Checking and defensive play. Always start there, the rest will follow. Shouldn't have to coach fundamentals in the NHL.
- MJL

Though I agree with that principle, they need to get the power play going ASAP. They also have to sort out which goalie theyre cutting loose. If Weal isnt the answer at 3C Hextall should be shopping for one.

My thinking exactly. Why hire someone who has to develop as coach? Just worried it may have already been decided.
- cdearth23

If you're the GM and evaluating the team, your looking at players and coaches. If you bring in another inexperienced coach, that variable is still there as a potential issue. If you bring in an experienced and successful coach, then you can erase that variable somewhat. Also the players will have no choice but to accept the new coach because he has a pedigree. They need to become a team again, and if they doubt who is in charge, it's not going to happen. I think there has to be some doubts that the players will respond. Hakstol challenged the players to "nut up". They did not. That's troubling. I don't expect a miracle turnaround or for it to happen overnight but there was no sign if it in the Isles game.

Though I agree with that principle, they need to get the power play going ASAP. They also have to sort out which goalie theyre cutting loose. If Weal isnt the answer at 3C Hextall should be shopping for one.
- Baxter27

I don't think there is any question what goalie they're cutting loose. I think the strategy to fix the PP is easy, just have to get the players to do it. I agree that 3C is an issue.

You guys make a solid point about bringing in an experienced coach. However, if you're truly committed to rebuilding this team, trading Simmonds and one of G/Voracek, wouldn't you want a younger coach to be there form the start of it?

I'm ok with going through a long term of growing pains. This team right now is reminiscent of a marriage of 20 years that's been dead for the past 7 and you're only sticking around for the kid's sake.

You guys make a solid point about bringing in an experienced coach. However, if you're truly committed to rebuilding this team, trading Simmonds and one of G/Voracek, wouldn't you want a younger coach to be there form the start of it?

I'm ok with going through a long term of growing pains. This team right now is reminiscent of a marriage of 20 years that's been dead for the past 7 and you're only sticking around for the kid's sake.
- Pelle31Forever

They don't need to go on a full blow re-build. Hextall has been the GM what, 4 years now? It's time for the team to start winning. If they go full re-build that means that Hextall's plan has failed and they have to start over. I don't think they have to do that.

I think you just boil it down to more snot and piss. Or piss and balls. Or balls of snot.

They don't need to go on a full blow re-build. Hextall has been the GM what, 4 years now? It's time for the team to start winning. If they go full re-build that means that Hextall's plan has failed and they have to start over. I don't think they have to do that.
- MJL

You make sense, but if they get back on track, what's the ceiling for this team?

Reason I ask is if it's still just a playoff team who could get bounced in round 1 or 2, Hextall needs to either sh!t or get off the pot. Make a move that puts you in contention or start over.

I don't think Hextall has failed. I just don't know how much longer "just being a playoff team " is going to last.

Hakstol is an excellent coach and everything is fine

Hakstol is an excellent coach and everything is fine
- Nucker101

get the nuck out of here

You make sense, but if they get back on track, what's the ceiling for this team?

Reason I ask is if it's still just a playoff team who could get bounced in round 1 or 2, Hextall needs to either sh!t or get off the pot. Make a move that puts you in contention or start over.

I don't think Hextall has failed. I just don't know how much longer "just being a playoff team " is going to last.
- Pelle31Forever

What is going to grow them as a team is the growth and development of young players like Patrick, Konecny, Sanheim, and Lindblom. That's what is going to make them more than a bubble team. The worst thing that Hextall could do is go back and try and trade your way to being a good team. That should come later as you might use trades to add some finishing pieces. Until those young players are ready, the Flyers are likely to remain a bubble team. While top players like Provorov, Couturier and others are struggling along with dysfunctional team play, they aren't going to be very good.

What is going to grow them as a team is the growth and development of young players like Patrick, Konecny, Sanheim, and Lindblom. That's what is going to make them more than a bubble team. The worst thing that Hextall could do is go back and try and trade your way to being a good team. That should come later as you might use trades to add some finishing pieces. Until those young players are ready, the Flyers are likely to remain a bubble team. While top players like Provorov, Couturier and others are struggling along with dysfunctional team play, they aren't going to be very good.
- MJL

My rebuild still meant keeping Provorov, Coots, Ghost, Konecny and the guys you mentioned. I don't think it needs to be a player for player type. I'm ok with stock piling 1sts. Hextall does draft well.

And yes when this team is ready to contend pull the trigger on a big name if need be.

What is going to grow them as a team is the growth and development of young players like Patrick, Konecny, Sanheim, and Lindblom. That's what is going to make them more than a bubble team. The worst thing that Hextall could do is go back and try and trade your way to being a good team. That should come later as you might use trades to add some finishing pieces. Until those young players are ready, the Flyers are likely to remain a bubble team. While top players like Provorov, Couturier and others are struggling along with dysfunctional team play, they aren't going to be very good.
- MJL

Agreed on the growth of young players.
What's killing us as much as anything is Coots, Patrick, TK, Provy all being useless so far.

Provy looks like he slowing coming around at least.

I'm scared, but hearing Mike Smith as a "rumor" is terrifying even for Eklund. I understand how he got to it...goaltending troubles, Hextall scored a couple goals, one of the best stick handlers, goalie use to be good now struggling...Mike Smith.

I would do it if it was a goalie swap Elliott/Neuvirth for Smith...if draft picks or young players get added then forget it.

I'm scared, but hearing Mike Smith as a "rumor" is terrifying even for Eklund. I understand how he got to it...goaltending troubles, Hextall scored a couple goals, one of the best stick handlers, goalie use to be good now struggling...Mike Smith.

I would do it if it was a goalie swap Elliott/Neuvirth for Smith...if draft picks or young players get added then forget it.
- Glak18

Their top players are getting badly outplayed. The 2 and 4 lines and the 3 D pairing are getting the best results. Your best players have to be the best players and they need a goalie. I hope they can right the ship before pulling the plug on Hakstol.

Their top players are getting badly outplayed. The 2 and 4 lines and the 3 D pairing are getting the best results. Your best players have to be the best players and they need a goalie. I hope they can right the ship before pulling the plug on Hakstol.
- fls13

The more I thought about Mike Smith, the more I thought he could be helpful on the back end to move the puck better. Obviously age, cap hit and UFA status is a concern, but if other players were involved like say Sam Bennett it could make sense.

What is going to grow them as a team is the growth and development of young players like Patrick, Konecny, Sanheim, and Lindblom. That's what is going to make them more than a bubble team. The worst thing that Hextall could do is go back and try and trade your way to being a good team. That should come later as you might use trades to add some finishing pieces. Until those young players are ready, the Flyers are likely to remain a bubble team. While top players like Provorov, Couturier and others are struggling along with dysfunctional team play, they aren't going to be very good.
- MJL

Yes, I was excited for this season, thinking we could finally leave the bubble. Reality is the bubble is bigger than I thought. It is so very disappointing.

I'm scared, but hearing Mike Smith as a "rumor" is terrifying even for Eklund. I understand how he got to it...goaltending troubles, Hextall scored a couple goals, one of the best stick handlers, goalie use to be good now struggling...Mike Smith.

I would do it if it was a goalie swap Elliott/Neuvirth for Smith...if draft picks or young players get added then forget it.
- Glak18

Makes no sense if it is any other way.

The more I thought about Mike Smith, the more I thought he could be helpful on the back end to move the puck better. Obviously age, cap hit and UFA status is a concern, but if other players were involved like say Sam Bennett it could make sense.
- Glak18

I like Bennett. His name has come up before. Not sure what I could get away with sending back to Calgary, as little as possible because I don't think both of those guys are a solution at the moment.

I like Bennett. His name has come up before. Not sure what I could get away with sending back to Calgary, as little as possible because I don't think both of those guys are a solution at the moment.
- fls13

Yeah I really hate throwing out names in a trade because 1) I don't know what Calgary's full situation needs are 2) It always ends up being a troll of people fighting over whos video game trade is better

Update:
Agreed, obviously there is no trade out there that could change the situation over night. If Hak stays they need to chip away at finding and replacing the players he needs to execute, otherwise they need let him go and evaluate more in depth

Yeah I really hate throwing out names in a trade because 1) I don't know what Calgary's full situation needs are 2) It always ends up being a troll of people fighting over whos video game trade is better

Update:
Agreed, obviously there is no trade out there that could change the situation over night. If Hak stays they need to chip away at finding and replacing the players he needs to execute, otherwise they need let him go and evaluate more in depth
- Glak18

Smith is off to a bad start and he has had bad entire years in the past. Bennett intrigues me. I'd give them Lindblom for him straight up. Let them counter if they don't think that's enough.

My rebuild still meant keeping Provorov, Coots, Ghost, Konecny and the guys you mentioned. I don't think it needs to be a player for player type. I'm ok with stock piling 1sts. Hextall does draft well.

And yes when this team is ready to contend pull the trigger on a big name if need be.
- Pelle31Forever

Of course it does, what re-build would mean trading young players? I think if you dump your teams star players for youth to start over, that means Hextall goes also because his plan failed. We're 4 years in already.

Of course it does, what re-build would mean trading young players? I think if you dump your teams star players for youth to start over, that means Hextall goes also because his plan failed. We're 4 years in already.
- MJL

Smith is off to a bad start and he has had bad entire years in the past. Bennett intrigues me. I'd give them Lindblom for him straight up. Let them counter if they don't think that's enough.
- fls13

But does Calgary need Lindblom? They already have Gaudreau and Tkackuk ahead on the depth chart and both are young defensive orientated players. It makes sense for the Flyers if they move Bennett to center, but what does that do for Calgary?

But does Calgary need Lindblom? They already have Gaudreau and Tkackuk ahead on the depth chart and both are young defensive orientated players. It makes sense for the Flyers if they move Bennett to center, but what does that do for Calgary?
- Glak18

Bennett's name has come up in the past, that the Flames might move him. He's been something of a disappointment as a 1st rounder, hasn't matched a very good rookie year. I really don't want Smith.

Even if the team doesn’t right the ship, I don’t really see Hextall or Hakstol going. Other changes, sure. If something taking years to make is 85% built but it isn’t functional and the deadline for completion has been delayed, you don’t scrap it and start over. Maybe this wasn’t the season I was waiting for and the disappointment is just terrible, but I don’t think starting over will help.