In a vacuum, I would take Barzal. I think he's currently a better center league wide than Provorov a defenseman, and I think it's reasonable to say he can maintain that status long-term. He had a truly special season; that's not a slight against Ivan. And finding #1 centers is harder than #1 defensemen past the top 3 or 5 or 10 of a draft. Having Patrick and Couturier muddies the waters where Provorov's value here is made more important than another center, if Patrick ascends to what we expect. Though of course you could say Barzal+Heiskanen would be an option. Not as Wheat Kings cute but hey.

Going off potential, choosing between a 50 pt, 15 goal all situations dman (I know he's not going to get much PP time between Ghost and Sanhiem but he's certainly capable of playing PP on most NHL teams) and a 90 point center is a damn tough decision in today's NHL.

I don't think it's a slam dunk like some people do. In a vacuum I take the high octane offense every time (Barzal) but in the Flyers' case already having Giroux and Voracek with Patrick and Coots down the middle I'd go with Provorov.

Going off potential, choosing between a 50 pt, 15 goal all situations dman (I know he's not going to get much PP time between Ghost and Sanhiem but he's certainly capable of playing PP on most NHL teams) and a 90 point center is a damn tough decision in today's NHL.

I don't think it's a slam dunk like some people do. In a vacuum I take the high octane offense every time (Barzal) but in the Flyers' case already having Giroux and Voracek with Patrick and Coots down the middle I'd go with Provorov.
- Giroux_Is_God

And that’s what it comes down to. With Coots and Patrick here and Frost waiting in the wings, the need for an all situations number 1 Dman outweighs the need for a #1 center.

And that’s what it comes down to. With Coots and Patrick here and Frost waiting in the wings, the need for an all situations number 1 Dman outweighs the need for a #1 center.
- BiggE

So they drafted based on need?

No, I don’t actually think so. With hindsight I think the decision is close, but at the draft I think Provorov was the better pick regardless of who is on the Flyers.

If I were a team like Vegas though? I’d be hoping I took Barzal, but still would’ve come away with Provorov

R.I.P. Stan Mikita

One of the all time greats, I was lucky enough to see him a few times towards the end of his career in the mid 70s.

So they drafted based on need?

No, I don’t actually think so. With hindsight I think the decision is close, but at the draft I think Provorov was the better pick regardless of who is on the Flyers.

If I were a team like Vegas though? I’d be hoping I took Barzal, but still would’ve come away with Provorov
- YuenglingJagr

I think they drafted BPA. I’m just saying that right now, for the current Flyers team, I value Provorov more. In a vacuum, it’s a tough call. Provorov is a hell of a player, but Barzal could one day be a guy who wins a Hart trophy. Tough call.

I didn't check in yesterday, but I'm sure the Provorov contract talk was aces.

love Barzal but let's see if he can continue to be dominant now that he is the de-facto 1C.

Going off potential, choosing between a 50 pt, 15 goal all situations dman (I know he's not going to get much PP time between Ghost and Sanhiem but he's certainly capable of playing PP on most NHL teams) and a 90 point center is a damn tough decision in today's NHL.

I don't think it's a slam dunk like some people do. In a vacuum I take the high octane offense every time (Barzal) but in the Flyers' case already having Giroux and Voracek with Patrick and Coots down the middle I'd go with Provorov.
- Giroux_Is_God

I'll take the number one defensman. When is the last time the Flyers drafted and developed a number one defenseman before Provorov? A big part of any high octane offense is the players on the back end defending and transitioning the puck the other way. Often without getting on the score sheet. Spending less time defending gives those forwards more opportunity.

Would've taken Provy then and still would have taken him now. The need for a franchise D man was just too big and Provy was rated too highly to pass up. Also, Barzal would've been a bit of a reach in that spot if you're capable of removing hindsight from the equation. Provorov was the safer pick who addressed a major need. No regrets.

love Barzal but let's see if he can continue to be dominant now that he is the de-facto 1C.
- Mordecai

good point

love Barzal but let's see if he can continue to be dominant now that he is the de-facto 1C.
- Mordecai

For sure. Though playing on that disaster Islanders team will probably make things tough for a couple years, independent of his talent.

But you could argue that Provorov needs to even prove he's actually a 1D compared to his NHL peers and not Flyers teammates. Also, praise Ghost, who is no less important to this team than Ivan.

For sure. Though playing on that disaster Islanders team will probably make things tough for a couple years, independent of his talent.

But you could argue that Provorov needs to even prove he's actually a 1D compared to his NHL peers and not Flyers teammates. Also, praise Ghost, who is no less important to this team than Ivan.
- Mononoke

big yeeeeeeeeet

I'll take the number one defensman. When is the last time the Flyers drafted and developed a number one defenseman before Provorov? A big part of any high octane offense is the players on the back end defending and transitioning the puck the other way. Often without getting on the score sheet. Spending less time defending gives those forwards more opportunity.
- MJL

The penguins have taught me that you don't need to be stalwart on defense to win. Just average. Goalies are more important than defense.

Barzal in a vacuum/if I'm "starting a franchise".

Provorov is a beast, I'm not saying I'm disappointed he's on the team lol

For sure. Though playing on that disaster Islanders team will probably make things tough for a couple years, independent of his talent.

But you could argue that Provorov needs to even prove he's actually a 1D compared to his NHL peers and not Flyers teammates. Also, praise Ghost, who is no less important to this team than Ivan.
- Mononoke

Man I was just going to say that. To put it another way, Provorov might not be the best Dman on his team (Ghost) where Barzal might have been the best player on his team (beating Tavares).

But you could argue that Provorov needs to even prove he's actually a 1D compared to his NHL peers and not Flyers teammates. Also, praise Ghost, who is no less important to this team than Ivan.
- Mononoke

Totally agree on both points. When I talk about drafting a #1 in Provorov, it's about his potential to become a #1 defenseman. He's not there yet. Also why I don't think he should be signed to an 8 x 8 deal.

The penguins have taught me that you don't need to be stalwart on defense to win. Just average. Goalies are more important than defense.

Barzal in a vacuum/if I'm "starting a franchise".

Provorov is a beast, I'm not saying I'm disappointed he's on the team lol
- Giroux_Is_God

That's one team. All positions are important but having that 25+ minute defender who controls the game when he is out there is the hardest to get in my opinion.

I'm hooked on No Man's Sky again. Man, I forgot how much patience this game requires tho.

And Trayden Schenn
- jmatchett383

I smell the schennt of plastic straws In here

I think you can't go wrong with either if starting a team. The reality is if you want to compete multiple years in a row, you need both a stud d-man and a legit #1 center.

It just depends on what you prefer, honestly. I take Provy because I think he's a bit more special than Barzal. When he's on the ice, he demands your attention, almost every shift. Barzal does a lot of good, he's a phenomenal center, but, I don't know, to me it's not in the same way. Can't quite put words to it.

There's something special I see about Provy. Could be the orange tinted glasses, tho.

Totally agree on both points. When I talk about drafting a #1 in Provorov, it's about his potential to become a #1 defenseman. He's not there yet. Also why I don't think he should be signed to an 8 x 8 deal.
- MJL

What’s happening to you this summer?

Vader’s inner Anakin is coming out!

What’s happening to you this summer?

Vader’s inner Anakin is coming out!
- flyer_nutter

Nothing at all. I'm the same as I've always been. I call them how I see it.

I think you can't go wrong with either if starting a team. The reality is if you want to compete multiple years in a row, you need both a stud d-man and a legit #1 center.

It just depends on what you prefer, honestly. I take Provy because I think he's a bit more special than Barzal. When he's on the ice, he demands your attention, almost every shift. Barzal does a lot of good, he's a phenomenal center, but, I don't know, to me it's not in the same way. Can't quite put words to it.

There's something special I see about Provy. Could be the orange tinted glasses, tho.
- VladDrag

I’m personally offended

While you can’t go wrong with either, I go Provy all day. Can’t say I know a ton about Barzal outside of his skill when it comes to his life off the ice, but the way Provy carries himself and trains, and just the leadership qualities he showed after that Pitt series. His ability to move on (and learn) from bad games. He’s mature beyond his actual age. He’s the oldest kid I’ve seen play in today’s NHL

While you can’t go wrong with either, I go Provy all day. Can’t say I know a ton about Barzal outside of his skill when it comes to his life off the ice, but the way Provy carries himself and trains, and just the leadership qualities he showed after that Pitt series. His ability to move on (and learn) from bad games. He’s mature beyond his actual age. He’s the oldest kid I’ve seen play in today’s NHL
- arichardson22

Proxy cried when the flyers lost the playoff series against the pens!! That is the guy I want on my team!!
He put everything he had into it and I thought that was incredible to see. That is a future captain right there. I take Provy all day over barzal
He took the loss personally and I think he is going to come back even stronger next season. Just my opinion