I won’t argue with any of this. These are all good points. This is a really really tough call and I can see both sides.

I might be in the minority where I won’t be upset if they lose him for nothing. I fully understand if they want to have another year of information on their prospects before they make the call and wind up being in a playoff race their hands are tied. Easy to sit here in July and say we’ll their not a serious contender anyway they should trade him....etc etc. What if they can’t find a trade that makes them better right now? Sometimes you lose something for nothing
- Just5

Yeah, I'm with you on it being a tough call. I won't be calling for Hextall's head if he re-signs him, but I will be disappointed if he walks. Again, I won't be calling for Hextall's head if he walks because he wanted to keep him for the stretch drive on a team that is in the thick of it. But I won't lie to you and say I won't be disappointed in losing a useful player for nothing. I wish for that to not be the case.

Hexy can't trade two of SSBs fave players in a 2 year span. That would just be unfair!

All kidding outside, I think trading Simmer is the best options for the flyers but like everyone else I don't want to see him go. It's a tough situation and no matter what happens a large portion of the fanbase will be unhappy. I don't want the flyers to have a Milan lucic contract

JVR is the player taken in the expansion draft imo.
- flyer_nutter

I never thought of that, Hextall could end up being a genius with that move...could being the key word.

Been a Misha Vorobyev fan for awhile. The best way I'd describe his game and potential is discount Sean Couturier, if he stayed as 3Couturier. He's not the best skater but it's comfortably average at his size, and he's such a detailed player. More pass first though, but he's a solid playmaker.

We got really lucky landing Patrick at #2 and then striking gold with Frost the same night. If we didn't, Vorobyev would likely be viewed as a strong long-term middle 6 option and not a bottom 6/4C option. He has more potential than that, though maybe not here. It will help that he could lock down a roster spot before the other kids though to carve out a role. If Frost gets sent back, I really hope Misha stays up. Or both! I really think Vorobyev isn't far from ready or even ready perhaps. He'll thrive with smarter players and more structure and a year of NA hockey already under his belt.

Oh yeah. He's also a pimp.


- Mononoke

I am 100% excited about this kid, not saying he will become a superstar, but I like how he plays. Last preseason he got tagged the General from me, easily the standout player on both teams during preseason. Sucks with the injury during the season though.

- Giroux_Is_God

That was exactly my reaction on Cates being ranked 7...I like the possibility, but it's a long road still.

I am 100% excited about this kid, not saying he will become a superstar, but I like how he plays. Last preseason he got tagged the General from me, easily the standout player on both teams during preseason. Sucks with the injury during the season though.
- Glak18

He’s my sleeper pick to make the team. Some concerns with his skating, but it’s as good or better than Couturier’s and, like Coots, he compensates by nearly always being in the right place at the right time. He’s plays a smart game in all three zones, uses his big frame well both to protect the puck and to retrieve possession in the corners and along the wall. He has the defensive acumen and smarts to be useful on the PK as well.

Offensively, he’s a pass first playmaker who will benefit from playing with more talented players at the NHL level. I think he’d be a real nice fit on a 3rd line between Simmonds and Lindblom and that would allow Laughton to drop to 4C which is probably the optimal spot for him to play.

Hopefully NAK also makes the club (I actually think he has better odds than Misha to do so) and he can join Laughton and Raffl on what should be a solid 4th unit. Lehtera and Weal would be my depth players while Leier an Mr Pieceofcrap would be waived and riding busses.

He’s my sleeper pick to make the team. Some concerns with his skating, but it’s as good or better than Couturier’s and, like Coots, he compensates by nearly always being in the right place at the right time. He’s plays a smart game in all three zones, uses his big frame well both to protect the puck and to retrieve possession in the corners and along the wall. He has the defensive acumen and smarts to be useful on the PK as well.

Offensively, he’s a pass first playmaker who will benefit from playing with more talented players at the NHL level. I think he’d be a real nice fit on a 3rd line between Simmonds and Lindblom and that would allow Laughton to drop to 4C which is probably the optimal spot for him to play.

Hopefully NAK also makes the club (I actually think he has better odds than Misha to do so) and he can join Laughton and Raffl on what should be a solid 4th unit. Lehtera and Weal would be my depth players while Leier an Mr Pieceofcrap would be waived and riding busses.
- BiggE

And this would allow us to keep G at wing which we all feel is the best option.

And this would allow us to keep G at wing which we all feel is the best option.
- cdearth23

That too, but more importantly it would mean no more slugs in the everyday lineup.

He’s my sleeper pick to make the team. Some concerns with his skating, but it’s as good or better than Couturier’s and, like Coots, he compensates by nearly always being in the right place at the right time. He’s plays a smart game in all three zones, uses his big frame well both to protect the puck and to retrieve possession in the corners and along the wall. He has the defensive acumen and smarts to be useful on the PK as well.

Offensively, he’s a pass first playmaker who will benefit from playing with more talented players at the NHL level. I think he’d be a real nice fit on a 3rd line between Simmonds and Lindblom and that would allow Laughton to drop to 4C which is probably the optimal spot for him to play.

Hopefully NAK also makes the club (I actually think he has better odds than Misha to do so) and he can join Laughton and Raffl on what should be a solid 4th unit. Lehtera and Weal would be my depth players while Leier an Mr Pieceofcrap would be waived and riding busses.
- BiggE

If the General makes the club, which moves Laughton to 4C to play with Raffl and NAK then I would love all 4 lines. Well they also have to play and stuff, but on paper I love it...they are no paper champs like the Leafs, but darn good.

He’s my sleeper pick to make the team. Some concerns with his skating, but it’s as good or better than Couturier’s and, like Coots, he compensates by nearly always being in the right place at the right time. He’s plays a smart game in all three zones, uses his big frame well both to protect the puck and to retrieve possession in the corners and along the wall. He has the defensive acumen and smarts to be useful on the PK as well.

Offensively, he’s a pass first playmaker who will benefit from playing with more talented players at the NHL level. I think he’d be a real nice fit on a 3rd line between Simmonds and Lindblom and that would allow Laughton to drop to 4C which is probably the optimal spot for him to play.

Hopefully NAK also makes the club (I actually think he has better odds than Misha to do so) and he can join Laughton and Raffl on what should be a solid 4th unit. Lehtera and Weal would be my depth players while Leier an Mr Pieceofcrap would be waived and riding busses.
- BiggE

If these young players showed the promises at camp and preseason to stick with the big club then that could be a very exciting line up. Future looks good

If the General makes the club, which moves Laughton to 4C to play with Raffl and NAK then I would love all 4 lines. Well they also have to play and stuff, but on paper I love it...they are no paper champs like the Leafs, but darn good.
- Glak18

Agreed

If these young players showed the promises at camp and preseason to stick with the big club then that could be a very exciting line up. Future looks good
- peesinwind

The kids are now really filtering into the system. We had Provey and TK, jump from JR to the NHL after d+1 year and Patrick come sr8 out of the draft. Frost could be knocking at the door. But these guys were firsts and skipped the AHL. Now the NHL roster is deeper which makes that jump harder. This year we have a big influx of kids from all over joining the Phantoms. More coming next year. We can either use the assets to Fill holes or as they fill holes by pushing for spots, you can trade older players like Simmer to get young players or picks. If Misha makes it this year and Frost next, Laughton is 4lw next year with Lehtera, Rafl and Leir gone, with Wiese bought out. It gets harder for kids to crack the line up as each draft class fills up the Phantoms. Guys are going to see 2-3 years in the minors before cracking the big club. It is a fun time to watch.

The kids are now really filtering into the system. We had Provey and TK, jump from JR to the NHL after d+1 year and Patrick come sr8 out of the draft. Frost could be knocking at the door. But these guys were firsts and skipped the AHL. Now the NHL roster is deeper which makes that jump harder. This year we have a big influx of kids from all over joining the Phantoms. More coming next year. We can either use the assets to Fill holes or as they fill holes by pushing for spots, you can trade older players like Simmer to get young players or picks. If Misha makes it this year and Frost next, Laughton is 4lw next year with Lehtera, Rafl and Leir gone, with Wiese bought out. It gets harder for kids to crack the line up as each draft class fills up the Phantoms. Guys are going to see 2-3 years in the minors before cracking the big club. It is a fun time to watch.
- jaws1955

You mentioned Provy but skipped over the flux of defenders and goalies building in the pro ranks.

With Ghost, Sand, Myers, Morin and others knocking at the door and others growing in the farm system. The D will/could be all home grown with can make for a bargain on the cap.

Same with the goalie situation. While this seems further away from being resolved the talent level in Hart and Sanstrom (spelling ?) along with some of the other depth guys that show promis is going to help since it is so hard to find a consistent force in the net.

It is making it enjoyable to watch the rebuild unfold from with in. Not used to seeing this often in the Flyers organization. Enjoying what Hexy is doing.

Surprised they let it go this far. Doesn’t happen often. Can either one refuse to accept the deal and if so what happens?
- peesinwind

Looks like Jets have 48 hours to agree or Trouba becomes a ufa. If they agree they can trade him. If Jets agree then they can't negotiate a long term deal until after Jan 1.

You mentioned Provy but skipped over the flux of defenders and goalies building in the pro ranks.

With Ghost, Sand, Myers, Morin and others knocking at the door and others growing in the farm system. The D will/could be all home grown with can make for a bargain on the cap.

Same with the goalie situation. While this seems further away from being resolved the talent level in Hart and Sanstrom (spelling ?) along with some of the other depth guys that show promis is going to help since it is so hard to find a consistent force in the net.

It is making it enjoyable to watch the rebuild unfold from with in. Not used to seeing this often in the Flyers organization. Enjoying what Hexy is doing.
- peesinwind

Absolutely, they are pretty much deep everywhere. Just over the next 2-3 seasons, some or all of the following will be competing for spots:

Goal: Hart, Lyon, Stolarz and Sandstrom

D:Morin, Myers and Friedman

C: Vorobyev, Frost, Vecchione, Rubtsov

LW: Laczynski, Farabee, Cates

RW: NAK, Allison, Strome, O'Brien

When you figure the 25 and under guys already on the roster: Coots, TK, Patrick, Lindblom, Laughton, Provy, Ghost, Sanheim and Hagg; it's a very pretty picture.

Looks like Jets have 48 hours to agree or Trouba becomes a ufa. If they agree they can trade him. If Jets agree then they can't negotiate a long term deal until after Jan 1.
- cdearth23

Can't see any way they don't agree, they aren't just going to let him walk.

Absolutely, they are pretty much deep everywhere. Just over the next 2-3 seasons, some or all of the following will be competing for spots:

Goal: Hart, Lyon, Stolarz and Sandstrom

D:Morin, Myers and Friedman

C: Vorobyev, Frost, Vecchione, Rubtsov

LW: Laczynski, Farabee, Cates

RW: NAK, Allison, Strome, O'Brien

When you figure the 25 and under guys already on the roster: Coots, TK, Patrick, Lindblom, Laughton, Provy, Ghost, Sanheim and Hagg; it's a very pretty picture.
- BiggE

Even crotchety old men who have been watching hockey for 90 years cant disagree with that.

You mentioned Provy but skipped over the flux of defenders and goalies building in the pro ranks.

With Ghost, Sand, Myers, Morin and others knocking at the door and others growing in the farm system. The D will/could be all home grown with can make for a bargain on the cap.

Same with the goalie situation. While this seems further away from being resolved the talent level in Hart and Sanstrom (spelling ?) along with some of the other depth guys that show promis is going to help since it is so hard to find a consistent force in the net.

It is making it enjoyable to watch the rebuild unfold from with in. Not used to seeing this often in the Flyers organization. Enjoying what Hexy is doing.
- peesinwind

I mentioned Provey in the context that he is one of the three first round picks from the previous three drafts (out of five picks) that have jumped to the NHL team while skipping both Jr years and AHL time. That takes away from filtering in THROUGH the minors. The great thing us that with those 2 years plus the 2016 draft we still have four 1st round picks in the system, Rubstov, Frost, Farabee and O'Brien. Plus TK, Provey and Patty on the bug club. The D are either here or will be this year (Morin) or Meyers next year. Hart and Sandstrom will be a year staggered in the AHL and a LOT of forward prospects hit the A this year with more forwards and D on the way.

I mentioned Provey in the context that he is one of the three first round picks from the previous three drafts (out of five picks) that have jumped to the NHL team while skipping both Jr years and AHL time. That takes away from filtering in THROUGH the minors. The great thing us that with those 2 years plus the 2016 draft we still have four 1st round picks in the system, Rubstov, Frost, Farabee and O'Brien. Plus TK, Provey and Patty on the bug club. The D are either here or will be this year (Morin) or Meyers next year. Hart and Sandstrom will be a year staggered in the AHL and a LOT of forward prospects hit the A this year with more forwards and D on the way.
- jaws1955

New blob

Absolutely, they are pretty much deep everywhere. Just over the next 2-3 seasons, some or all of the following will be competing for spots:

Goal: Hart, Lyon, Stolarz and Sandstrom

D:Morin, Myers and Friedman

C: Vorobyev, Frost, Vecchione, Rubtsov

LW: Laczynski, Farabee, Cates

RW: NAK, Allison, Strome, O'Brien

When you figure the 25 and under guys already on the roster: Coots, TK, Patrick, Lindblom, Laughton, Provy, Ghost, Sanheim and Hagg; it's a very pretty picture.
- BiggE

Just a random thought that popped into my head. With Allison not signing his ELC this year, does that open the door to him going THE UFA route IF we re-sign Simmer and he feels blocked for 4 years?

Even crotchety old men who have been watching hockey for 90 years cant disagree with that.
- MBFlyerfan

How about hockeyal? Morin is a bust and will never play for the Flyers. Gostisbehere should only play on the PP!

Looks like Jets have 48 hours to agree or Trouba becomes a ufa. If they agree they can trade him. If Jets agree then they can't negotiate a long term deal until after Jan 1.
- cdearth23

?

Can't see any way they don't agree, they aren't just going to let him walk.
- BiggE

Absolutely. Not sure if they necessarily want to trade him but that is an option.