My biggest concern with the team going forward is at center. Giroux is not the player that he was a few years ago, he's still fantastic on the pp, but he's often not even a factor at ES. If they are going to stick to the current course of building from within, they likely won't be a real contender before 18-19 at the earliest. I really can't see G being any more than a 2nd line center at that point. Rubtsov may be the answer, but I think it's much more likely that he will top out as a 2C as well and Coots, while adequate as a 2C, is, on a Cup team, more likely to be the 3C.

At some point, a deal involving one of our young Dmen may need to be made to address this need.

My biggest concern with the team going forward is at center. Giroux is not the player that he was a few years ago, he's still fantastic on the pp, but he's often not even a factor at ES. If they are going to stick to the current course of building from within, they likely won't be a real contender before 18-19 at the earliest. I really can't see G being any more than a 2nd line center at that point. Rubtsov may be the answer, but I think it's much more likely that he will top out as a 2C as well and Coots, while adequate as a 2C, is, on a Cup team, more likely to be the 3C.

At some point, a deal involving one of our young Dmen may need to be made to address this need.
- BiggE

Free agency is also a possibility. Last season, Giroux ranked 60th in ES point production. To this point in the season, Giroux ranks 107th in the NHL in ES point production. He can, and needs to be better at ES.

I haven't been happy with either goalie this season, however, Mason has been very good overall since coming to the Flyers. I hope they stick with him while the goaltenders develop in the system. hopefully Stolarz is ready to be the backup next season.

Mike Richards = Wayne Simmonds/Brayden Schenn

Jeff Carter = Jake Voracek/Sean Couturier /Cousins

Brayden Coburn = Radko Gudas/Travis Konecny
- SuperSchennBros

fixed

The stats we lead or are in top five for futility are frustrating.

Missed shoots and attempts blocked...

This is a great one, 45th and 47th out of 48 goaltenders this season save %

Of Course Goals against at 67 to lead the league!!

It's time for Hack to start using some salty language, as the Ward Cleaver approach does not seem to resonate with paid players like it does college kids!

A phrase to start with would be WTF!!!!

Don't hit the net you owe 50 push-ups!!!

The optimism is sickening.

Free agency is also a possibility. Last season, Giroux ranked 60th in ES point production. To this point in the season, Giroux ranks 107th in the NHL in ES point production. He can, and needs to be better at ES.
- MJL

Thanks for those stats I didn't know that.

Just a bit of a carry over from the last blog, hell even if they were going to trade him I dont know what teams would want to, or be willing to carry that cap hit.

Anthony Duclair potentially on the trade block with Martin Hanzal

Anthony Duclair potentially on the trade block with Martin Hanzal
- Mordecai

Hanzal is a deece player, but not the most fleet of foot. Not sure if the Flyers dont already have a better version in Couturier.

The stats we lead or are in top five for futility are frustrating.

Missed shoots and attempts blocked...

This is a great one, 45th and 47th out of 48 goaltenders this season save %

Of Course Goals against at 67 to lead the league!!

It's time for Hack to start using some salty language, as the Ward Cleaver approach does not seem to resonate with paid players like it does college kids!

A phrase to start with would be WTF!!!!

Don't hit the net you owe 50 push-ups!!!
- Konalover

How do we know what Hackstol's approach actually is with the players behind closed doors?

Hanzal is a deece player, but not the most fleet of foot. Not sure if the Flyers dont already have a better version in Couturier.
- flyer_nutter

Not even a little bit interested in Hanzal. Guy can't stay healthy. But Duclair would be interesting. Unfortunately it looks like a package deal. Possibly to NYI for a package involving Barzal and Pulock

Anthony Duclair potentially on the trade block with Martin Hanzal
- Mordecai

Hanzal would be hated by the fan base.

Not even a little bit interested in Hanzal. Guy can't stay healthy. But Duclair would be interesting. Unfortunately it looks like a package deal. Possibly to NYI for a package involving Barzal and Pulock
- Mordecai

I saw reports that Phoenix doesn't want to re-sign Hanzal. If thats the case makes sense to deal him at the deadline and get the most you can. Chayka seems to be a smart dude.

I saw reports that Phoenix doesn't want to re-sign Hanzal. If thats the case makes sense to deal him at the deadline and get the most you can. Chayka seems to be a smart dude.
- flyer_nutter

He's definitely stockpiling talented young players. I'm worried about the coaching though. Dave Tippet isn't adjusting well to the rebuild

Speaking of FA's, very far off but here is just a sampling. The upcoming off-season is kind of meh.

2017:
Bishop, Oshie, Burns, Radulov, Shattenkirk. Thornton, Marleau, Ryan Miller, Wideman, Iginla, Sharp, Pavelec, Mason, Neuvirth, Hemsky. MDZ, Hanzal, Alzner. Dwight King. Mike Fisher.

2018: (just a small sample of some names)
Price, Tavares, Carlson, Turris, JVR.

19:
Doughty, Karlsson, OEL, Seguin, Bobrovsky, Couture, Pavelski, Wheeler, Simmonds, Tyler Myers.

Not sure where I am going with this haha.

Speaking of FA's, very far off but here is just a sampling. The upcoming off-season is kind of meh.

2017:
Bishop, Oshie, Burns, Radulov, Shattenkirk. Thornton, Marleau, Ryan Miller, Wideman, Iginla, Sharp, Pavelec, Mason, Neuvirth, Hemsky. MDZ, Hanzal, Alzner. Dwight King. Mike Fisher.

2018: (just a small sample of some names)
Price, Tavares, Carlson, Turris, JVR.

19:
Doughty, Karlsson, OEL, Seguin, Bobrovsky, Couture, Pavelski, Simmonds, Wheeler, Tyler Myers.

Not sure where I am going with this haha.
- flyer_nutter

Won't be FAs

How do we know what Hackstol's approach actually is with the players behind closed doors?
- MJL

It has been noted by players that he does not cuss at all at them....

It has been noted by players that he does not cuss at all at them....
- Konalover

doesn't mean he doesn't flip at them

It has been noted by players that he does not cuss at all at them....
- Konalover

Whenever he feels the urge to drop a few f bombs he locks himself in his office and screams obscenities at a team photo.

It has been noted by players that he does not cuss at all at them....
- Konalover

Saves it for his family

My biggest concern with the team going forward is at center. Giroux is not the player that he was a few years ago, he's still fantastic on the pp, but he's often not even a factor at ES. If they are going to stick to the current course of building from within, they likely won't be a real contender before 18-19 at the earliest. I really can't see G being any more than a 2nd line center at that point. Rubtsov may be the answer, but I think it's much more likely that he will top out as a 2C as well and Coots, while adequate as a 2C, is, on a Cup team, more likely to be the 3C.

At some point, a deal involving one of our young Dmen may need to be made to address this need.
- BiggE

Bingo. It wouldn't be the worst thing to have 3 plyrs producing @ a 2nd line level, but paying one of them in excess of $8 MM is an issue. I know G is part of the Flyers brand of this point, but for the right deal, like Draisaitl+, I'd have to consider the options.

It has been noted by players that he does not cuss at all at them....
- Konalover

So a coach cant be hard, tough and demanding on players if he doesnt curse?

Bingo. It wouldn't be the worst thing to have 3 plyrs producing @ a 2nd line level, but paying one of them in excess of $8 MM is an issue. I know G is part of the Flyers brand of this point, but for the right deal, like Draisaitl+, I'd have to consider the options.
- isaiah520

Considering he has a NMC i highly doubt the Flyers ever get a good enough deal for him to make it worth moving him not that I want to

Considering he has a NMC i highly doubt the Flyers ever get a good enough deal for him to make it worth moving him not that I want to
- nastyflyergirl

Yeah the Flyers and Giroux are attached at the hip at this point. Best thing the Flyers can do is get another top level player (not Jake) to play alongside him. This means burning prospects, picks and at least one major current important player on the roster.

Considering he has a NMC i highly doubt the Flyers ever get a good enough deal for him to make it worth moving him not that I want to
- nastyflyergirl

I hear you, but in 2-3 years, it could be painful to watch.