replacement for Grossmann

True and I would prefer to build from within, but you have to be willing to deal as well. Bob Dailey, McCrimmon, Mark Howe, Marsh, Desjardins, Timonen and Pronger all came via trade.
- BiggE

No question about it. I don't care how they get what they need, as long as they get it. And it's a good deal. I hope Girardi makes it to Free Agency, but I doubt it.

I would think Lauridsen would be a better replacement for Grossmann
- BiggE

I think Lauridsen has a long way to go to replace Grossmann. There are still doubts on whether Lauridsen will ever be a NHL regular. But time will tell.

i think most here would like to keep the core of young players together while rebuilding the defense; problems with that include: 1) it may take too long and valuable years will be lost; 2) it may not be possible; 3) holmgren at the switch is likely to yield mixed results at best via free agents and drafting.....
that said, it may be necessary to let some of the pieces go to acquire help. no one wants to see another patrick sharp-like situation but there are risks that may need to be taken in order to get to the next level and compete for a cup.
despite the final score, i don't think last night's win inspires confidence in the way they played (or were outplayed); glad to get the win but 13 SOG won't get it done more often than not
- hogweed

First of all, the number of shots is irrelevant. I've seen plenty of 30-40 shot games where most are from the perimeter, or beach ball softies. The Devils in their prime had very low shot counts, yet they won lots of games. Quality over quantity. Second, you mentioned Holmgren at the helm. Whom would have as GM to make those deals? Doesn't seem like a legitimate concern unless you bring a viable solution to the issue you state. I LOVE Hextall myself, but let's not forget, with the same core group LA has from their cup year, they are in an awful slump, too. Hexy may be a great GM one day, but it's no panacea. And three, someone earlier mentioned Mason in his list of tradeable players. Unless you had a bonafide, number one, young netminder coming back, you don't move him either. When was the last time the Flyers had a calming, steady goalie you could count on to NOT be a whack job in the net, and the locker room?

I would not be in favor of that. I don't want the Flyers to add another offensive defenseman or that type of player. Boyle can't replace the minutes and situations that Timonen plays in with the exception of the PP. The Flyers already have Streit. I need them to acquire a more well rounded all around defenseman that can play top minutes and play in key defensive situations. Don't know a ton about Alt, but I have a hard time believing that he can make Grossmann expendable. Just different type of players.
- MJL

This!

I think Lauridsen has a long way to go to replace Grossmann. There are still doubts on whether Lauridsen will ever be a NHL regular. But time will tell.
- MJL

No way rangers dont extend girardi. the numbers that ive heard being batted around by both sides are pretty close. i think it will be announced any day.

i woul love to take girardi off them

First of all, the number of shots is irrelevant. I've seen plenty of 30-40 shot games where most are from the perimeter, or beach ball softies. The Devils in their prime had very low shot counts, yet they won lots of games. Quality over quantity. Second, you mentioned Holmgren at the helm. Whom would have as GM to make those deals? Doesn't seem like a legitimate concern unless you bring a viable solution to the issue you state. I LOVE Hextall myself, but let's not forget, with the same core group LA has from their cup year, they are in an awful slump, too. Hexy may be a great GM one day, but it's no panacea. And three, someone earlier mentioned Mason in his list of tradeable players. Unless you had a bonafide, number one, young netminder coming back, you don't move him either. When was the last time the Flyers had a calming, steady goalie you could count on to NOT be a whack job in the net, and the locker room?
- Hokeeguy9

I agree. The Flyers played a hard game against a stalwart defensive team. They just don't give up much. And although the Flyers may not be clicking on all cylinders offensively. That was a playoff type game. And the kind of game you have to win at times. It was a great 2 points in the standings.

I disagree with your last statement. A healthy Chris Pronger playing 25 mins per night would make a huge difference while a younger Shea Weber playing close to 30 mins would be even better. The 06 Oilers and '10 Flyers don't even make the playoffs, let alone get to the finals without Pronger.
- BiggE

I agree. One common denominator for Stanley cup teams is a #1 type dman or 2 even... Keith Seabrook Chara Doughty. Like you mentioned we had pronger last we went to the cup finals.

I always hear we need more top 4 defensemen... No we don't.... We need top 2 defensemen.

Jmo.

No way rangers dont extend girardi. the numbers that ive heard being batted around by both sides are pretty close. i think it will be announced any day.

i woul love to take girardi off them
- Just5

I agree, Girardi is probably not going to make it to Free Agency. But if he does, I want the Flyers to target him.

I agree, Girardi is probably not going to make it to Free Agency. But if he does, I want the Flyers to target him.
- MJL

The Rangers like to take their time with these things

I agree. One common denominator for Stanley cup teams is a #1 type dman or 2 even... Keith Seabrook Chara Doughty. Like you mentioned we had pronger last we went to the cup finals.

I always hear we need more top 4 defensemen... No we don't.... We need top 2 defensemen.

Jmo.
- moylander

Yes and no. I think the prevailing thought is that acquiring a top defenseman is going to cost a ton in a trade. And is going to cost some of the quality youth off of the current roster. So what's better? Trying to build a corps of defenseman that may not have a legit #1 filled with just solid good all around top 4 mobile players, and keep the youth? Or decimate your youth to add that stud #1?

First of all, the number of shots is irrelevant. I've seen plenty of 30-40 shot games where most are from the perimeter, or beach ball softies. The Devils in their prime had very low shot counts, yet they won lots of games. Quality over quantity. Second, you mentioned Holmgren at the helm. Whom would have as GM to make those deals? Doesn't seem like a legitimate concern unless you bring a viable solution to the issue you state. I LOVE Hextall myself, but let's not forget, with the same core group LA has from their cup year, they are in an awful slump, too. Hexy may be a great GM one day, but it's no panacea. And three, someone earlier mentioned Mason in his list of tradeable players. Unless you had a bonafide, number one, young netminder coming back, you don't move him either. When was the last time the Flyers had a calming, steady goalie you could count on to NOT be a whack job in the net, and the locker room?
- Hokeeguy9

I didn't back read to see who suggested it, but to your third point, why in God's name would you deal Mason. He's been overall solid since he arrived here. The slumps he's had are more about overall team d than anything. As you say, no drama and you can pencil him in goal and expect solid tending.

I agree. One common denominator for Stanley cup teams is a #1 type dman or 2 even... Keith Seabrook Chara Doughty. Like you mentioned we had pronger last we went to the cup finals.

I always hear we need more top 4 defensemen... No we don't.... We need top 2 defensemen.

Jmo.
- moylander

Totally agree. This is what we need to take the next step IMO. Homer knows this and it's why we tried to pry weber away and also why the press matched. You need the stud dman to contend for the cup normally. (Jersey may have been the exception a couple years back)

I agree, Girardi is probably not going to make it to Free Agency. But if he does, I want the Flyers to target him.
- MJL

If (big if) he makes it yo UFA, he's gonna want an insane amount of money, like top pair money for 6-7 years. I don't think he's worth it.

If (big if) he makes it yo UFA, he's gonna want an insane amount of money, like top pair money for 6-7 years. I don't think he's worth it.
- jmatchett383

What's insane money? I'd pay him in the 6M range certainly. I think he's underrated.

I didn't back read to see who suggested it, but to your third point, why in God's name would you deal Mason. He's been overall solid since he arrived here. The slumps he's had are more about overall team d than anything. As you say, no drama and you can pencil him in goal and expect solid tending.
- Hextall271

I wouldn't worry about it. I don't think the Flyers have any plans or thoughts to trade Mason.

What's insane money? I'd pay him in the 6M range certainly. I think he's underrated.
- MJL

I was thinking more 7 for big years.