I still see a possible move for a 4th line pk center. When Hextall was talking about a possible PK, character guy I was thinking about a guy like Derek McKenzie. I know older but on last year of a deal, still had good wheels and was solid PK
- J35Bacher

I like Derek McKenzie but he sounds like a short term fix. I really like Luke Glendening. I think he would be a perfect fit here at a decent age. Bellemare I like if we’re getting Vegas’ version.

I agree. My point was that Hextall plays his cards close to the chest... He will respond to questions with a "political" answer, not what he believes. Like BiggE said, you have to read between the lines. But, I think the fans in general (me included) - want to hear Hextall say that rookie player X is a lock.. And, it will never happen.
- leon neon

It should never happen. You have to play the games and standout in camp. Couturier is an example of a player who unexpectedly won a spot out of camp his first try. Giroux is an example of a player who was expected to make it but was unable to bring his A-game.

I don't think Frost will be on the team this season, but I think he could play in the NHL right now.

What did Hexy say about TK?

I like Derek McKenzie but he sounds like a short term fix. I really like Luke Glendening. I think he would be a perfect fit here at a decent age. Bellemare I like if we’re getting Vegas’ version.
- SuperSchennBros

I think short term fix is really what they want this year if Frost or someone else doesn't take a spot. Because next year you have centers like Vorobyev, Frost, Rubstov again competing for roster spots and could be ready then.

The most impressive camps I’ve ever seen by rookies with high expectations were JvR, Couturier, Konecny and Provorov. Giroux his first time out was one of the worst I’ve ever seen.

The only players I’ve ever seen as a “lock” were Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. We traded players away (or let them walk to UFA) and handed them spots before we were sure they deserved them.

I think short term fix is really what they want this year if Frost or someone else doesn't take a spot. Because next year you have centers like Vorobyev, Frost, Rubstov again competing for roster spots and could be ready then.
- J35Bacher

You might be right.

The most impressive camps I’ve ever seen by a rookies with high expectations were JvR, Couturier, Konecny and Provorov. Giroux his first time out was one of the worst I’ve ever seen.

The only players I’ve ever seen as a “lock” were Jeff Carter and Mike Richards. We traded players away (or let them walk to UFA) and handed them spots before we were sure they deserved them.
- SuperSchennBros

Richards and Carter were accomplished Junior players who went through a successful Calder Cup playoff run for the Phantoms before they were "handed" spots on the Flyers.

Both Richards and Carter were point per game players during that 20 some game Calder Cup run. There was nothing further they needed from the AHL after that.

I like Derek McKenzie but he sounds like a short term fix. I really like Luke Glendening. I think he would be a perfect fit here at a decent age. Bellemare I like if we’re getting Vegas’ version.
- SuperSchennBros

I don't think Bellemare magically changed his game last year. It's amazing how much better a player can look when he's playing with legit NHL players.

Richards and Carter were accomplished Junior players who went through a successful Calder Cup playoff run for the Phantoms before they were "handed" spots on the Flyers.

Both Richards and Carter were point per game players during that 20 some game Calder Cup run. There was nothing further they needed from the AHL after that.
- johndewar

Okay, this is still being handed, given or gifted a spot.

Okay, this is still being handed, given or gifted a spot.
- SuperSchennBros

Yes, but after their play in the Calder Cup playoffs, I'm pretty sure the Flyers realized that they did deserve them.

It's not like they were 2 19-year-old players coming out of juniors with no pro experience to draw from.

I don't think Bellemare magically changed his game last year. It's amazing how much better a player can look when he's playing with legit NHL players.
- jmatchett383

Vegas just might be lightning in a bottle. Im not sure anyone saw this past season coming but yes, Bellemare looked a lot more comfortable.

Yes, but after their play in the Calder Cup playoffs, I'm pretty sure the Flyers realized that they did deserve them.

It's not like they were 2 19-year-old players coming out of juniors with no pro experience to draw from.
- jmatchett383

I won’t argue it.

Vegas just might be lightning in a bottle. Im not sure anyone saw this past season coming but yes, Bellemare looked a lot more comfortable.
- SuperSchennBros

He also looked good in the World Cup as well as playing for France where he's looked on as more of a scorer. Once you get him away from constant linemates like Vandevelde and Weise/Cousins, he looks like a very good 4C.

I think short term fix is really what they want this year if Frost or someone else doesn't take a spot. Because next year you have centers like Vorobyev, Frost, Rubstov again competing for roster spots and could be ready then.
- J35Bacher

I think Vorobyev gets a cup of coffee this year. Also, it remains to be seen if Rubstov actually plays center in pro hockey. He was playing a lot of wing last year. FWIW, he's got the talent to play C imo.

I didn't hate Linseman from the moment he was drafted, hell I didn't know anything about the guy at that point. His antics could be infuriating, but he did produce and while he often frustrated me, I never hated him.
- BiggE

cheap-shot artist and wouldn't back himself up - I can't stand that kind of player regardless of production

That was wild. I had forgotten about that. That was the 94-95 season or the year after?
- Hextall271

96 flyers won the game on a shot by ED

Pretty close to how I see it with just a change on the 4th line. I think Aube-Kubel will win that 4RW spot and the line will be:

Raffl-Laughton-NAK
spare: Lehtera
spare or waived: Weise/Leier
- BiggE

I hope you're right. It would nice to see at least one prospect without previous NHL experience make the final roster.

Mailata makes the roster and is already better than Watkins

Mailata makes the roster and is already better than Watkins
- 2Real

Who is he, a left wing?

I don't think Bellemare magically changed his game last year. It's amazing how much better a player can look when he's playing with legit NHL players.
- jmatchett383

Chris Vandevelde played two plus seasons for the Flyers and earned the trust of two bonafide NHL coaches.

He was a legit NHL player. Find a new slant.

I don't think Bellemare magically changed his game last year. It's amazing how much better a player can look when he's playing with legit NHL players.
- jmatchett383

and different coaching strategies

lack of VDV was no doubt the biggest factor though

With less than a month to go now, this is how I expect the Flyers to line up for the opening game.

Giroux-Couturier-Konecny
JVR-Patrick-Voracek
Lindblom-Weal-Simmonds
Lehtera-Laughton-Raffl
Leier, Weise

Provorov-Ghost
Hagg-MacDonald
Sanheim-Gudas
Folin
- Feanor

add King Henrik and we're in business

Who is he, a left wing?
- jmatchett383

he's the brick wall you put in goal

Chris Vandevelde played two plus seasons for the Flyers and earned the trust of two bonafide NHL coaches.

He was a legit NHL player. Find a new slant.
- StepfordSam

wow he fooled you too!

Mailata makes the roster and is already better than Watkins
- 2Real

Watkins saves lives doe