For those hoping for E. Kane:

http://sports.yahoo.com/b...soc_src=mediacontentstory

Disregarding the exchange of draft picks, as the net result of those moves is that all the draft picks that are traded, essentially are returned in another, similar, form, the most disconcerting part of Cheveldayoff’s tenure as GM of the Winnipeg Jets is that he has not made one NHL player for NHL player trade.

That seems quite astounding does it not? Repeating: In more than three years on the job, the GM has yet to trade an NHL player for an NHL player in return.

Not surprisingly, no other NHL teams can claim that title.
- PhillySportsGuy

That's difficult to believe and if someone had said that to me without a link to verify it, I would have called "bullpoop" on it.

Who would his wingers be? Raffl and Read? Or Umberger?
- PhillySportsGuy

That's the hard part. I would love to put Voracek with him. But Voracek is really the only legitimate first line Winger the Flyers have. That's what the biggest issue is. Is how the pieces fit together. Which is why I'm not against trading Lecavalier. Even though I think he could have a solid bounce back year.

And what if he holds onto Kane and he explodes offensively this upcoming season?
- MJL

He's a disgruntled player. It's possible, but I feel the chances of him depreciating are significantly higher.

I would try him on G's right wing. If that doesn't work, he's going to the 4th line and being used as a PP specialist.

I would be open to eating significant money (up to $1M per year) in order to move him. I want bringing him back to be the last resort. He just does not fit with this team or system. I don't want him hurting the development of our young centers.
- PhillySportsGuy

Yup. I've been saying that for awhile. People want to get Giroux a sniper, well, the only thing Lecavalier did well last year was score goals, so why not roll the dice with it. Maybe he puts up a big goal total and teams see a rebound and are willing to take on the last three years.

My issue with him playing scoring line center is the same as yours. What happens if Berube is terrified of playing him in the D-zone again? Couturier's development takes another year of waiting to get real offensive opportunities.

Raffl showed good smarts and instincts. The scouting report on Bellemare is that he's a good two way player who works hard, skates well and plays solid two way hockey. They sound like decent linemates for a veteran guy who isn't an especially good skater or two way player at this point of his career.

I don't even really see it as a "checking" line, so much as a third line with two way ability. Couturier is still going to do the heavy lifting in terms of match-ups. I wouldn't call a line with Lecavalier & potentially Akeson a checking line anyhow.

That's difficult to believe and if someone had said that to me without a link to verify it, I would have called "bullpoop" on it.
- johndewar

It's hard to believe as a Flyers fan.

I was going to say the Flyers make, at least, one of those trade every calendar year, but I'm having trouble remembering the last NHL player for NHL player trade they've made. It can't be Schenn for JVR????

Exactly. At this point, they're going to likely lose the trade in terms of tangible value. They just desperately need some roster turnover.

The longer he holds Kane, the less valuable he gets.
- PhillySportsGuy

Agreed. Even if he has a big year, it's doubtful he'd be mollified by it. The kid wants out of Winnipeg. He's the whipping boy of the media. He's unhappy and made it clear.

He's a disgruntled player. It's possible, but I feel the chances of him depreciating are significantly higher.
- PhillySportsGuy

Players do more better when they are gruntled, for sure.

It's hard to believe as a Flyers fan.

I was going to say the Flyers make, at least, one of those trade every calendar year, but I'm having trouble remembering the last NHL player for NHL player trade they've made. It can't be Schenn for JVR????
- PhillySportsGuy

Uh, Hartnell...

It's hard to believe as a Flyers fan.

I was going to say the Flyers make, at least, one of those trade every calendar year, but I'm having trouble remembering the last NHL player for NHL player trade they've made. It can't be Schenn for JVR????
- PhillySportsGuy

RJ for Hartnell

That's the hard part. I would love to put Voracek with him. But Voracek is really the only legitimate first line Winger the Flyers have. That's what the biggest issue is. Is how the pieces fit together. Which is why I'm not against trading Lecavalier. Even though I think he could have a solid bounce back year.
- MJL

Thats one of the reason I have concerns about bringing him back. Where do you put him and who do you put him with? There is no logical place without disrupting the rest of the lineup.

RJ for Hartnell
- johndewar

Talbot/Downie

Uh, Hartnell...
- Jsaquella

BAHHHHHH

Talbot/Downie
- johndewar

My mind is going at 26

Talbot/Downie
- johndewar

Mason/Leighton

My mind is going at 26
- PhillySportsGuy

It only gets worse, sir.

Alcohol helps manage the downward mental trajectory.

Mason/Leighton
- johndewar

I plumb forgot Leighton was in that trade

Yup. I've been saying that for awhile. People want to get Giroux a sniper, well, the only thing Lecavalier did well last year was score goals, so why not roll the dice with it. Maybe he puts up a big goal total and teams see a rebound and are willing to take on the last three years.

My issue with him playing scoring line center is the same as yours. What happens if Berube is terrified of playing him in the D-zone again? Couturier's development takes another year of waiting to get real offensive opportunities.

Raffl showed good smarts and instincts. The scouting report on Bellemare is that he's a good two way player who works hard, skates well and plays solid two way hockey. They sound like decent linemates for a veteran guy who isn't an especially good skater or two way player at this point of his career.

I don't even really see it as a "checking" line, so much as a third line with two way ability. Couturier is still going to do the heavy lifting in terms of match-ups. I wouldn't call a line with Lecavalier & potentially Akeson a checking line anyhow.
- Jsaquella

It's a checking line. The best use of players like Raffle and Bellemare are in neutral zone and defensive zone starts. The best use of a player like Lecavalier is offensive zone starts and offensive two starts. It's oil and vinegar. And that's the problem. How the pieces fit. How do they give Couturier better wingers and better situations to play in, when other then Giroux's FO ability, he is really the only center suited for tough matchups and defensive zone starts. Lecavalier is an offensive player. He either centers a scoring line, or at has been suggested, play the right side with Giroux. There's no other spots in the lineup where I see Lecavalier being effective. If he's going to be on the team, maximize and take advantage of his abilities as much as possible. It's a tough fit.

I plumb forgot Leighton was in that trade
- Jsaquella

Not exactly difficult to forget that information

Thats one of the reason I have concerns about bringing him back. Where do you put him and who do you put him with? There is no logical place without disrupting the rest of the lineup.
- PhillySportsGuy

I have the same concerns. Which is why I'm not against trading him. How can you put fitting in a 34 year old player, before putting a 20 year old player in the best fit, when he's a huge part of the future. The Flyers don't really have the mix of forwards to do so.

Agreed. Even if he has a big year, it's doubtful he'd be mollified by it. The kid wants out of Winnipeg. He's the whipping boy of the media. He's unhappy and made it clear.
- Jsaquella

A big year offensively would increase his trade value.

Not exactly difficult to forget that information
- ob18

True. Did he even play in a game for 'Lumbus? I think Bob ran the table after the TDL

True. Did he even play in a game for 'Lumbus? I think Bob ran the table after the TDL
- Jsaquella

No he did not, he's looking for work with his KHL team ceasing operations for at least the upcoming season.

Yup. I've been saying that for awhile. People want to get Giroux a sniper, well, the only thing Lecavalier did well last year was score goals, so why not roll the dice with it. Maybe he puts up a big goal total and teams see a rebound and are willing to take on the last three years.

My issue with him playing scoring line center is the same as yours. What happens if Berube is terrified of playing him in the D-zone again? Couturier's development takes another year of waiting to get real offensive opportunities.

Raffl showed good smarts and instincts. The scouting report on Bellemare is that he's a good two way player who works hard, skates well and plays solid two way hockey. They sound like decent linemates for a veteran guy who isn't an especially good skater or two way player at this point of his career.

I don't even really see it as a "checking" line, so much as a third line with two way ability. Couturier is still going to do the heavy lifting in terms of match-ups. I wouldn't call a line with Lecavalier & potentially Akeson a checking line anyhow.
- Jsaquella

I've never liked the connotation certain lines invoke. 1st Line - Big time scorers, 2nd line - secondary scorers, 3rd line - Checking line, 4th line - Enforcers.

Now, you need scorers and good defensive players, but why can't they be spread throughout the lineup? Your top line doesn't need to have the three best scorers on it and your 3rd line doesn't need to have the 3 best defensive forwards on it.

Playing VL on the '4th line' doesn't mean he'll be saddled with Rosehill and Rinaldo. Like you said, they can set him up with Akeson and PEB. His minutes may be limited, but that may be what needs to happen. They can give him a top PP spot and move him up if he's up on his skates. Playing him less minutes may help save his body. He's missed time each of the last 4 years.

No he did not, he's looking for work with his KHL team ceasing operations for at least the upcoming season.
- ob18

I believe he only signed a one year deal, so he's a FA regardless.

It only gets worse, sir.

Alcohol helps manage the downward mental trajectory.
- johndewar

Where am I?! How did I get here?! Where is my Life Alert!?