Doesn't just have to be Ekbald. Could be bennett, Draisitl or Reinhart. Was just thinking out loud.

Woul you do it and keep 5 and 17. Then you can take probably to solid prospects.
- J35Bacher

No

He's the next Zac Rinaldo, who is the next Steve Downie, who is the next half Mike Richards, who is the next Bobby Clarke.

So he's half as good as Bobby Clarke.
- jmatchett383

LMFAO! JOKES!

Not Bill , but if Virtanen is there at 17, sprint to the podium & take him
- Jsaquella

I'd like to see them move up to go after Virtanen. I think he's the kind of player they need in the system. The injury may mean they wouldn't have to move up as far but I don't see any way he drops to 17.

Small chance of success.
Certainty of death.
What are we waiting for?
- jmatchett383

It would be like the New Orleans Saints trading their entire draft for Ricky Williams

Could be, but we'd have no need for those three, all centers.
- Flyers_V88

Bennett can play wing. But if your moving schenn then you have an opening. Also if you can say ship Vinny to Nashville for some picks you could open up more cap space.

He's the next Zac Rinaldo, who is the next Steve Downie, who is the next half Mike Richards, who is the next Bobby Clarke.

So he's half as good as Bobby Clarke.
- jmatchett383

Oops. Missed the second part of that. You can handle this one. Not getting involved.
- FrmRusiaWifGlov

I just can't wait until next year for the McDavid trade proposals

LMFAO! JOKES!
- Flyers_V88

It would be like the New Orleans Saints trading their entire draft for Ricky Williams
- PhillySportsGuy

Shoulda gone all in for Ryan Leaf.

LMFAO! JOKES!
- Flyers_V88

I got several of them, up to maybe 3-4.

I just can't wait until next year for the McDavid trade proposals
- PhillySportsGuy

I am kind of suprised the Islanders kept this years pick and gave next year to Buffalo. Thats why I think you can take advantae of the Islanders as they need to make the playoffs next year. If that pick they give to Buffalo turns into number 1 or 2 they will kill Snow.

So who are the guys we think are gonna be available and "maybe" available? Just read up on Virtanen...seems like a solid player. Speed, skill, and size. Power forwardish with a good scoring touch.

Who else do I do homework on?

I've seen Fiala's name a few times as well.

I just hope Hextall gets to follow thru on his plans...not sure the "impatience" shown in past years came from GMs chair
- Jsaquella

Honestly, the boss should take a good look at chicago right now. While they were down in the dumps for the better part a decade from 1997~2007, they're now possibly on their way to a third cup final appearance in 4 years. Something that this franchise hasn't been able to do since the 1970...but they're so close right???

It just shows what good management, a solid plan, and some patience can do for a team.

I am kind of suprised the Islanders kept this years pick and gave next year to Buffalo. Thats why I think you can take advantae of the Islanders as they need to make the playoffs next year. If that pick they give to Buffalo turns into number 1 or 2 they will kill Snow.
- J35Bacher

Why do they care? Buffalo wants them to suck, but the Islanders have no pressure due to their pick. Why do they care if it's Buffalo or Toronto or Winnipeg or someone else? Bottom line is they're not getting it. They have no incentive other than any other team to do well. Snow hasn't been fired yet, so I don't think that will be the move to kill him.

So who are the guys we think are gonna be available and "maybe" available? Just read up on Virtanen...seems like a solid player. Speed, skill, and size. Power forwardish with a good scoring touch.

Who else do I do homework on?

I've seen Fiala's name a few times as well.
- Giroux_Is_God

Nick Ritchie but probably not dropping to 17.
Sonny Milano
Maybe Roland Mckeown
Anthony d'angelo


Not sure because I think guys could drop and some teams might reach early.

So who are the guys we think are gonna be available and "maybe" available? Just read up on Virtanen...seems like a solid player. Speed, skill, and size. Power forwardish with a good scoring touch.

Who else do I do homework on?

I've seen Fiala's name a few times as well.
- Giroux_Is_God

No matter who we pick, WIP and the fan base will hate it.

I am kind of suprised the Islanders kept this years pick and gave next year to Buffalo. Thats why I think you can take advantae of the Islanders as they need to make the playoffs next year. If that pick they give to Buffalo turns into number 1 or 2 they will kill Snow.
- J35Bacher

They may consider it, but I wouldn't make that move if I were the Flyers.

I can't believe they're going to have picked whoever they will pick, what a reach

So who are the guys we think are gonna be available and "maybe" available? Just read up on Virtanen...seems like a solid player. Speed, skill, and size. Power forwardish with a good scoring touch.

Who else do I do homework on?

I've seen Fiala's name a few times as well.
- Giroux_Is_God

I like Honka. Not just because of his name. He's undersized, but a very good all around defenseman. Reminds a lot of people of Kimmo.

Honestly, the boss should take a good look at chicago right now. While they were down in the dumps for the better part a decade from 1997~2007, they're now possibly on their way to a third cup final appearance in 4 years. Something that this franchise hasn't been able to do since the 1970...but they're so close right???

It just shows what good management, a solid plan, and some patience can do for a team.
- the deaninator

Having the Bowman family on the payroll certainly doesn't hurt... hopefully Hexy's hiring represents a sea change in the way this club is managed/operated...

I can't believe they're going to have picked whoever they will pick
- BulliesPhan87

I know. We could have gotten (insert name), but we chose (insert name).

OB is going to be so excited when he comes in and sees were talking about the draft.

Why do they care? Buffalo wants them to suck, but the Islanders have no pressure due to their pick. Why do they care if it's Buffalo or Toronto or Winnipeg or someone else? Bottom line is they're not getting it. They have no incentive other than any other team to do well. Snow hasn't been fired yet, so I don't think that will be the move to kill him.
- jmatchett383

Why would they care? They gave their first round pick for 2015 to Buffalo for a draft everyone has as a deep draft. The top two picks are off the charts talented. Islanders pick 5th this year. If they end up back in the lottery and their pick is one or two they just lost out on the chance to have a one two punch of Taveras and Eichal/McDavid. Especially moving into a new building. We would crucify Holmgren if he made that deal

No matter who we pick, WIP and the fan base will hate it.
- jmatchett383

You're assuming that 1) WIP will not be talking about the eagles long enough to discuss hockey, and 2) whatever they think is based off solid facts and knowledge of the draft pool.

They could draft Ekbald and I'm sure someone there would think its a horrible move because they need the big center or a guy who can stand in front of the net like Tim Kerr blah blah blah 1970s.

So, for all of the kvetching about Berube and Hextall being ex-Flyers and them not knowing anything or not being from the mythical, all-knowing "outside", can we agree that everything both Berube and Hextall have said does indicate a bit of a sea change and these two guys aren't the "same old, same old"?