He played well, and yet there wasn't much production to show for it. He played a bit with Simmonds, too, yeah?
- TheGreat28

Simmons isn't exactly a terrific ES player and Laughton was mostly with the cast offs.

To be honest, the Flyers just don't have enough good possession players at forward. No matter what, someone is going to be stuck with VL, Umberger or Rinaldo.

I think the point production issues have more to do with our defenseman being able to provide much puck carrying and passing through the neutral zone. Guys like Jake, G and MDZ can do these things, but they all usually play together.

On the bright side, Brayden gets to see a beautiful city (Prague) with no on-ice pressure to perform well.
- johndewar

I wouldn't care less, I would want to play, and I bet he feels the same way.

We were in the bottom 10 in goals scored. If he can generate offense at all we should be able to find a place for him.

It's like last year at camp when we barely made it into the playoffs and there were no jobs to be won... yeah, BS!
- mayorofangrytown

Maybe we were in the bottom 10 because we lacked skill in 5 on 5 play. We need more playmakers, more guys who can score from 20 feet out, not 5 feet in.

Maybe we were in the bottom 10 because we lacked skill in 5 on 5 play. We need more playmakers, more guys who can score from 20 feet out, not 5 feet in.
- TheGreat28

Edit: Not sure why this is bolding. I'm not shouting at you.

I wouldn't care less, I would want to play, and I bet he feels the same way.
- MBFlyerfan

I'm sure he does. Unless someone dies, there's no way he's gonna see much ice time.

His timing for going to Worlds (generally, a good idea for a player like Schenn) was bad this year, because so many good Canadian players are on the outside, looking in, of the NHL playoffs this year.

Simmons isn't exactly a terrific ES player and Laughton was mostly with the cast offs.

To be honest, the Flyers just don't have enough good possession players at forward. No matter what, someone is going to be stuck with VL, Umberger or Rinaldo.

I think the point production issues have more to do with our defenseman being able to provide much puck carrying and passing through the neutral zone. Guys like Jake, G and MDZ can do these things, but they all usually play together.
- PhillySportsGuy

I agree with this, which is all the more reason I want a change at 2C. Here is ESPN's new top 100, with Barzal at 6th.

In prospect circles, Barzal has been a name in discussion for most of this decade as he came up through the Bantam ranks. The former first overall WHL pick is an exciting and well-rounded prospect with significant upside. He's one of the best skaters in this draft class, with an explosive first step, high-end top speed and his edge work that is among the most impressive of his age group.

Barzal's skill level is also pretty good, with his vision and playmaking being standout attributes. He's patient, creative, and shifty with the puck. He succeeds in many different ways, whether it is off the rush with pace, a quick no-look pass from the cycle, or by making a defenseman miss.

He's not an incredibly physical player, but shows great energy and effort on the ice at both ends. He is often one of his team's top scoring-chance creators and penalty killers.

Ranking explanation: Both players are highly skilled, right-handed centers with great character. Konecny's impressed me more when they've played on the same ice, but he's been hurt more often, too. Konecny's overall production during his CHL career has been more impressive, but Barzal arguably was more so this season. I leaned Barzal due to the small gap in skill and seeing more upside.

There's generally a drop off between junior/ahl numbers and nhl for guys like Laughton. Skilled players can often keep up that scoring, but tweeners - guys with some skill but who usually score in the greasy areas or through sheer hard-work often drop off.

Also, here is a stark reality. We have a LOT of guys like that. Guys who need to work hard or get opportunistic goals. Something has to give, right? We all keep saying that we need more skill and speed in the lineup. So someone has to get bumped. Some SLOT has to get upgraded. It's not just LW.
- TheGreat28

I'm aware of the drop off in points but it's not like I'm saying he'll be an 80 point guy. I'm saying he'll produce points at a Matt Read rate.

I'm not against trading him but I do think you're selling him short.

Simmons isn't exactly a terrific ES player and Laughton was mostly with the cast offs.

To be honest, the Flyers just don't have enough good possession players at forward. No matter what, someone is going to be stuck with VL, Umberger or Rinaldo.

I think the point production issues have more to do with our defenseman being able to provide much puck carrying and passing through the neutral zone. Guys like Jake, G and MDZ can do these things, but they all usually play together.
- PhillySportsGuy

Rinaldo can be waived with no cap problems. I don't think he is a lock at all moving forward. If White is resigned then he becomes even less needed. Guys like Cousins, Laughton, Leirer and even Bordreau can play bottom 6 minutes.

Even Martel if he can play a solid defensive game could be a Brian Gibbons type. Using his speed to create havoc and chances on the PK.

There's generally a drop off between junior/ahl numbers and nhl for guys like Laughton. Skilled players can often keep up that scoring, but tweeners - guys with some skill but who usually score in the greasy areas or through sheer hard-work often drop off.

Also, here is a stark reality. We have a LOT of guys like that. Guys who need to work hard or get opportunistic goals. Something has to give, right? We all keep saying that we need more skill and speed in the lineup. So someone has to get bumped. Some SLOT has to get upgraded. It's not just LW.
- TheGreat28

Hey, there's drop off from skilled guys just as much and hard working guys. There's no formula. How many "high skilled" forwards can't crack a roster after getting drafted? You can find them by the road side.

I'm aware of the drop off in points
- PhillySportsGuy

Are you? Really? Because I don't think you are.

I agree with this, which is all the more reason I want a change at 2C. Here is ESPN's new top 100, with Barzal at 6th.

In prospect circles, Barzal has been a name in discussion for most of this decade as he came up through the Bantam ranks. The former first overall WHL pick is an exciting and well-rounded prospect with significant upside. He's one of the best skaters in this draft class, with an explosive first step, high-end top speed and his edge work that is among the most impressive of his age group.

Barzal's skill level is also pretty good, with his vision and playmaking being standout attributes. He's patient, creative, and shifty with the puck. He succeeds in many different ways, whether it is off the rush with pace, a quick no-look pass from the cycle, or by making a defenseman miss.

He's not an incredibly physical player, but shows great energy and effort on the ice at both ends. He is often one of his team's top scoring-chance creators and penalty killers.

Ranking explanation: Both players are highly skilled, right-handed centers with great character. Konecny's impressed me more when they've played on the same ice, but he's been hurt more often, too. Konecny's overall production during his CHL career has been more impressive, but Barzal arguably was more so this season. I leaned Barzal due to the small gap in skill and seeing more upside.
- TheGreat28

I agree with you. I just don't see why they need to trade Laughton to take A high skilled forward.

If Barzal fell to 15 and some team asked for Laughton then sure I'd do it.

I'm aware of the drop off in points but it's not like I'm saying he'll be an 80 point guy. I'm saying he'll produce points at a Matt Read rate.

I'm not against trading him but I do think you're selling him short.
- PhillySportsGuy

I don't think I'm selling him short. I think he can be a John Madden type. And Madden is a great example. Scored 98 points one year at Albany, but never more than 43 in the NHL. But his value as a shut-down line anchor was huge for those Devil's teams.

It's just that Sean Couturier can be that shut-down guy too. And we only need one.

Rinaldo can be waived with no cap problems. I don't think he is a lock at all moving forward. If White is resigned then he becomes even less needed. Guys like Cousins, Laughton, Leirer and even Bordreau can play bottom 6 minutes.

Even Martel if he can play a solid defensive game could be a Brian Gibbons type. Using his speed to create havoc and chances on the PK.
- J35Bacher

It all sounds good, but I'll believe it when I see it

Maybe we were in the bottom 10 because we lacked skill in 5 on 5 play. We need more playmakers, more guys who can score from 20 feet out, not 5 feet in.
- TheGreat28

Laughton played with Michael Dal Colle. I'm pretty sure he knows how to set up a winger.

There's generally a drop off between junior/ahl numbers and nhl for guys like Laughton. Skilled players can often keep up that scoring, but tweeners - guys with some skill but who usually score in the greasy areas or through sheer hard-work often drop off.
- TheGreat28

Laughton's got skill tho... and he's very assertive offensively, something that's still holding Coots back. I have a hard time envisioning him as a Max Talbot.

I agree with you. I just don't see why they need to trade Laughton to take A high skilled forward.

If Barzal fell to 15 and some team asked for Laughton then sure I'd do it.
- PhillySportsGuy

It's funny. Everyone keeps saying take the BPA, and you can trade them later. But then no one ever wants to trade them.

I don't think I'm selling him short. I think he can be a John Madden type. And Madden is a great example. Scored 98 points one year at Albany, but never more than 43 in the NHL. But his value as a shut-down line anchor was huge for those Devil's teams.

It's just that Sean Couturier can be that shut-down guy too. And we only need one.
- TheGreat28

my ideal lineup just has good players all over. I would much prefer a team that can roll 4 lines against anyone. That's what the best teams are able to do until the playoffs when match ups become more important.

Laughton's got skill tho... and he's very assertive offensively, something that's still holding Coots back. I have a hard time envisioning him as a Max Talbot.
- Tomahawk

So are you comfortable with G-Laughton-Couts as your centers moving forward? Meaning, would you construct a roster than can content for SC 2-3 years from now with that trio?

It's funny. Everyone keeps saying take the BPA, and you can trade them later. But then no one ever wants to trade them.
- TheGreat28

I would consider trading Laughton, but the forward depth in this organization is pretty poopty right now.

The overall depth is bad. I'm a proponent of trading current roster players for picks and prospects more than most.

So are you comfortable with G-Laughton-Couts as your centers moving forward? Meaning, would you construct a roster than can content for SC 2-3 years from now with that trio?
- TheGreat28

Why not try Laughton at wing?

Just let things play out. No sense in trying to predict the future when you don't need to.

my ideal lineup just has good players all over. I would much prefer a team that can roll 4 lines against anyone. That's what the best teams are able to do until the playoffs when match ups become more important.
- PhillySportsGuy

I completely agree with this. Heck, I'd love to have Cousins centering NAK and Raffl as a 4th line 3 years from now. Only so much ice time, but to me breaking in young players as a skilled 4th line would be an interesting concept.

I would consider trading Laughton, but the forward depth in this organization is pretty poopty right now.

The overall depth is bad. I'm a proponent of trading current roster players for picks and prospects more than most.
- PhillySportsGuy

And I'm certainly not saying trade him for the sake of trading him either. I just think that if Hextall has an opportunity to do a portfolio rebalancing, to move out a center for a natural winger of comparable talent (or maybe more upside), I'd do it.

So are you comfortable with G-Laughton-Couts as your centers moving forward? Meaning, would you construct a roster than can content for SC 2-3 years from now with that trio?
- TheGreat28

IMO, that group hinges on Coots, more so than Laughts.... but yeah, I'm comfortable w/ them long term.

I'm trying to imagine what playing alongside Vinny or RJ would be analogous to in my men's leagues. Are they like the guys you have to dump out there for a minute shift a few times a period and hope they don't do to much damage? Like the guy who played Div III college puck 25 years ago but hadn't put on skates since? The athletic, fit dude who's skating for the first time and is a trainwreck when he tries to turn or stop? The beergut schlub who has some good hands but couldn't beat my grandmom on a pogo stick to a loose puck? The guy with Coke bottle glasses who inexplicably plays without them or contacts because he doesn't like a full face cage and subsequently can't see the puck on his own stick?

I'm sure guys who play can relate, but I've always wondered what that's like for a Giroux or Couturier to have to carry that dead weight.

I really want Barzal at 7. Speed, skill, passion, and playmaking ability for the second line. Perfect prospect for the Flyers (Assuming someone like Marner doesn't fall to 7). I'm a little worried that the Devils are going to snag him at 6 though (although Shero seems to really like to draft Dmen in round 1)

Plus hasn't he said that he looks up to and mimics his game to Giroux? I'm pretty sure I've heard that before. If that's true that could potentially be a little extra thrill and motivation for him to succeed here.