This lecavalier mess is the epitome of flyer front office problems...we got they amnesty briere, they bring in lecavalier, albeit a cheaper deal but still pricey and long for a piece that doesnt fit and is basically washed up. They got rid of richards and carter then go an overpay for luke schenn. Gave up on Bob, got bryzgalov.

Im not holding my breath for this organization to take the next step until theres a major culture change.

If theres one good thing to come out of Homer's tenure, he traded a young goalie for another goalie.
- JoeRussomanno

They were wrong to believe Schenn could play wing effectively. I do not like that line Holmgren stated about "centers can play wing" or something to that effect the other day.

It'd be interesting to see if Vl would welcome a trade after what happened to his playing time as a 4th liner and that he came here thinking he'd play under Lavi's system. I agree with many that Florida and Toronto seem like reasonable destinations for him.

This team is not even close to the Bully Culture. They are trying to be a faster team. Look at the Oilers. Do we want that. years of high picks and nothing working out. The Penguins got lucky with sucking in a 5 year span with good drfts but it isn't like they had to scout hard. All their picks were no brainers and lucky they won the lotto to beat out Anaheim for Crosby. Just like Chicago being lucky and beating the Flyers for Kane. I think this team is trying to move in the right direction. BUt do we want them to suck for 5 years or do we want them to try and win. And be honest with yourself. Because saying you want them to scuk for five years you know your lying because no one in philly wants that.
- J35Bacher

I agree I do not want them to miss the playoffs for five years or ever. You do not need to be bad to get good in the NHL. Just be patient with the right players. I would like to see them get quicker as well. If they get a lot better 5 on 5 this team will be really tough to beat.

Very off topic: Does anyone have, or know where I can find, television ratings comparisons for afternoon games versus night games, especially in the playoffs?

To be fair, they've done a decent job sticking to the plan lately. They've hung onto the young players they put together after tradepocalypse, rather than trading them off for the big piece. They've begun restocking the pipeline in regards to defensive prospects. They didn't swing for the fences at the trade deadline.

I think it's fair to question their prudence in free agency, but I think they've displayed a fair amount of patience otherwise.
- BulliesPhan87

I don't like the way they've handled B Schenn. He's been shuttled between wing and center his entire career. It's happened multiple times in each season. They've, also, put guys like Briere and VL on his line when its obvious those guys aren't good fits for this team or that line.

People complain about B Schenn, but it's hard to break into the NHL and become a high level player when you're being switched around and forced to play with guys who don't fit.

It's been a residual effect onto Couts as well. Berube has had to overuse Couts in defensive situations because he has no faith in his 2nd or 4th line. It's difficult for Couts to think offense when he's constantly out against other top lines while starting in the defensive zone.

That being said, I do like the forwards and I don't think they need a "culture change" because the GM picks too many "bully" type players. I don't see anyone complaining about Simmonds style of play and he's the closest thing to a "bully" type player.

Its such a (frank)ed up situation for him. I still think he's a decent player. He's being paid a lot, but thats the market. He would have gotten that money from somebody.
- PhillySportsGuy

It is, I would like to see him get another chance ( hopefully with a new addition on wing)
If B Schenn is used for a package to land the D help needed, Vinny will be counted on to contribute more than this past season.

I don't like the way they've handled B Schenn. He's been shuttled between wing and center his entire career. It's happened multiple times in each season. They've, also, put guys like Briere and VL on his line when its obvious those guys aren't good fits for this team or that line.

People complain about B Schenn, but it's hard to break into the NHL and become a high level player when you're being switched around and forced to play with guys who don't fit.

It's been a residual effect onto Couts as well. Berube has had to overuse Couts in defensive situations because he has no faith in his 2nd or 4th line. It's difficult for Couts to think offense when he's constantly out against other top lines while starting in the defensive zone.


That being said, I do like the forwards and I don't think they need a "culture change" because the GM picks too many "bully" type players. I don't see anyone complaining about Simmonds style of play and he's the closest thing to a "bully" type player.
- PhillySportsGuy

This is kind of why I would like them to build a 4th line like Dallas has and Anaheim. Anaheim's 4th line causes all kinds of having and is tough and can create chances.

I agree. By holding onto players like B. Schenn and Couturier I think they have showed they are willing to be patient.

I also believe you do not need to miss the playoffs to improve. Playoffs are all about matchups. If you get the right matchup you can win some series.
- mickel25

I know Snider is all about winning the cup, but there is significant financial incentive to make the playoffs.

I'm not saying the Flyers need to go tank mode. I just think they need to view this team as one building towards a cup rather than trying to contend for one now. Any significant move made should be made for the future of the franchise. If it helps the current team as well then thats great too.

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=717912

Giroux a finalist for Ted Lindsay.
- MBFlyerfan

And here i was thinking he was overrated. Apparently the players don't think so

NHL should have a return policy on trades. After one season a team can return the player they acquired (with receipt of course, and not like a Kohl's return policy, that's just ridiculous). Returns will be subject to a restocking fee (late pick, cash money).

This is kind of why I would like them to build a 4th line like Dallas has and Anaheim. Anaheim's 4th line causes all kinds of having and is tough and can create chances.
- J35Bacher

I don't see why the team can't find a serviceable 4th liner to play with Laughton or Raffl next year. I always loved the Lappy-Betts combination. They were very solid defensively and were able to control Carcillo.

I just don't see why Rinaldo is so important and why they need to play him every night. They can find energy players who aren't as undisciplined and better defensively than Rinaldo.

On a different note.....Am I in the minority that I don't want Kimmo back and hope a guy like Alt, Ghost, Haag, Morin or someone else can step in. I just feel it is time to move on. I like Kimmo. He is a warrior but I am ready to change the dynamic and think you can see his wheels and some of his descions declining. Thoughts?

I don't see why the team can't find a serviceable 4th liner to play with Laughton or Raffl next year. I always loved the Lappy-Betts combination. They were very solid defensively and were able to control Carcillo.

I just don't see why Rinaldo is so important and why they need to play him every night. They can find energy players who aren't as undisciplined and better defensively than Rinaldo.
- PhillySportsGuy

I wouldn't mind a guy like Brian Boyle to play with Laughton and Raffl and would give size and grit without losing skating

They've made some massive mistakes, but I think you're conveniently leaving out a lot of good they've done.
- bradleyc4

If you look at many of Homer's moves in isolation, they're not bad moves. What he got in return for Richie/Carts/Forsberg was solid. Carle, Mason and Coburn were good reclamations. Chris Pronger got them to within 2W's of the Cup. Adding Ville Leino and subsequently not re-signing him was prescient.

But if you step back, you can't help but notice that he's been prone to making the "big mistake", and is often left chasing his losses with subsequent moves. They're also guilty of chronic questionable cap management, constant shifts in team philosophy, and general impatience/going for shortcuts.

With all the money, the solid prospects, and the capable coaches that have come through here, it's almost unfathomable that they haven't gotten closer than '2W's away' over the past decade+, while other teams have managed to seemingly accomplish a whole lot more with a whole lot less at their disposal.

On a different note.....Am I in the minority that I don't want Kimmo back and hope a guy like Alt, Ghost, Haag, Morin or someone else can step in. I just feel it is time to move on. I like Kimmo. He is a warrior but I am ready to change the dynamic and think you can see his wheels and some of his descions declining. Thoughts?
- J35Bacher

You are in the minority. Kimmo is still better than all of our defenseman except Coburn. He's lost a step and would look a lot better as a 2nd pairing or 3rd pairing guy. He's forced to play against top lines because the rest of our defenseman are .

There is no young player who can step in and provide what Kimmo provides.

The only sticking point might be money. I think he's going to want his usual $6M and I'm not sure the team is prepared to give him that.

David Clarkson.
Ryan Malone.
Ville Leino.
Ondrej Pavelec.

to name a couple...
- bradleyc4

Alex Ovechkin

If you look at many of Homer's moves in isolation, they're not bad moves. What he got in return for Richie/Carts/Forsberg was solid. Carle, Mason and Coburn were good reclamations. Chris Pronger got them to within 2W's of the Cup. Adding Ville Leino and subsequently not re-signing him was prescient.

But if you step back, you can't help but notice that he's been prone to making the "big mistake", and is often left chasing his losses with subsequent moves. They're also guilty of chronic questionable cap management, constant shifts in team philosophy, and general impatience/going for shortcuts.

With all the money, the solid prospects, and the capable coaches that have come through here, it's almost unfathomable that they haven't gotten closer than '2W's away' over the past decade+, while other teams have managed to seemingly accomplish a whole lot more with a whole lot less at their disposal.
- Tomahawk

You are right it is hard to believe the Cup has not been won, but I really believe they have not recovered from loss of Pronger. They came close with him and I think they would have been there for another shot if he was playing. Living in Toronto and seeing the crap these fans are used to seeing, I try to see the positive that at least the Flyers usually are a competitive team. I know a lot of people don't like Snider but he is a owner who cares and wants to win. That's a great asset to have. You don't want to be a faceless corporation like the Leafs

You are in the minority. Kimmo is still better than all of our defenseman except Coburn. He's lost a step and would look a lot better as a 2nd pairing or 3rd pairing guy. He's forced to play against top lines because the rest of our defenseman are .

There is no young player who can step in and provide what Kimmo provides.

The only sticking point might be money. I think he's going to want his usual $6M and I'm not sure the team is prepared to give him that.
- PhillySportsGuy

He said if he comes back to play next season he wants to play for the Flyers. I think he would take a slight pay cut to do so.

You are in the minority. Kimmo is still better than all of our defenseman except Coburn. He's lost a step and would look a lot better as a 2nd pairing or 3rd pairing guy. He's forced to play against top lines because the rest of our defenseman are .

There is no young player who can step in and provide what Kimmo provides.

The only sticking point might be money. I think he's going to want his usual $6M and I'm not sure the team is prepared to give him that.
- PhillySportsGuy

Imagine if the flyers could get their hands on Myers, sign Niskanen and get Timonen back on the cheap....

Myers (5.5) / Niskanen (7)
Timo (4) / Coburn (4.5)
Mac (5) / Streit (5)

Expensive but that looks awesome lol. Just a pipe dream. Obviously never going to happen.

I think they should just bite the bullet and buy Vinny out. That way, the player chooses where he goes, which could/should make him happy. The Flyers eat the money, but don't take a bad contract in return and don't ship an asset with him to make a prospective deal work.

It sucks, for the cap hit. I would NEVER have thought I'd be saying that one year into this.

But moving a 22-year-old Brayden Schenn to accommodate 34-year-old Vincent Lecavalier -- that's just not something that should be done. It's laughable on every single level that I can think of. Every single one.

Because we could all be sitting here at this time next season reading the same thing about Vinny. And I like the guy as a player, admire his character.

But he's not getting faster. He's not going to become a better defensive player. If he could still skate, then I'd be willing to consider any number of options. But if you can't skate at the NHL average, there's no point. It only gets worse from here.

You are right it is hard to believe the Cup has not been won, but I really believe they have not recovered from loss of Pronger. They came close with him and I think they would have been there for another shot if he was playing.
- 3flyerkids

Pronger trade was like doubling down on 9, and coming up just short of 21.

Imagine if the flyers could get their hands on Myers, sign Niskanen and get Timonen back on the cheap....

Myers (5.5) / Niskanen (7)
Timo (4) / Coburn (4.5)
Mac (5) / Streit (5)

Expensive but that looks awesome lol. Just a pipe dream. Obviously never going to happen.
- FlyersSteve118

He said if he comes back to play next season he wants to play for the Flyers. I think he would take a slight pay cut to do so.
- Streit2ThePoint

Yeah, the quote also included the words, "it's not about the money."

We'll see.

Imagine if the flyers could get their hands on Myers, sign Niskanen and get Timonen back on the cheap....

Myers (5.5) / Niskanen (7)
Timo (4) / Coburn (4.5)
Mac (5) / Streit (5)

Expensive but that looks awesome lol. Just a pipe dream. Obviously never going to happen.
- FlyersSteve118

Than convince Vanek and Moulson to both sign 1 year 2mil contracts on the fact that they are pretty much guaranteed a cup lol.

Yeah, the quote also included the words, "it's not about the money."

We'll see.
- tangent_man

Fuuny is it is always about money. If it wasn't about money he would take a 1 year 3 mill deal to help the team out.

On the Vinny trade. Too bad Columbus isn't attractive. Could trade Vinny for RJ Umberger. Money i think matches and Umberger could be a 3rd or fourth line winger. Kill penalties and be a roll player and Columbus doesn't want him anymore.

Imagine if the flyers could get their hands on Myers, sign Niskanen and get Timonen back on the cheap....

Myers (5.5) / Niskanen (7)
Timo (4) / Coburn (4.5)
Mac (5) / Streit (5)

Expensive but that looks awesome lol. Just a pipe dream. Obviously never going to happen.
- FlyersSteve118

i dont know how many times i need to tell you guys to kindly (frank) right off with that before you get the message!